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Directed by: Roger Michell Premise: A young but
enthusiastic television producer (Rachel McAdams) is given the chance to
overhaul a failing morning news program. Upon taking the position she comes into
conflict with an old-school news anchor (Harrison Ford) who sees the program as
beneath him. What Works: At first, Morning
Glory appears as though it will be a standard workplace-centered romantic
comedy, but the film quickly reveals an intelligence and sense of humor that
elevates it above the standard entry in the genre. Showing more in common with The
Devil Wears Prada and Thank
You For Smoking than the average bottom feeding Jennifer Aniston or
Katherine Heigl vehicle, Morning Glory
puts the romance in the background and focuses on the young woman’s struggles
in her new management role. The supporting cast has a pair of great performances
by Diane Keaton as a pill popping morning anchor and Harrison Ford as a
borderline alcoholic newsman. Both play their characters as divas well past
their prime and have fun with the cruelty they are able to inflict on the
production staff. Ford in particular is great as a cynical and disillusioned old
man and he is able to use his age and presence to intimidate others. His
character stands in opposition to the young and chipper heroine trying to save
the show. McAdams does a very nice job in her role, giving the character a lot
of energy but also conveying an earnestness about her intentions that makes the
character authentic. Morning Glory is also paced extremely well, moving
from one plot point to the next very smoothly while also setting up ideas and
events that pay off later. The story builds well with McAdams first trying to
prove herself and later tasked with saving the show from cancellation and her
entire crew from unemployment. Her conflict with Ford’s character is similarly
well staged as she gets to see the man underneath and both characters are forced
to acknowledge each other’s flaws and humanity. What Doesn’t: Morning
Glory has its share of faults. Like the lead character, the film is
hopelessly optimistic about media and about people and although the cast is put
through challenges intended to question that optimism it is never really shaken.
Morning Glory also has its share of
clichés as the lead character faces familiar choices between love and work. It
is never overcome by those clichés and the characters are interesting enough
that the clichés are easy enough to accept or ignore.
Bottom Line: Morning Glory is a very good and entertaining film. Even though it may be predictable in places, the storytelling and the acting are of such quality that Morning Glory remains a smart film with wide appeal. |
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