Morning Glory

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.

Good watch, will likely watch again eventually, and can recommend.

For whatever reason, Rachel McAdams (especially given her range) does a wonderful "Type A" character, and nailed this roll. Between that, Harrison Ford nailing the jerk, and a wonderful supporting cast we get a fascinating look into the production world of morning television.

It's a strange and competitive industry, and Becky's journey is wonderfully crafted for us.

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/

'MORNING GLORY': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Rachel McAdams shines in this surprisingly clever and uplifting news comedy, reminiscent of similar films from decades ago. It's directed by Roger Michell (who also directed the exceptional 'CHANGING LANES' and 'NOTTING HILL') and written by Aline Brosh McKenna (who's written a handful of similar themed rom-coms including 'THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA', 'LAWS OF ATTRACTION' and '27 DRESSES'). It's produced by J.J. Abrams and features a top notch supporting cast including Diane Keaton, Jeff Goldblum and Patrick Wilson. It's co-star Harrison Ford that really steals the show though, giving one of his best performances in years.

McAdams stars as a work obsessed TV show producer named Becky who's so obsessed with her job that she's relationship challenged and awkward around men (of course not convincingly so but McAdams does a more than adequate job trying to pull it off). As the film opens she's let go from her current job and hired on to the struggling morning news show 'Daybreak'. The show is long past it's prime and it's ratings are barely able to keep it on the air. On her first day Becky fires the sexist co-host Paul McVee (Ty Burrell, of TV's 'MODERN FAMILY') and then is faced with the dilemma of replacing him with no budget. She soon discovers that legendary veteran news anchor Mike Pomeroy (Ford), who she idolized as a kid, is still under contract with the station for two years. So she forces the aged superstar, who thinks the show is beneath him and his standards, into taking the job. He of course clashes with his veteran co-host (Keaton) and everyone else on the show. Becky fights hard to make it work though and save the show from it's dismal ratings while trying to juggle a new-found relationship.

The film is somewhat clichéd and predictable fluff but it's pumped with a lot of lovable energy from it's A list cast. I've been a fan of McAdams for several years now and this might be one of her best performances yet. She brings a believable likability to the role that the usual bigger stars that are typically cast in a movie like this (Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, etc.) never could. Her energy and enthusiastic performance really make the movie and the only thing that possibly outdoes her is Harrison Ford. He hasn't been this funny and likable in several years and he and McAdams have great chemistry together. The rest of the cast is adequate but those two really make the film work. There's some clever writing and the directing is fitting (although the film feels a little rushed towards the end). As far as this type of material goes it's definitely not a bad little film.

Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVckRO-OANw

Rachel McAdams leads the way in this surprisingly refreshing flick as the workaholic television show producer, Becky, who lands the job of organizing "the worst morning show ever". She only has a short time to save the show's plummeting ratings, and in doing so must battle with low worker morale, conceited anchors, poor working conditions, as well as her own inadequacy in dealing with guy-problems. Desperate for a change, she recruits the legendary newscaster Mike Pomeroy, played by Harrison Ford, who is less than willing to cover any story he does not consider "worthy of his reputation".

The film brings not just a comic story of working with grumpy people, but the beautiful emotional tale of a girl who realizes her dream of being a television producer and, by pulling everyone together against the odds, creates a family in the process. But where the story is rather run-of-the-mill, the chemistry between the impressive cast is the movie's redeeming quality. Across the board, acting was fantastic, and in all honesty the movie owes its success to McAdams and Ford. Rachel McAdams should be commended for her frustrated role as Becky, and has proved that she has much more to offer than a just pretty face. Harrison Ford, perhaps the true star of the show, fully embraced the character of Pomeroy did a wonderfully fantastic job being grumpy, conceited, and an all-around "asshole" in one of his best roles as of late.

Morning Glory is a nice tale that will leave you with a sweet taste in your mouth. Combined with some real solid acting, this is not a movie you'll regret checking out!