There are two possible reactions when you hear that a film has a great cast. The first is excitement that so much talent is gathered in one project while the second is fear that such a collection is there to try and disguise a weak plot, horrible script and inadequate director. In the case of MorningGlory, starring Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford and Dianne Keaton, it is a case of the cast really making the movie.

Becky Fuller (McAdams) is an early-morning television producer with no life or passion for anything outside work. After losing her job with a nowhere morning show, Becky manages to get a job on the networks. The downside is that the morning show she has been hired to produce is currently in last place and falling and it's Becky's job to turn the show around.
Mike Pomeroy (Ford) is a classic newsman who has seen everything and reported tough news with integrity for the past four decades. Sadly, he was replaced for younger blood in his news desk role so now wanders the halls of IBS waiting for his contract to expire. Colleen Peck (Keaton) is the quintessential morning TV host who wants the show and herself to be successful, knows something is not working, is pretty confident she’s not the issue and will therefore make miserable the lives of everyone who is not bleeding to make the show a success.

Becky comes across like an energiser bunny on amphetamines. She's the type of person who hears fourteen people speak over the top of each other, takes it all in, answers each query and then fires a co-anchor all without taking a breath. She sees the veteran Pomeroy - her journalistic hero - as the missing ingredient in the show and hires him to report on the sort of soft news he hates. Of course he decides make it as miserable experience for everyone as possible. Peck appears to be going along for the ride, but it is fairly clear she will do whatever it takes to succeed.

While Morning Glory is classed as a romantic comedy, the romance between Becky and another television producer is really a secondary tale and fortunately didn’t require a lot of effort. The real story is a comedy/drama about the little engine that could and how everyone but Pomeroy are determined to save their show.

McAdams showed early on in her career that she can do comedy and despite her focus and ability with more dramatic roles in the last several years, it is great to see her return to the genre. Keaton delivers what we have come to expect, nothing more and nothing less – but only because Keaton always delivers everything she has. Any concerns about Ford in a comedy role need to be silenced. While it’s true that Ford has only been in handful of comedies in his career, most recently the fourth Indiana Jones instalment, he was cast in Morning Glory as the straight-faced man, a role he was perfect for. His funny requirements were perfectly delivered with perfect comedic timing – watch his facial reactions when Keaton delivers the “soft news”.

Morning Glory looks like a chick-flick but is a fantastic comedy that is heartily recommended for absolutely anyone.