Late Night

I think those who came to this movie expecting a comedy were disappointed. I came to it expecting stellar performances by great lead performers. I found a good drama which met my expectations. This is more thinky than funny and it spends its capital on taking us on Katherine Newbury's journey back to herself and her humanity via the addition to her staff of an unwelcomed but intrepid fan. I liked this movie and give it a 7 (good) out of 10. {Drama}

A feel-good movie with strong similarities with Der Teufel trägt Prada (2006) and Network (1976). Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson) is the host of a famous talk show. She has nevertheless rested on her laurels and has badly reacted to the gravis illness of her husband who is obviously the unique pillar of her life, even if she did not realize it yet. Because the talk show is now a shadow of its former self, Katherine needs now new blood to invigorate the texts prepared by her team of dialog writers. Until the improbable arrival of Molly (Mindy Kaling).

The pace is dynamic with excellent verbal jousts and the characters are rather well-built. 6/7 of 10

Emma Thompson is one of those actors that spans the range of roles, and makes every character real. This behind the scenes look at Late Night hosted by a successful now 56 year old woman had moments of humor, some social issues, Hollywood issues, and ends up deciding to do something different, be real. It does fall in the range of a good film, but not a great one, an enjoyable film not a laugh riot. The character is a driven woman who succeeded in a man's world, and the cuts of her hair, her pant suits, even how she behaves is very masculine, what women often do to succeed in a man's world. The character is layered and interesting as she walks through a kind of mid-life crisis, career and husband. It's more of a character piece, which I prefer anyway. A good evening's watch.

I am not sure where all the negative reviews are coming from, although I am not sure where all the 10's are coming from. I went to,the movies with my wife to see an adult movie. No superheroes, no CGI. This was a quaint little movie. The acting was fine. The story moved at a brisk pace and Emma Thompson was able to carry the movie as she was in most scenes. Felt that I got my money's worth.

Watched Late Night. I did enjoy it. Not an amazing piece of writing, but overall an enjoyable film. I love Emma Thompson, Denis O'Hare and John Lithgow. "Amazing actors" I've enjoyed for years. The film has it funny, sad and happy times. If you choose to watch it, you will like this film as it carries well. I don't see me watching it again, but did enjoy it, and as always. I'll follow these 3 actors because they never stop giving us their very very best.