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Visitors Review

mysteryfan04 2012-05-25 10:30:56

Too Safe to Be Memorable

Morning Glory is the latest vehicle to showcase Rachel McAdams'wonderful talent. The actress can be dramatic, comedic, and makes for aconvincing romantic female lead. It's a shame that Morning Glory knowslittle about what to do with her. Becky Fuller just got laid off fromher job at a New Jersey morning show. The producer of another show,Daybreak, decides to hire her as an executive producer. When she takesthe job, her life immediately falls into chaos. The shows ratingsremain low, the two lead anchors (Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford)refuse to stop arguing, and another T.V. worker, played by PatrickWilson, falls in love with her. It's now up to her to save the show andmanage her love life. Morning Glory is filled with both humorous andserious moments. However, the film doesn't know whether it is a dramaor a comedy and by the end of the film, it ends up as neither. DianeKeaton and Patrick Wilson's characters are never explored, and HarrisonFord's comic timing isn't able to increase the appeal of the tritejokes that he must deliver. The chemistry between any of the actors isminimal at best, and it is never explained why McAdams falls in lovewith Wilson. The plot is too tight and safe to resonate with anyone.Rachel McAdams does buoy the film even at its most predictable moments.She turns a somewhat unlikable character into an interesting person.Morning Glory may have some entertaining moments, but even withMcAdams, it will likely disappoint many moviegoers looking for anengaging and memorable comedy.

dropo59tx 2012-05-24 15:40:00

Instant Remake

I think I'm the first to remark on this, but I'm sure it will becomethe standard line on Morning Glory: it's a very close "instant remake"of writer Aline McKenna's Devil Wears Prada. There are enough mildtwists in the film that that characterization is no "spoiler": you cantell as much from the trailer and initial write-ups. Career girl,unlucky in love, takes on an impossible job and spars with embitteredindustry legend. If you liked The Devil Wears Prada, you'll like thisone (it's pleasantly acted and moves along briskly), but it willcontain no surprises at all. And I'll also say this: for many reasons,the fashion industry was a much better setting for the story. The TVnews business is inherently "important," so even if Harrison Ford asthe crusty old anchorman is self-important, you aren't reallyconflicted about his values. But by contrast Meryl Streep's characterin The Devil Wears Prada, immensely conceited about something that mayor may not really "matter," had an interesting edge to it. You thinkmore about Anne Hathaway's character and her decisions than aboutRachel McAdams in Morning Glory and hers. Though that's partly theeffect of having seen pretty much the same movie over again in MorningGlory.

Kathleen Murphy 2012-05-21 21:38:49

It is what it's about - kissing frogs for ratings, entertainment that panders to the lowest common denominator.

Jordan Hoffman 2012-05-21 11:02:27

Morning Glory raises the bar for lowering standards.

Andrew Barker 2012-05-19 00:04:03

A genially midrange if overlong romantic comedy.

2012-05-18 18:48:37

High-Profile Ensemble Film That Works

Been a long time since I've seen a high-profile ensemble production that works. So many have promised what Morning Glory delivered. I won't recount the failures, misfires and plain suckfests that came before, because that only detracts from this great film.It's been, what, 17 years since 'The Paper'? That's how long it's been since I've really enjoyed a movie from this genre.Excellent filmmaking, hitting the right notes at the right moments. Everyone, and I mean every-single-cast-member, couldn't be more right on the money with their performances. Harrison Ford's evolution from a hardwired old-school newsman into a guy that maybe sees his future through a different lens is smooth, funny, and confidently sublime.And one of the very few films I can say that I enjoyed Diane Keaton. Her continual antagonistic feminism always butchers the films roles she's offered. I realize that she has worked hard to overcome the welcome mat image of her early career, but her decades long battle to swing the pendulum the other way has meant her performances are typically nothing more than angry self-absorbed ideology masking itself as acting. This toned-down version of herself was a considerable relief to say the least. Please Ms. Keaton - more of this and less of the gesticulating skreeching bitch.Absolutely loved Rachel McAdams - she is this generation's Julia Roberts - and we're all the more fortunate for it. Feisty, clever, smart and and oh-so-easy on the eyes. I can't get enough of her bright personality. Cannot wait to see her next project.

2012-05-16 19:29:39

What's not to like??

If you want a feel-good movie (with talent providing the feel-good), don't miss this movie! It's not often I give a perfect rating to a movie, but no hesitation here. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Great evening of viewing!

2012-05-16 04:32:48

Amazing!!!!

Great movie, it really shows how all the morning shows work but puts it in a fun way!! love all actors and actresses who play in it!! highly recommend it to everyone!!

