Because TV ratings are important to big business, the key players behind those “news” desks carry a lot of weight – a fact that forms the scenario for Morning Glory. In this timely film, the IBS news network produces Good Morning, New Jersey, but as the show’s ratings start to dip, producer Jerry Barnes (Jeff Goldblum) must make some changes.

Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams), working as a producer at a small TV station, is surprised to get a pink slip. When she receives a call from Barnes, she quickly goes in for an interview. After looking at her recent experience, Barnes likens her situation to “officially embarrassing.” However, left with little choice, he decides to give Becky a chance and hires her.

Feeling like the shoes really fit, Becky engages in her first show of power by firing the obnoxious and unpopular IBS Evening News producer and co-anchor (Paul Urcioli). Although her staff gives her a rousing applause, Becky faces more challenges, such as who will take the co-anchor seat next to Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton).

When Becky learns that famed Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford), who has semi- retired, is actually under contract to IBS, she comes up with a scheme to get him into the station. Mike shows up but not with a team spirit. He not only dislikes Connie (who loathes him as well) but also the station and the young perky girl telling him what to do.

Even though talented Aline Brosh McKenna (The Devil Wears Prada) wrote the screenplay, this movie contains numerous plot holes. Many of the dialogue lines are funny, but that’s partly because of the capable cast. Diane Keaton is pigeonholed in a very short character arc but makes the best of it.  Ford does the curmudgeon role very well – perhaps too well. He may overplay Pomeroy, yet I enjoyed his performance because it’s interesting to watch Ford still doing his thing at this stage of his career.

Most of the TV show characters are fine. Although weatherman Ernie Appleby (Matt Malloy) has the silliest plot line, it works – and Malloy is the reason why. Patrick Wilson does an okay job as Becky’s new boyfriend Adam, but his character comes across as too clichéd and predictable. Goldblum, too, plays his typical role.

The best reason to see Morning Glory is Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes). She’s the silk lining and lace trim on a potato sack here. McAdams brings effervescence to her role as well as a can-do/will-do spirit that infects all the other cast members. She’s a joy to watch and makes us believe every moment when her character seems in peril.

While Morning Glory will most likely appeal to females, the mixed audience at the screening I attended seemed to thoroughly enjoy it.

(Released by Paramount Pictures and rated “PG-13” for some sexual content including dialogue, language and brief drug references.)

Review also posted at www.reviewexpress.com.