 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Morning Glory
- Review Date: November 7, 2010
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Workplace comedy is winning but predictable; OK for teens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this workplace comedy -- which co-stars Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, and Diane Keaton -- is formulaic, but it's also surprisingly earnest and full of heart. Though some of the characters are self-centered and surly, the movie ultimately has positive messages about the value of hard work and authenticity. Expect some making out and a few sexual innuendoes, a fair bit of swearing (including "f--k"), some drinking and cigar smoking, and disheartening bitterness from some of the more hardened characters.
What's the story?
After being laid off from her job at a middling New Jersey TV show, Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) throws herself into the job search, finally landing a position as a producer for fourth-ranked morning news show Daybreak. The opportunity kickstarts the can-do attitude that has always fueled her. Sadly, not everyone at the network shares Becky's zeal. Daybreak's ratings are in the Dumpster, and, amazingly, can sink even further. It doesn't help that morale is low, ideas are unoriginal, and veteran co-anchor Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton) is frustrated. A brilliant idea to hire iconic newsman Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) to join Colleen may be Daybreak's ticket out of the ratings gutter. But Becky's new love interest (Patrick Wilson) says that Mike is the "third-worst person in the world." Can Becky make it work?
Is it any good?
It takes a special kind of actress to make a fairly formulaic movie -- which invites comparisons to the now-classic Broadcast News but can't possibly outdo it -- surprisingly appealing. And that person is Rachel McAdams. She attacks the role of Becky with such authenticity and emotion that we buy her, predictable banter and all. She gives this otherwise-nearly forgettable film soul and carries her weight against the delightful Keaton (who's underused) and memorable Ford (whose character is underexplored). Even Wilson as the token love interest and Jeff Goldblum as Becky's sarcastic network boss have spark.
Too bad, then, that they're all underserved by a story that captures only the typical talking points of any movie that goes behind the scenes of network TV. (Surely, there must be more material to mine than bickering co-hosts and ratings anxiety.) Nevertheless, MORNING GLORY is entertaining, thanks in part to director Roger Michell's peppy pacing and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna's engaging dialogue (she also penned The Devil Wears Prada). Morning Glory is no Network, no Broadcast News, but for McAdams, it's further proof of her impressive talent.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's messages about the media itself. What is it saying about the importance of entertainment vs. news? What about morning shows?
Is Becky a positive role model? Why or why not? What about the other characters?
What keeps Becky going despite all of the setbacks she encounters? Does her attitude work for her?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Perfect for 13 year olds
I loved it! It was so good! I am 13 and I saw it, I though it was perfect for my age group. It wasn't to adult but it wasn't for little kids either.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A movie of hard workers, but more teen-targeted
It is a lot of fun to watch. Some mature language and romantic content, but it has a message about hard work.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 9 years old
January 18, 2011
AGE
Perfect for 9+
GREAT MOVIE!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Liked it a lot!
Cute, light comedy. Rachel McAdams was great in it. All Devil Wears Prada fans (like me) will enjoy it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
News is better
This is a very good movie with lots of things about news. its fine for anyone but some ways it is news
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
there is sniper blasting gun fighting guns and bombs in one movie
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Age appropriate for ages on 12 and up.
I thought it was age appropriate for tweens and up. I think it has some good messages and my 12 almost 13 year old daughter liked it a lot. There was some use of language and kissing, but otherwise I thought it was a great movie.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
check out my page for more awesome recommendations
The good stuff
*
Messages:
Hard work and heart win over cynicism in this workplace comedy. The main character believes that you can succeed by applying yourself 100 percent to your job. Nevertheless, work is superseded by friendship, family, and love.
*
Role models:
Becky is quite ambitious, but she's also unabashedly earnest and well-meaning, and her goals don’t supersede her humanity.
What to watch out for
*
Violence:
Characters insult and yell at each other; one man does dangerous things (jumping out of planes).
*
Sex:
A couple makes out. They're shown kissing and groping each other, with the woman stripped down to her underwear and blouse. Some sexual innuendo. One character mentions a sex website; he also has a foot fetish.
*
Language:
Fairly frequent use of words like "s--t," “bas-ard,” “bi-ch,” "a-s," “a--hole,” “butt,” "d--n," "c--p," "oh my God," "godd--n," and "h--l." Also infrequent use of "f--k."
*
Consumerism:
Products/brands mentioned/with logos shown include Sony, NBC, Apple, Barefoot Contessa, Trump, The Today Show, and more.
*
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
One adult character smokes a cigar. He also gets drunk and has a reputation for getting drunk prior to performing tasks he dislikes.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
this movie is so funny !!!! a tv show inside of a movie!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This movie was funny, positive, and practical. My eleven year old twins saw it with me. It was a tad inappropriate for their age, but it would be better for 12 and up. Overall, it was a good movie.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Roger Michell |
| Cast: | Diane Keaton, Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 107 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 10, 2010 |
| DVD release date: | March 8, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some sexual content including dialogue, language and brief drug references |
Review It
Video review
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