MrsBilsonLA 2012-05-15 20:46:59

Feel Good Inspiring Movie

Must say when the movie ended, I ended up smiling. It was such a goodmovie for people who tries hard on their career. It was an encouragingmovie on making a career, following your ideas. But the good part ofthe movie was it was realistic. When Becky started to work with theDaybreak, nothing was easy for her. She was fighting with another showand fighting with her own show. She fed up, she gave up. Because ofhardworking, she had problems with her boyfriend. Everything possiblywould happen in real life.When things got lighten up, I enjoyed movie a lot. Everything happenedto Ernie, those crazy things they did on the show, those were soenjoyable. I'd watch a show like that, surely it'd get ratings.Laughed hard cause we saw how hard Becky tried, even though her mom,her boss didn't believe her exactly. So it was the joy of Becky wefelt. Rachel McAdams was so good at this. She was the perfect Becky.And I think Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford's chemistry was another partthat makes the movie so enjoyable. Also the relationship between Beckyand Mike was well showed. Huge part of the movie. It was really goodand different. Even though Mike was a though guy, I knew they'd find away to get along with each other.So this movie is basically about a girl's career success, counting onpeople and yourself. Also really funny cause there are really goodscenes you might enjoy. I think it's a really good movie. Worth towatch.

skybluecoyote 2012-05-15 11:26:28

Ick, Uck, Yuck.

Why can't anyone make smart comedies? Would an exec producer really act as silly and girlish as the lead in this movie? Nothing was believable. I cringed through most scenes. Don't waste your money.

Tony Medley 2012-05-15 01:15:11

Sparkling performances by McAdams, Ford, Keaton, and Goldblum, brilliantly directed by Michell from a terrific script by McKenna make for a thoroughly entertaining romcom.

david-376 2012-05-14 10:35:45

Journalistic integrity

This "feel good" movie made me laugh out loud for two acts, and thenleft me with a very bad taste in my mouth at the third. It contains aprofoundly reactionary sub-text, and almost subliminal message, thatserious war correspondents and investigative journalists are blowhards, no longer relevant to the modern world, are self regarding andnarcissistic and completely lack any sense of humor. If they could onlyput on an apron and make fluffy eggs on day time TV the world would bea better place. Not for anyone who worries that American TV as a newsmedium is no longer performing the Fourth Estate functions it should.Only when the emasculation of his reputation was complete was hesupposed to gain our sympathy. That not one review even touches on thisis even more disturbing.

2012-05-12 20:03:08

A feel good film

At a loss of what to do, on a whim, I decided to go to the cinema.Being the opening night of 'Black Swan', I decided to leave thatparticular feature for another day. There were a few horrors, a fewkids movies and then there was Morning Glory. The Plot: Morning Glory is the story of one enthusiastic workaholic,Becky Fuller (Rachael McAdams), who is fired from her job at a Morningtelevision show. Unemployed and desperate, she jumps at the offer ofExecutive Producer for a low budget, failing Morning show. Thepresenter of which, is the sour wannabe diva Colleen Peck (DianeKeaton) and the employees of which are under constant pressure to raisethe audience ratings. Determined to prove her boss wrong, Becky Fullergoes to great lengths to improve the standard. One of her missions, isto employ world famous reporter, (and the third most horrible person inthe world) Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) as co-presenter. My Opinion: There are some movies that leave you indifferent. You walkout of the theater, shrugging your shoulders and contemplating what tocook for dinner. Then there are those, that leave you with a definiteemotion. Morning Glory, for me, was the latter. As the closing creditsscrolled, I was inspired. I skipped out with a can-do spirit. Maybe itsdue to Rachel McAdam's contagious radiance. Maybe its Harrison Ford'sexcellent acting. Maybe it was the simple plot, and happy ending. Idon't really know. All I know, is that even now, the after effect ofthis light comedy- was pure conviction that anything can happen, if youwork hard and really want it.To put it plainly, this romantic comedy was a pleasure to watch. And anexcellent remedy for someone whose a little hopeless in these difficultfinancial times.

Tony Heck 2012-05-12 03:24:56

A funny movie that tried to hard to be a chick flick. Great cast that was funny, love story plot was not needed. I say B

How would you feel if your idle was a total jerk? After getting fired,Becky Fuller (McAdams), lands a producing job at a struggling morningshow called "Daybreak". Her first task is to find a new lead anchor.After deciding on Mike Pomeroy (Ford), her childhood idle, she soonlives to regret the decision. She is forced to try to make it work withhim in order to save the show. Let me start by saying that this is apretty good movie. My one huge problem with it is that they tried sohard to make it a chick flick that the added a love story sub-plot thatdragged the movie down. The interaction between Becky and Mike wasstrong enough on its own that there was no need for the five minutes oflove story plot thrown in every now and then. It may be because I am aguy, but the fact that they tried so hard to make it a chick flick itended up hurting the movie. Besideds that aspect it actually was apretty good show. I give it a B.Would I watch again? - Probably not.

