Bad Robot?!

When I saw the words Bad Robot on screen as a co-producer of Morning Glory, I laughed out loud. The first two thoughts in my head: Felicity and Alias. When he is not confusing or scaring the crap out of us, J.J. Abrams has a penchant for selecting projects featuring very talented female leads. Keri Russell. Jennifer Garner. And, arguably, Evangeline Lilly. Now entering the ring: Rachel McAdams.

Not a Mean Girl

I enjoyed Morning Glory more than I anticipated, primarily because McAdams is extremely likable and relatable. Five years ago, this type of role would have gone to Garner or Reese Witherspoon, but it is clearly McAdams’ time to shine. She first entered our collective consciousness in Mean Girls (I refuse to give The Hot Chick credit for that) and just about every female on the planet loved The Notebook to no end, but I started appreciating McAdams in The Family Stone. She was the only reason I didn’t turn off The Time Traveler’s Wife and she was also great in Sherlock Holmes.

Morning Glory finally provides McAdams with the opportunity to prove that she can really hold a film. She is in just about every scene, and you will both laugh at her and root for her along the way. She plays a very enthusiastic and dedicated television news producer attempting to revitalize a morning show with challenging co-hosts. 

Supporting Cast: Han Solo & Annie Hall

While Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford are not usually considered supporting actors, Morning Glory really is a film centered around McAdams. That being said, the veteran actors are enjoyable as hell to watch and together they are responsible for many fantastic scenes in this film as the co-hosts of the morning show.

[Fun sidenote: J.J. Abrams wrote Regarding Henry, the 1991 Mike Nichols film starring Harrison Ford. Abrams’ Star Wars affinity continues on.]

Theater or Rental?

Given the current line up of sci-fi and animation releases, I would recommend Morning Glory if you’re seeking an escape and a laugh. If you don’t catch it in the theater, I would definitely add it to your Netflix queue.