Morning Glory

“Morning Glory” humorously delves into the dysfunctional world of morning television news through the eyes of protagonist, Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams), a hardworking young television producer, who gets fired from her job with a local news program. Becky is determined to find a new job and won’t let anything get her down, so when she lands a job as executive producer of “Daybreak,” the lowest rated morning program, she gladly takes on the challenge of saving the show. In her efforts to revitalize the languishing program, Becky brings on a new morning co-host, Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford), an award-winning news legend, who believes he is above the soft news stories about fashion, cooking, celebrity gossip, and weight loss that characterize morning news.

Becky not only has the burden of keeping “Daybreak” on the air and raising its plummeting ratings, but she also must deal with Mike Pomeroy’s arrogance and refusal to cover the soft news staples of morning television. Mike’s heated on and off-air verbal battles with his co-host, Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton), longtime morning show personality, only make Becky’s job more difficult. Becky’s work ethic and resolve not only turn “Daybreak’s” suffering ratings around, but she also betters the lives of her coworkers.

Positive Elements

Becky’s determination, commitment to hard work, and unyielding optimism are the most positive aspects of “Morning Glory.” These positive aspects of Becky’s character can be seen from the beginning of the film after she loses her job. She doesn’t let this set her back or cause her to give up on her dream of becoming a senior producer. Becky also gladly takes on the challenge of revitalizing “Daybreak,” and her positive attitude raises the morale of the entire news team. Rachel McAdams’ energetic performance carries the film well, and the humorous bickering between costars, Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton is very entertaining.

Objectionable Content

While Becky’s optimism and determination are refreshing, screenwriter, Aline Brosh McKenna’s (“The Devil Wears Prada” and “27 Dresses”), otherwise entertaining storyline is overshadowed by pervasive language and sexual content.

There are 2 uses of the f-word, 1 use of b---h, several uses of d—n, h—l, and a-- (13), numerous uses of the s-word (in one scene Becky uses this word repeatedly). Christ’s name is also profaned many times throughout the film (9), plus G-d (21). Other offensive dialogue includes mention of condoms, sleeping with other people, pap smears, Mike jokes that he could have had hookers, and other offensive dialogue pepper this film.

During the course of the film Becky meets Adam Bennett (Patrick Wilson), an attractive young producer at the network, and they begin to date. In several scenes, Becky and Adam kiss passionately at his apartment, and in those scenes Becky is seen in her underwear and a shirt, and Adam is seen lying shirtless in bed. It is implied several times that they slept together.

Even though “Morning Glory” has some redeeming aspects such as, Becky’s optimistic determination, the pervasive language and sexual content are offensive and superfluous elements of this film’s plot, which only take away from what could have been a very enjoyable chick flick.

Violence: Minor / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Heavy

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