Having been in broadcasting for a few years during the era depicted in BROADCAST NEWS, I found the re-enactments of broadcast drama and production authentic and enjoyable. Beyond that, however, the movie is simply a mid-afternoon soap opera played out to a predictable conclusion. Like UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, the broadcast / production scenes are authentic, and the rest is a girl-meets-boy (or boyS) melodrama that slowly unfolds into . . . nothing, really. To its credit, BROADCAST NEWS does manage to avoid the editorializing (about prisoner rights, etc.) that is found in UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. The one flaw in BROADCAST NEWS is that Jane would have never chastised Tom for his "camera tricks" in the interview -- what he did was genuine; it was not unethical; and it was not even deliberately devious.
I wouldn't say that the ending stinks, but it is flat and predictable. It is also abrupt. I think Brooks could have done better. Then again, the conclusion to TERMS OF ENDEARMENT (which I rank as perhaps the worst movie ever made) isn't anything surprising, either.
William Hurt and his character are excellent; the other leads are drab and rather unlikeable. The supporting cast is great, however, and Jack Nicholson is absolutely outstanding in his small but crucial role. It's almost a shame Jack couldn't have a larger part.
I wouldn't say that the ending stinks, but it is flat and predictable. It is also abrupt. I think Brooks could have done better. Then again, the conclusion to TERMS OF ENDEARMENT (which I rank as perhaps the worst movie ever made) isn't anything surprising, either.
William Hurt and his character are excellent; the other leads are drab and rather unlikeable. The supporting cast is great, however, and Jack Nicholson is absolutely outstanding in his small but crucial role. It's almost a shame Jack couldn't have a larger part.