When Becky gets a chance to executive produce Daybreak, she quickly finds she has her work cut out for her. Fourth in the ratings, with a diva of a host (Diane Keaton) and little-to-no-funds, the show is a sinking ship that eats producers for breakfast. Desperate for a gimmick to get the show back on track, she presses the network's aging stalwart of "hard news," Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford), into service as the show's co-anchor.
While she struggles to keep the helm of Daybreak, Becky navigates an awkward romantic relationship with Adam, a news magazine producer with rowing crew shoulders and the patience of a saint (played by the beautiful and utterly forgettable Patrick Wilson). Luckily, we don't have to endure much of that plotline, as it only serves to help Becky learn to have "balance" in her life.
Balance isn't all she needs. McAdams is a smart and charming actress, but here she's made to play one of those typical romantic comedy messes that filmmakers seem to think are "relatable" to female audiences. But even "30 Rock" basket-case Liz Lemon is more together than Becky. It's impossible to believe that such an over-caffeinated flibbertigibbet would be able to manage her own lunch order, much less the day-to-day workings of a network television show. One would like to ask director Roger Michell ("Notting Hill") how many women go to job interviews in chiffon cocktail dresses.
The entire cast seems at a loss to understand how to play their characters. Keaton, as Daybreak host Colleen Peck, has a little fun playing against type as a former beauty queen-turned-TV personality. But her role is woefully underwritten. It would have been entertaining to see her let go and veer into crazy, Kathie Lee Gifford territory.
It's not clear where Ford found inspiration for his performance. Castle Frankenstein, perhaps? His gravelly, monotone voice is creepy enough to scare small children, rather than evoking the gravitas of a seasoned news anchor. Veteran newsman Morley Safer imbues more life and humor in his single-line cameo than Ford does in his entire performance. His character, dubbed "the third worst person in the world," is meant to be unpleasant, but Ford never gives us a reason to make us root for his turnaround.
Such a talented cast seems wasted in this tone-deaf, fluffy concoction. As Becky starts to pull Daybreak from its slump, it's not from providing quality content, but by incorporating YouTube-worthy stunts and encouraging sniping between her anchors to spur ratings (and this is seen as a character asset). Like the show it centers around, "Morning Glory" panders to an audience looking for an innocuous distraction rather than something of substance. If you're looking for the humor and the heart of "Broadcast News", you'd be better off hitting the snooze button.
| Movie title | Morning Glory |
|---|---|
| Release year | 2010 |
| MPAA Rating | PG-13 |
| Our rating | |
| Summary | Like a cup of free office coffee, "Morning Glory" gets the job done, but tastes bitter and warmed-over. |
