Morning Glory

Rachel McAdams is taking the lead this time in a rom-com that adds a little pathos, shows the rest of the world what it's like to be totally committed to a job (being a former workaholic, I can totally relate to this.) The pace is set at "sprint" and actually does a great job of going the distance. 10 cuts above a sit-com, but could possibly be turned into a very successful one about a fictional struggling #4 slot on the network morning show circuit. Adding to the mix and a lot of credibility, Jeff Goldblum, Dianne Keaton, and Harrison Ford, looking every bit his 60+ years, but still has a boyishness to his demeanor that hearkens back to Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Patrick Wilson is the rom in "rom-com" and he holds his ground against the whirling dervishness of Rachel's character. The writing is outstanding and the one-liners, priceless. Check it out.

In that time between summer blockbusters and the full-on Oscar blitz is time for Hollywood to take a breather. Sometimes the audience takes a breather too. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Here we meet Becky Fuller, trying to make the jump from local to network news show producer. She is put in charge of an ailing morning program, and when told that it is on its last leg, she takes the novel and bizarre step of forcing well-respected television journalist Mike Pomeroy into the co-host position via a quirk of his contract. and thus they are off toward saving the show... A plot like this doesn't really have much in the way of surprises. What really matters is how well the characters are written and how well the actors play their respective parts. While none of the cast is terrible, standing out are a low-key Jeff Goldblum, playing a cynical network executive. While an over stated, loud performance would have sufficed, Goldblum plays it a pragmatic working guy. He gets in a few good zingers early on though. The other standout is Harrison Ford. While he hasn't had much success in the field, he is actually very good at comedy usually playing the straight man to what is going on around him. Here he plays the gruffly lovable curmudgeon pretty well. A significant part of the the plot is his character's personal growth. On the whole, Morning Glory isn't going to sweep any of the major awards, but it's a gentle way to pass two hours and get a few good laughs in the process.

Finally a comedy from Hollywood that is both refreshing and funny. Rachel McAdams leads 'Morning Glory' as a workaholic TV producer who finally gets a break...but with the 'worst morning show'. Now she only has little time to save the show from tanking and this is much more difficult than what she had anticipated as she has to deal with various obstacles and chaos. In the hope of a solution, she manages to recruit renowned news anchor Mike Pomeroy but that only makes her work more difficult.

All the actors share a warm chemistry. Rachel McAdams gracefully carries the film. She's charming, funny, energetic, spontaneous, ditzy and spot on, which is exactly what Becky is supposed to be. McAdams performs naturally. I was also pleasantly surprised to see that, while she was cast alongside legends like Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton, the two senior actors allow McAdams to own 'Morning Glory'. Ford in turn is splendid as the grumpy and slightly arrogant newscaster. This is perhaps his funniest role and the actor obviously has a flair for comedy. I loved his scenes with McAdams where the two match wits. A laidback Diane Keaton, even though her screen time is limited, makes the best of her scenes and she's simply hilarious. The supporting cast that includes Jeff Goldblum, Patrick Wilson, John Pankow, Matt Malloy, Ty Burrell and Patti D'Arbanville is equally convincing.

Not only does 'Morning Glory' work as a comedy but it also tells a heartwarming story of a workaholic young lady who finally becomes a TV producer but she learns that success comes from good teamwork and in the process she creates a family. Even though the story sounds familiar, the humour and the cast more than make up for it.

On the technical side, 'Morning Glory' is very well made. The behind the scenes look of the morning TV show appeared very real thanks to the art direction. I didn't like some of the songs that played in the background but otherwise the soundtrack works (and it's barely an issue).

To sum it up, 'Morning Glory' is exhilarating and uplifting. I was smiling long after the end credits have finished rolling. This is definitely a movie to watch on a quiet evening after a tired day at work or on a rainy day. It's something one can easily enjoy with a date, with friends and with the family.

This film is about a young executive producer's struggle to revive an unpopular morning show.

I thought "Morning Glory" is just another romantic comedy that happens to be set in a television setting, but it pleasantly surprised me. The plot in fact focuses a lot more on the stress and frustration of being an executive producer, with romance being sidelined as an almost dispensable subplot. The intensity of Becky's job is well portrayed, the two anchors' verbal wars and Mike's indifferent and selfish attitude all makes "Morning Glory" entertaining to watch. "Morning Glory" is a pleasant surprise!

It's no secret that people go to see movies touted as being comedies for one reason, they want it to be funny and thereby make them feel a little better, or at least lighten their mood. That's what I was looking for when I went in to see this film. Thankfully, I was rewarded with more feel good value than I had paid for. This film is terrific entertainment.

I'll add that I enjoyed this film on a number of levels.

First, was the pure comedic value, which was high. Rachel McAdams owned nearly every scene she was in with not just her drop-dead-gorgeous-good-looks but with her well applied talent invested into this somewhat quirky, high energy character. McAdams' Becky was a finely crafted portrait of a warm, likable, very intelligent, hyper-kinetic, lovable screwball of a young woman. Her every moment on screen exuded lovable charm by the truckload; she's never looked more appealing or more lovely.

But McAdams certainly didn't have to carry this funny film on her own. She was ably assisted by some of the finest people in Hollywood in the persons of Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, Jeff Goldblum, John Pankow, Patrick Wilson, Matt Malloy, Ty Burrell, Patti D'Arbanville and a long list of equally great supporters. What a great selection of professionals.

Ford was splendid as the emotionally parsimonious codger of an over-the-hill anchor. Not to be outdone, Diane Keaton was as terrific as ever in her turn as Ford's cynical, combative co-anchor; which she carried off with a wonderful exuberance and energy.

Jeff Goldblum - who always seems to land roles as some kind of "different" personality - was excellent as Ms. McAdams' crabby boss. McAdams' colleague Lenny was well worn by John Pankow who seems to add to everything I've ever seen him in. Patrick Wilson as McAdams' love interest wasn't given much material to work with but his time on screen was well spent, adding a quality performance in just the right place. Ty Burrell was funny and at the same time kind of spooky as an unappealingly unctuous departing anchor. Though a small part, it was pleasant to see Patti D'Arbanville play McAdams' mother with appropriate love and concern.

I saved Matt Malloy for last because he was an unexpected treasure. His portrayal of the show's weatherman suddenly thrust into a new and challenging role was particularly hilarious; the proverbial icing on the cake.

The second area of enjoyment was the overall effort put into the sets, art direction, sound and the other technical areas. Everything was first rate which added to the realism.

Finally, their depiction of the behind the scenes areas of a hectic television studio came across as spot on, actually heightening the chaos that seemed to follow McAdams everywhere. You can't go wrong seeing this film if you're looking for a fun night at the movies.

A big thank you to the makers of this entertaining gem! By Bruce L. Jones http://webpages.charter.net/bruce.jones1/