Movie Review: Late Night

Movie Review: Late Night

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Late Night, the movie is a refreshing, thought-provoking, funny, well acted movie that is very relevant in the current time and should not be missed. It’s that simple.

Thanks to Emily Aragones

Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson) is a highly successful late-night talk show host. Think Ellen crossed with Meryl Streep’s character from The Devil Wears Prada. Trouble is after so many years on screen the formulae is becoming stale. But is it the content or the host, or both?

Those in the writing room are challenged to come up with a fresh approach. The all male writing team gets to work. But having worked together for so long they find it hard to conjure up any new ideas or indeed motivation. Finally Newbury is challenged to make a change. New blood is required. Not just any new blood. Diversified blood. Enter the unthinkable … a female comedy writer.

When young, female, ethnically diverse Molly Patel (Mindy Kaling) joins the team she is ignored. The team, including Newbury, think she is only there to fulfil the diversity brief.

For a while Newbury continues to ignore the problem of lagging ratings until she is faced with the ultimate decision – change or move on. And move on she does in a way that could compromise her whole career and relationship.

Patel, constantly on the verge of being fired, decides she has nothing to lose. Meanwhile Newbury’s ailing partner Walter Lovell (John Lithgow) also helps put success into perspective.

Late Night provides an interesting, hilarious peak into the writing room and the life of successful role models. Behind the laughs it makes you wonder how much is true.

Kaling, who wrote the very clever screenplay, is excellent challenging the status quo. Thompson is a comedy delight, as usual, and her character goes a long way to bringing back the pants suit. It is shame however that strong female bosses are still portrayed as masculine or as they say “men in skirts”.

It’s interesting to think about how the same message would have played out if the sexes were reversed, but then that’s the whole point of the movie. Don’t miss this one.

For more information go to Luna Cinema or Palace Cinemas