DVD Reviews

Morning Glory – Blu-ray Review

By June L. Mar 23, 2011, 14:40 GMT

For Becky (Rachel McAdams, "The Notebook"), running a TV show in New York City was the big break she dreamed of…until star co-anchors Mike (Harrison Ford, Indiana Jones) and Colleen (Diane Keaton, "Something’s Gotta Give") declare an all-out, on-air war. Making the show work with its cast of eccentric characters and outrageous story angles will take a major miracle, but Becky is ready to rise and outshine. From the writer ...more

Becky has been dreaming all her life that one day she will have the chance to be in charge of the Today Show. Now in her late twenties, and recently let go from a small town television position, she is ready to jump for the first job offered, even if it is for Daybreak the lowest rated morning show on television.

Television production nerd Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) takes on Daybreak with her own blend of hyperactivity and intelligence. What could be a complete train wreck of a first day quickly shows that Becky actually may have what it takes to turn things around. First order of business she fires the weird and creepy co-host Paul McVee (Ty Burrell) winning the respect of her team and a glimmer of support from remaining host Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton).

The show won’t go with just one host, so Becky looks for a replacement for McVee, hoping to get someone who will give the show some credibility. She decides upon Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) a serious news journalist who has been replaced in his time slot by a younger newscaster.

Pomeroy already irritable and alienated, is insulted by Becky’s offer. He tells her that he doesn’t do fluff and attempts to put her off by exhibiting a curmudgeonly attitude that verifies Becky’s new friend Adam’s (Patrick Wilson) assessment that Pomeroy is the “third meanest person in the world.” Becky reminds Mike of a little-known clause in his contract and he is forced to take the job.

The characters are fun in this film. Becky operates at hyper-speed and is more than a touch goofy when it comes to relationships. But she is also energetic, smart, strong and very creative. She believes in herself, and as she gains acceptance among her co-workers, the audience sees her grow, putting her tenacious streak to work inventing off beat ways to bring the show out of oblivion.

Harrison Ford is wonderful as grumpy aging Mike Pomeroy, a one-time legend who has no place in the modern action. It is up to Becky to convince him that Daybreak might just be the place where he could shine, gaining accolades for new endeavors. It is a tough sell. Diane Keaton as Colleen is priceless to watch, switching from a diva-ish sort of character, to the “television personification of warmth and good cheer.”

The slick and clever comedy, the development of the characters and even the romantic moments are subtle when viewed against the Becky versus Mike battles, and yet that is what makes this such an enjoyable movie. Not screwball comedy, or dependant on mean spirited action in place of plot, Morning Glory is a battle of wits and wills.

Morning Glory Blu-ray edition is presented on single disc with a running time of 107 minutes. It is rated PG-13, but it requires some maturity and intelligence to fully appreciate the craftsmanship in this film.

Special features include a commentary with Director Roger Michell and Writer Aline Brosh McKenna and a deleted scene.