Flipher 2012-05-09 14:31:14

One of The Best all around movies I've seen (and I can recommend it to my mom!)

My guy and I got to go to a free screening last night which we hadn'tever tried before. I generally prefer a good Sci-Fi or drama/action,but hey it was free, Right?? I have to confess that I was expectingtypical "chick flick" fare...lucky for me and my guy, I was wrong! (ForOnce!) The casting in this movie was brilliant and hit just the rightrelationship tensions in the appropriately correct age ranges. No oldguy/too young girl relationship muddle that has been done to death.Also, was way nice to see Becky's (Rachel McAdams) love interest be apart of the story, but a much smaller part of the overall story than isnormal. Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton gave great realistic (yesreally) performances. I would have paid to see this movie, so bonus forme it was free!

mdtscoates 2012-05-09 13:05:18

Thank you bright morning for your splendor!

Morning Glory is a splendid work of film making, comprised of a winningstoryline and characters we come to care about. Hats off to thewriters, as the script really gives the movie a shot of adrenaline andreels you in. I consider it one of the year's finer comedies in anenvironment where abrasive humor seems to draw people in droves. WhatMorning Glory isn't is a romantic comedy or a "chick flick", as what weare tending to see on the previews. Rather, a story of an executiveproducer determined to turn around a dying TV show in comic fashion.Rachel McAdams plays Becky Fuller, a laid-off executive producerscratching and clawing for a new job in the industry. She comes acrossa network station at the bottom of the totem pole and sees her chance.Working with Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) and Colleen Peck (DianeKeaton) as her 2 co-hosts, the challenge just begins when she startsher plan to increase the show's viewer count.McAdams' character Becky Fuller is inspired, the hard chargingworkaholic personality, on the laptop late at night searching for thatnext breaking news story. Of course, by working all the time, hersocial life is nonexistent. Her energy and optimism is infectious, asshe impresses us with on her first day taking many drastic measuresneeded to make the station better. We come to root for her as she facescomplacency and apathy all around her, she rises above it and we watchwith bated breath to see what she'll do next. She is very diplomaticand manages to deal with all sorts of personalities for the bettermentof the show.Harrison Ford redeems himself from his role as a scientist in theyear's earlier flop "Extraordinary Measures". He portrays Mike Pomeroy,the seasoned news anchor who only does the big stories. His commentsabout famous people he's interviewed in the past and now has to do asilly morning TV show arouse laughs. Pomeroy is the gruff seasonedveteran of the show, stiff and stern, and brings a prima donna attitudein with him -that he has standards and much of what is requested byFuller is simply beneath him. Pomeroy comes to change his character tosomeone more likable by the time the film ends. Pomeroy's best momentsare no doubt when he is putting down his co-host. The adversarialrelationship between he and Peck is all too fun to watch. One of thefiner moments with Pomeroy we discover that his workaholic mentalityvoided him of any close family relationships, and we feel for him,hoping that Fuller will take his wisdom and adjust her approach.Diane Keaton plays Colleen Peck, the primary face of the show, who hasbeen through all the changes over the years, including 15 differentexecutive producers. She is skeptical of Fuller because of how terriblethe show is and beyond help, and believes there is no hope. Peck islively and shoots back at Pomeroy's comments with her own zingers. Sheis willing and receptive to Fuller's ideas to improve the show, andshows us her zeal by stepping out on faith with the new changes.Definitely one of the gems in the movie and a true pleasure to watch.There is no doubt magic and chemistry in the air with the strength ofthe cast. It is fun to watch Pomeroy drive Peck and Fuller nuts, andthe sparring co-hosts bring a lively and light mood to the film. Wecome to care about what Fuller is trying to do, and root her on as sheencounters what seems to be insurmountable odds. This is a feel-goodinspirational story that builds from the very beginning, neverback-pedalling, with a minor romantic element added in.8/10 stars

Eric D. Snider 2012-05-09 05:02:20

Everyone involved here is operating well below his or her skill level.

2012-05-09 00:56:33

Rachel McAdams is a very convincing spaz.

