Review of Morning Glory (2010) by Travis S — 11 Dec 2011

(Three out of Four Stars).

Funny, charming, heartwarming, delightful, cheerful, different, not routine Kate Hudson film. These are some of the things that come to mind when looking for that good romantic comedy. "Morning Glory" is a wake up surprise to romantic comedies, and boy is it funny. I almost don't even want to call it a romantic comedy, because it's really not a romance story at all, it's more comedy than it is romantic.

Before I went to school in the early mornings of Jr. High and High School, I would sometimes turn on the TV to watch and wonder how in the hell the people on The Today Show could be up that early and be smiling while I was dragging my sorry ass out the door to sit in a classroom. How weren't their eyes bloodshot? "Morning Glory" transfers all your ideas, outlooks, and opinions of early morning TV shows and has a ball with it.

First things first, Harrison Ford is funny. Wait strike that! He is hilarious! He made he laugh the whole way through this film. But I can't give all the credit to Ford. The film is an charming story with delightful characters, being portrayed by actors who are perfect for these roles. Rachel McAdams is outstanding. She is full of charm, fun, and wit. You just want to throw your arms around her and take her home to meet your mother. She is an overachiever, but the type of overachiever many of us want to be. Diane Keaton is a bitchy version of Katie Couric, something we'd all love to see. Directed by Roger Michel ("Notting Hill"), and written by Aline Brosh McKenna ("The Devil Wears Prada") they have crafted a story that has a "Working Girl" meets "Broadcast News" feel to it, without copycatting either film. The film has so many things already working for it, even the film's comedy is clever, almost as if the film is enjoying and laughing at itself. Which brings me to Harrison Ford. He plays a pissed off Dan Rather character, he's grumpy, and according to everyone is the third worst person in the world. Rachel McAdams is determined to change this self-destructing morning show with its new co-anchor (Ford), who is also self-destructing. For me there is so much charm and comedy to be found in seeing a young girl trying to get a smirk out of a very grumpy and straight-faced Han Solo.

It takes a lot for a romantic comedy to convince me of being worth the time and money to see. Why? No it's not because I am a dude. Like so many people out there, I am tired of seeing the same old Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey style of romance comedy, it gets boring. "Morning Glory" doesn't fall to this routine. However, the film is way more charming than it is romantic, it just happens to have a little romance story in it. If you enjoy romance comedies, see this film. If you just like comedies, see this film. And if you just want to see Harrison Ford, with a "Go to hell!" personality, definitely see this film.