I find it interesting that during Roger Ebert's absence from Ebert & Roeper, the producers (or maybe Ebert) have decided to use non-critics as substitutes. If you recall, when Gene Siskel was ill (and later, as they were looking for replacements after his death) most of the substitutes were other movie critics. But not now. First we heard that Kevin Smith is going to make an appearance across the aisle from Rich Roeper; now, the next high-profile fill-in wil be none other than Jay Leno, according to TV Week.

The episode will be for next weekend, Aug. 4-5 (movies reviewed will include the new Will Ferrel movie Talladega Nights, Little Miss Sunshine, and Miami Vice). The show will be taped in L.A. instead of Chicago to acommodate Leno's notoriously tight schedule.

So who's the next guest reviewer? My money's on Al Roker.