Movie: ‘Morning Glory’
In Theaters: Nov. 10, 2010
Director: Roger Michell
Runtime: 102 min.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sexual content, including dialogue, language and brief drug references.
Gecko Rating: 
If there’s any doubt that Rachel McAdams can carry a movie, now it’s official. She can. With her good looks and expressive face, she reminds me of a young Julia Roberts in ‘Pretty Woman.’
In ‘Morning Glory,’ McAdams plays hard–working TV producer Becky Fuller, who gets fired from a local news program but manages to score a job at ‘Daybreak,’ the last–place morning news show. The show needs help, so she decides to revitalize it by bringing on legendary TV anchor Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford).
He’s not too keen on covering morning show staples like celebrity gossip, weather, fashion and crafts, let alone work with his new co-host, Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton). She’s a former beauty queen and longtime morning show personality who’s more than happy to cover the “news.” Mike and Colleen clash as Becky’s romance with fellow producer Adam Bennett (Patrick Wilson) begins to unravel.
I loved this movie, because McAdams does the eager-puppy character really well – even though I was slightly annoyed that she ran EVERYwhere in practically every scene. And on high heels, no less. But her character reminds us that at one time in our lives (ok, MY life), we were full of hope and felt like we could take on the world.
Keaton does an admirable job as the veteran morning talk show host, but my one complaint with the movie falls on Harrison Ford. I get that he’s supposed to be the grumpy, veteran hard-news reporter, but he took it a notch too far and became a caricature rather than a believable character – especially since his voice rivaled Clint Eastwood’s snarl in ‘Gran Torino.’
Overall, though, ‘Morning Glory’ is a fun movie that doesn’t require too much thought. We need those once in a while.
Images: Paramount Pictures
I’m wondering how you think it compares to “Broadcast News.”
Hey Ruth – Broadcast News is definitely more hard-hitting and drama-heavy, whereas Morning Glory is lighter and fluffier (why do I feel like I’m talking about an omelette?).
Both good movies, but Morning Glory is nowhere near the caliber of Broadcast News, which scored a slew of Oscar noms and other awards — and, of course, featured the likes of William Hurt, Holly Hunter and Albert Brooks.
I’d be surprised if Glory got any recognition from Oscar, but you never know.