Review of Morning Glory (2010) by Hoops2448 — 08 Mar 2012

Morning Glory is a film about a woman who runs a failing morning show and her struggle to bring it back to what it once was. The title is apt not only in the fact it describes what Becky (Rachel Mcadams) is trying to return the show to but it also describes the feel of the film.

Its a feel of cheerful possibility as if after the film is over you have the rest of the day to enjoy. Its a film that is undeniably chipper and is all the better for it. In Becky's quest to help the show regain some credibility (and hopefully some ratings) she enlists the help of legendary news anchor Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford), a washed up presenter whose career has hit a low point.

He begrudgingly accepts a position at Daybreak where his sarcastic wit and his contempt for all things morning show drive people up the wall, especially his co-anchor Colleen (Diane Keaton). The film works Ford for every ounce of sarcasm he has and in doing so infuses some much needed comedy into the proceedings (especially in his interaction with Keaton).

Mcadams proves a talented lead (much like she does in The Time Travellers Wife) as her perky demeanour fits the character of Becky whose eternal optimism is entertaining even when it borders on naivety.

She and Ford have great chemistry and their scenes towards the end of the film are delightfully heartfelt giving the ending real heart unlike most modern relationship comedies. The cast is rounded out by some equally talented comic actors like Patrick Wilson and John Pankow.

Pankow gives a particularly entertaining performance as ever cynical producer Lenny Bergman. The writing is quick and funny while also allowing for some touching moments, specifically between Ford and McAdams with the direction emphasising the light cheerful tone the film is going for.

All in all it works really well and if it is let down anywhere it is in its beginning which seems a little too cornball but it soon shakes it off with a good dose of grumpy Ford which everyone loves, even if they don't want to admit it.