This is the story, Morning Glory

By Chase Gilley · The Mainstream
Published November 22, 2010

Start with a story of a young female television producer trying to make her way in the world of morning news shows. Mix in uncooperative anchors, a dashing fellow producer for her to fall for and the challenge of making a show a success and you have the kind of feel-good movie that would make Frank Capra proud.

This, however, was not my initial reaction. The film disappointed me to begin with. My entire knowledge going into this film was based on a single movie poster that I had seen showing Harrison Ford in “Morning Glory”.

He stands there looking like a tough and awesome anchorman (like only Han Solo can) with a movie title that evokes the possibility of an action-drama. I get my ticket, take my seat and I’m treated to a young woman whom I was sure at first was Jennifer Garner, as she begins talking about how hard it is to date when you work as hard as she does.

Did I just buy myself a ticket to a chick-flick? Where’s Han Solo? Where’s the Glory? I was confused.

The film continued, and the story began to grow on me. After realizing that the lead actress was in fact Rachel McAdams (“Mean Girls”, “Sherlock Holmes”) playing the character of Becky, things finally started to add up.

McAdams is easily likeable in this flick acting as the young girl with big dreams. You can’t help but want her to succeed in the world of national media. After seeing this film and looking over the rest of McAdams’ body of work, I believe she is a versatile actress who can play your best friend or your worst enemy. It’ll be interesting to see what the future holds for her.

With that being said, her well-done performance is only met by the rather forgettable performances of some of her co-stars.

I had to do some research to find out about the man working opposite of her: Patrick Wilson (“Watchmen”, “The A-Team”). I’m not entirely sure whether this lack of characterization was due to his acting or if the script called for a “generic, nice- guy love interest”. Either way, this character was in need of something which he never found.

Much of the film’s cinematography was relatively basic. The film was clear, and well shot, but nothing more than that. The only thing that I did notice that took the filming beyond basic shooting was the use of interior framing. It was a nice change of pace but may go unnoticed by most. Really you don’t expect so much of this kind of thing when viewing a romantic comedy, so the shots shouldn’t be a deterrent.

One thing to also note is that, though this kind of film is classified as a romantic comedy, it tends to lean more towards comedy than romantic. It’s a case where the romance is there, but it’s not the absolute main point of the film. Subtle is often a nice change of pace and works with this film.

I saved the best for last, that being none other than Indian Jones/Han Solo himself, Harrison Ford.

If there was one reason to see this film it would be Ford. The man steals the show in my book. His rudeness and banter with his co-anchor, played by Diane Keaton (“The Godfather”) made an entertaining view. The dysfunction between his and Keaton’s characters help save her character, which once again feels like a case of “insert generic middle-aged woman here.” Her character needed Ford’s in order to be relevant.

Ford was also very brash in this flick, mean but hilarious. He plays the part of a top-notch anchor in the twilight of his career, and he does have an opinion to share. Han Solo as a grumpy, old man works and works well. Seriously, I would pay money to see this man doing nothing more than sitting in a chair and making snide, humorous comments about things that bother him. If anything, it’s worth seeing this film to catch Ford at his grumpiest.

The film was good, nothing Oscar-worthy, but a solid film. If you’re looking for a date movie, this is one to see. If you want something good spirited and light, this is a film to see. Simply put, it’s a good flick.