I suppose that's not the most diplomatic way for me to frame how I describe her go-getting morning show executive producer, but the person she is portraying can be, most certainly, scattered. She obsesses over her work (and what modern working woman in The City That Never Sleeps doesn't), she flits from idea to idea at a early afternoon first date dinner (whom she manages to scare off in mere minutes), and can't quite decide when to silence her meandering babbles in front of anyone, let alone her future boss (Jeff Goldblum), a ratings driven executive who may or may not be ready to take a chance on her.Still, McAdams plays the part of almost thirty-something Becky, who seeks to rebound from being replaced at her local Jersey affiliate morning show (by a pedigreed blueblood named Chad, no less) via a Hail Mary throw at the big leagues of New York City's (fictional) channel IBS early morning Daybreak, pretty darn well. Montage scenes have her throwing resumes to the wind, with follow up calls one on top of the other... but she gets her shot. And while Daybreak may be the worst rated morning show of the fold, she hits the ground running, finagling the distinguished Michael Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) to co-anchor with show veteran Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton).Both Mike and Colleen are the quintessential prima donnas of their respective backgrounds; Mike the ever serious hardnews reporter in the vein of Brokaw, Rather and Cronkite and Colleen is morning show royalty, having held the chair for decades running fluff piece after fluff piece with the style and poise that won her the Ms. Arizona pageant lo those many years ago. Together they are fire and gunpowder agreeing only on the pride they have in how they view their respective careers. Added to the craziness is the apparently necessary love interest in Adam Bennett (Patrick Wilson), a story editor for a 60 Minutes lookalike magazine show and the fated man with whom our fair Becky clicks with almost immediately only to waffle back and forth over throughout the entirety of the movie. To me, it was a tacked on romance that doesn't really seem to serve anything other than the message that you can't just have work to hold on to... especially late at night when the dark eats away at you. Still, Rachel looked fabulous in the designer lingerie she wore for him on their second date, but that's neither here nor there.*ahem*Morning Glory is filled with solid... and I mean ROCK SOLID actors in very believable roles that they fill entirely too well. Even Ty Burrell in his tiny, kinda pervy outgoing anchor role worked great. And don't get me started on Diane Keaton. Her arc from frustrated diva to gung-ho supporter even while keeping her nails sharp for raking against Ford's hide is delightful (though I could have done without her joining 50 Cent's posse for a late movie segment... but that's just the sort of ridiculous stunt morning shows tend to pull).Unfortunately, the feeling of the movie overall is as scattered as the main character. The main forces and conflicts between Becky and her hostage anchor Mike lack a believable rhythm. She ambushes him, he relents dragging his feet, he retaliates, and she counters. It's all very formula, but it's all very lacking. Little moments where there should be a connection almost seem to be there, but fall to the wayside as the story marches on in its far too brisk pace. Little seeds are sown early in the movie; Becky's mother is embarrassed for her, Mike cooks and lectures over a frittata, and it all screams "well THIS is climax material" and it is. And while the movie shouldn't suffer for it, and should actually revel in these little touches, I can't help but feel like they're afterthoughts. There is plenty of mild satire on the state of the News in modern America, but it just doesn't fit in the sort of "coming-in-to-her-own" feel good movie they tried to make here. It's like bits and pieces of Network, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and a Julia Roberts/Sandra Bullock movie were thrown into a blender and only the best bits of each one were served. Sure, it's the good stuff, but they don't gel together well.Now... I do want to say that director Roger Michell did a pretty good job. This is a decent bit of filmmaking he and JJ Abrams' Bad Robot crew have made here, but it's not perfect. From the minute I saw that logo I expected excellence and what was presented came a little close, but not close enough. Still... I liked it better than Notting Hill. Three Stars.While I have a moment, I want to give a quick shout out to John Pankow (whom I haven't seen since Mad About You ended) as a great assistant producer to back up McAdams. Honestly, this guy has great acting chops and it's amazing I haven't seen him in anything since the 90's.

Matthew Turner 2012-05-06 16:32:08

Enjoyably fluffy, frequently amusing comedy with a superb supporting cast and a terrific lead performance from Rachel McAdams.

perkypops 2012-05-05 18:24:54

As Mike Pomeroy might say "It's fluffy but subtly flavoured"

The opening scene of Becky (McAdams) on a date in a restaurant andmaking a complete omelette of the opportunity eggs is as precise a foreplay for what is to come as we need to guide us into the plot. In factthings get worse for Becky when she is fired in a very cruel way, andwe have barely passed the titles....McAdams plays a lovely but deeply flawed character, a hastily madeomelette on the surface but so richly layered underneath. If we need tobe sure of her capacity to shock us then there is nothing better than ameet with the staff when a whirl of questions is cast at her byseasoned pro's mocking the newbie. This is so cleverly scripted andplayed out and it works a treat.People are never worse than when life is not working the way they thinkit should and Becky's reaction is to work even harder when she reallycannot do anymore. Cue some decidedly clever screenplay to get themessage about what really counts at the heart of our lives and we aresucked into a story that just gets better.The comedy in this picture is all about how we see ourselves and howothers see us and why match ups to expectations don't always happennaturally. It is all about the messages we miss as we busily read thesurface so that our brains don't have to work. And set in a TV studiomost of the time how superficial do we have to be? Great performancesby Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, Jerome Weinstein, andmost of the other constituents in this very watchable, enjoyable, andlikable film.