the Critics Tea

Film Reviews

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“Late Night” meets “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” in the newsroom

Mindy Kaling’s “Late Night”, is steeped in the clever wit she is known for.  The movie provides an intelligent,yet witty look at the need for a greater female presence in the writers room of Late Night TV.  Her character’s drive to become a respected member of that club reminded me of another female character who faced similar challenges in television. Some 30 years ago, (or maybe 40, who’s counting..) CBS premiered “ The Mary Tyler Moore,” a clever and funny look at a woman who arrived in New York to work at a news station and struggles to receive the respects as a producer on the show. In a blend of humor and straightforwardness “Late Night,” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show, stirs up the conversation about the challenges women face in television.

Let’s hope, “Late Night,” stirs up the discussion in the writers’ room and the  boardroom!

Kaling’s character in NYC

Mary Tyler Moore in NYC

[djstea-blog]

“Late Night,” by Mindy Kaling at Montclair, New Jersey Film Festival