Review of Broadcast News (1987) by Nikolai E — 05 Jul 2008

This film is interesting because the script hits all the notes of a bland, predictable rom-com, with a devoted and intelligent 'right guy,' a hollow, unethical 'wrong guy' and a last-minute change of heart that proves nice guys finish first.

But somehow, when Brooks and his amazing cast got through with it, what was left was exactly the opposite, a complex film with no easy answers about love or journalistic integrity, and an ending that is anything but contrived.

It's a testament to the prevalence of the romantic comedy formula that everyone just assumes William Hurt is a shallow sleazebag. He was unequivocally my favorite character, which is saying something when Albert Brooks gets all the best lines and Holly Hunter is (gasp) portrayed as smarter and more capable than any nearby male of the species.

I'd rank this alongside 'When Harry Met Sally' as among the best in the genre.