My friend Meredith once told me that she takes the movies I like seriously, so to speak, because it’s rare that I actually like a movie. Even with low expectations, I am continually disappointed. I used to expect every movie to be great so it was no wonder that most of the movies I saw were not amazing. Now that I presume most movies will be bad, movie-watching is once again tolerable. I read an article in the New York Times about Hollywood realizing that people are beginning to expect more from movies and most movies these days just aren’t making the cut. Finally! I’m gladdened to know I’m not the only one that feels this way. I watched Morning Glory, even though it received several negative reviews, because one of my favorite actresses Rachel McAdams played the main character and it looked like it was the kind of fluff that wouldn’t be too unbearable. I was surprisingly not let down.

Morning Glory is about a news producer, Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams), who is completely devoted to her job. After getting pumped for what she expects to be a promotion, she gets laid off. Her mother tells her that it’s time she grows up and stops dreaming about working for the Today Show. Becky immediately starts searching for a job in what could be considered a harassing manner by phoning and emailing certain news stations numerous times throughout the day. She gets an unpromising job for DayBreak, a show that goes through producers on a what appears to be a monthly basis. After firing the co-host on her first day at work, she quickly finds a replacement in Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) who is far from enthusiastic. Becky finds out that the show’s ratings are too low and will be canceled. In a panic, she switches up the way DayBreak delivers its morning news and starts to see some unexpected results.
I had to include a photo of Becky running because that is the feel of the entire movie. I realize that this is a movie about the news so the main character must be quick on her feet, but Morning Glory had barely any character development. Perhaps it would be okay if this was the only movie that felt so rushed and as though something was missing, but it’s become the norm. Most movies I’ve watched in the past few years give off the impression that the studio was on a schedule and quickly put the last of it together. Do you get this feeling, too? Do you like movies less these days than you used to? When was the last time you watched a movie where you felt everything was perfect (and what is it so that I can watch it!)?

Overall, I liked Morning Glory and recommend it if you’d like a few laughs with an uplifting story about fighting even when it feels like there’s nothing left worth fighting for and going after your dreams.

(Images clickable straight to source: BehindTheHype.com & YouTube.com)