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Broadcast News

1987, Movie, R, 131 mins

Broadcast News: Review

Blessed with a good script, BROADCAST NEWS examines the ethics of modern-day electronic journalism and the often frazzled emotions of a tightly knit group of workaholics who find that their personal and professional lives have become one and the same. Network news producer Jane Craig (Hunter) and her best pal, veteran correspondent Aaron Altman (Brooks), share not only the same high ethical standards, but a warm and goofy sense of humor. Although Jane considers Aaron her best friend, he pines for a more romantic relationship. Enter Tom Grunick (Hurt), a handsome, affable, but somewhat dim newscaster to whom Jane is attracted. Often touching, biting, and funny, BROADCAST NEWS is an entertaining film hoisted by the performances of its three leads. Hurt, in a rather odd change of pace, and newcomer Hunter display verve and skill and overcome the limitations of the somewhat annoying characters they play. In the seemingly lesser role of the one who stands by and suffers, however, Brooks provides the film's soul and many of its laughs to boot. Nicholson contributes a highly potent performance in a matter of moments as a smug, self-important New York anchorman and the rest of the supporting cast is uniformly fine. A more skillful director of actors than the camera, Brooks gives the script its full head and makes crystal clear the satirical point that appearances count for a great deal in the mass media. A film whose "TV movie" feel is at once incredibly appropriate and a notable drawback, BROADCAST NEWS is nevertheless worthy adult entertainment. leave a comment

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Broadcast News