Morning Glory (2010) review

Morning Glory is about a failing morning television show that has little budget, low morale and no way of being a success. Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) has wanted to work in television ever since she was 8 years old and she has worked her way up to Producer. When her current show restructures she is fired, making way for a Senior Producer to take over. Crushed and heartbroken, Becky sends her resume out to everyone there is.

Soon she get a call from Studio Executive Jerry Barnes (Jeff Goldblum) about an awful show that no-one watches or cares about – Daybreak. She wants it. Becky comes onboard as Executive Producer and on her very first day fires the current anchor, tidies up the failing stories and tries to get everyone onboard. After a chance meeting in the lift, she encounters one of her all-time hero broadcasters, Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford), a grumpy, egotistical, self absorbed man who fellow co-worker Adam (Patrick Wilson) describes as the third worst person on the planet.

Naturally Becky wants him for the show as she feels he’s exactly what it needs to boost the ratings and stop it getting cancelled. Pomeroy has a reputation throughout the business and not everyone is eager for him to join, especially his co-host Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton). What occurs is a battle of wits, patience and a bit of self discovery, mostly for Becky and Pomeroy.

Ford is on brilliant form, with his character being almost the Laurence Olivier of news broacasting. He delivers every line in such a slow and controlled way that they really carry his persona through the film. He makes Pomeroy so miserable that it is brilliant.

Rachel McAdams is adorable as Becky. She is watchable and her frantic nature is made bearable by her charm and sweetness. From the beginning you witness her obsessed ways and how she has made work her life for a very long time. This film showcases what a great comic actress McAdams can be. Also not to be un-noticed is Diane Keaton, she is on form here as Peck and her onscreen hate with Ford’s character makes this film worth seeing.

Director Roger Michell, known for Notting Hill, Venus and Enduring Love creates comedies that are smart and witty. His films are often a little odd and don’t always fall into a set catagory or even mainstream viewing (apart from Notting Hill). It is the same with Morning Glory. It’s a cute comedy that doesn’t really fall into rom-com territory, but it neatly deserves an audience.