Another film with a premise with great promise: The always terrific Emma Thompson plays the acerbic host of a long-running American late night talk show — the only female host in that genre — the ratings for which have been declining for year. Something needs to be done, and soon, to prop up the ratings and re-energize a tired host before she loses her job. So why not bring in the funny Mindy Kaling — also the film’s writer — as someone with no previous television or writing experience whatsoever to shake-up the all-male writing team! Unfortunately, Kaling and the writers’ characters are too thinly sketched rather than resembling real people to bring needed substance to this project. What could have been a very sharp take on workplace sexism, office politics, etc., becomes too sitcom-ish. Thompson is the film’s standout and it’s her presence and sharp tongue that will keep many viewers interested and who saves this film. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I doubt it.
