• TV.com, Wednesday, September 7, 2011 2:15 PM

Several media outlets have already weighed in on the news that Eddie Murphy will be hosting next year's Oscars ceremony. The consensus? Ultimately, several "he just may succeed, and I hope so" posts, with writers noting that while Murphy needs a comeback from a stream of bad kiddie movies, he just may be able to "bring the funny" from his long experience as a stand-up comic

(We're wondering if casting somebody who sees this as a comeback is the smartest move, ratings-wise, however.)

For example, Seth Abramovitch first notes pessimistically that the February telecast "is in the hands of Brett Ratner, a mainstream movie and music video director who commands little respect from his peers."

Still, the unexpected casting of Murphy has been bringing debate -- "a good sign for the awards show, which needs all the buzz it can get," writes Abramovitch. "Certainly the uncertainty of a figure like Murphy, who's evolved into a hugely private, sphinx-like figure in Hollywood, only works in the Oscars' favor."

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