Morning Glory (DVD, 2011)

`Network' (1976) through a comedic looking glass. McAdams is likeable and humorously intense, while Ford is an elitist dead--pan straight man

35 years on, this is `Network' through a comedic looking glass. As before, the key players are a young, female tv executive (McAdams, rather than Dunnaway) and a far older news anchor (Ford, rather than Holden/Finch). This time, we're talking about morning tv, and so it is valid for entertainment to be good and hard news to be relegated. (We're reminded that even the iconic anchor, Kronkite, read the breakfast news with a puppet in the 1950s.)

Other similarities to Network: the show is in crisis due to an economic recession, and badly needs a ratings boost. This is achieved through rank populism (though of a far more gentle kind, here). McAdams' character is an even harder worker than Dunnaway's, to the point that her grooming is sketchy and her social life takes a far backseat. As in Network, McAdams is in search of a missing father figure, with whom she eventually rebels.

Differences: This is a comedy, and some of the stunts are very funny, especially those featuring old--stager, Keaton. Also amusing are McAdams's lack of awareness in social situations and Ford's cynical, world--weary elitism. McAdams's character is likeable, despite her intensity. (Dunnaway's character's brilliance and regal beauty compelled admiration, rather than love.) McAdams' does not sleep with Ford, as Dunnaway did with Holden, but her boyfriend, Wilson, has to be very tolerant about her crush and other eccentricities. Ultimately, this is not a state--of--the--nation piece, like Network. The restriction of attention, here, to morning tv means that serious America is not watching anyway, and never did. However, an awareness of the previous film does enhance enjoyment.

Overall, a well--produced comedy, with a good cast, and a great dead--pan turn by Ford. Well worth watching.

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Very funny film!

Very funny film. The three main contrasting characters are acted well by Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton and the rest of the cast add to the fun.

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Saturday entertainment. One of watch

Funny ish.. not really what I expected. Harrison Ford, actually becomes really annoying.

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Good

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Funny movie

Arrogance personified, great ending tho!

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Pleasant

Heart warming

Many thanks

Many thanks

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Exactly what I ordered.

Exactly what I ordered.

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