Morning Glory - A Movie Review

When you have an opportunity you have to grab it.

Morning Glory is a 2010 film. Hardworking and ambitious Becky Fuller accepts a job as a television producer on a struggling morning show program. The co-hosts clash egos, writers can’t agree on ideas, and ratings are down. Becky must think outside the box if she’s going to save the news station.

Career-based films always make great limelight stories. I had never heard of Morning Glory before watching it. This is another film that’s been hiding! While it’s a hilarious story with insightful themes, Morning Glory felt disjointed in its main storyline.

Morning Glory assembles an excellent cast. If there’s any actress that can pull off range, it’s Rachel McAdams. McAdams plays Becky, a hardworking woman who fights to make her ideas heard. I was very surprised to learn McAdams almost turned down the offer because she didn’t think she was funny!

Becky’s tireless efforts are a remarkable example for anyone starting a career. Amid her diligent work, Becky learns that she needs to have a personal life and not make it work-oriented. Relationships play an integral part in the film with how Becky consults with everyone.

Film icons Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton were cast as the warring co-anchors, Mike Pomeroy and Colleen Peck. At the time of filming, Ford and Keaton had never shared the screen in a movie together. Both are outstanding, especially in their sharp-tongued arguments. It’s also rare to see Ford in a comedy to which he nailed his deadpan responses.

I never expected Jeff Goldblum to make an excellent network executive! He surprised me. This was a step out from his usual charmer typecast roles. Also included in the film is Patrick Wilson in another non-horror role. More credits include John Pankow, Matt Malloy, Ty Burrell, and other cameos.

Morning Glory is a film about careers and it’s set up in an entertaining fashion. Roger Michell has filmed a variety of different genres and has described Morning Glory as a ‘rom-job-com.’ The atmosphere throughout the film is chaotic but relatable for audiences to enjoy.

Michell matches the busy tone of the news industry. The editing is fast with the camera work focusing on the character’s jobs. You have all the news stories, the planning process, and different opinions from the executive team.

Filming Morning Glory primarily took place in New York City. The news studio location was filmed in an actual television studio, adding authenticity to the story. Characters are constantly running about, feverishly citing all the facts in news stories.

However, the film falters slightly in the middle with uneven pacing. Morning Glory hops different channels, instead of remaining on one. The main storyline focuses on Becky’s resourceful nature but doesn’t concentrate on her romance angle with Adam (Wilson). There were too many abrupt breaking storylines.

Climbing the ladders to our careers is an important tree. You can’t have the same job your whole life. One of the most exciting parts of a career is exploring different options and businesses. The film ends with a satisfying conclusion after a suspenseful interlude of what Becky is going to do next.

Another important tip that Morning Glory advises is to take time for personal matters, like family, friends, or romance. Becky is so caught up with her winded work life that she is caught off guard when having normal conversations.

Morning Glory is a charming and entertaining story. These underrated films cannot sit in the dark. Movies like Morning Glory deserve appreciation for how they dictate stories or relatable themes.