Late Night

                                                              


    Mindy Kaling is a triple threat, writing, producing, and starring in this smart new dramady. Also starring Emma Thompson, the two women have wonderful chemistry and are just terrific together.

     Ms. Thompson stars as an aging late night TV host, Katherine Newbury, who’s ratings are falling and is on the verge of being replaced. Mindy Kaling is a new writer hired as a diversity employee. Her first job in TV, she is thrilled to be involved in any capacity but ruffles the feathers of the all male, all white, writing staff led by Reid Scott.

       Costarring are John Lithgow as Katherine’s Husband, Walter, Denis O’Hare as Brad, Katherine’s put upon producer, Amy Ryan as the head of the Network and Hugh Dancy and Max Casella as two of the show’s writers.

     The film is whip smart, topical, funny and yet has its serious and poignant side as well. Ms. Thompson is acting royalty and has a blast with her role as the over the top Katherine. Ms. Kaling, as the writer, saves the best bits for Ms. Thompson but leaves plenty of good scenes for herself.

       There is plenty of appeal to both an older and younger audience as the story wisely balances generational plot points and covers common ground as well. There is a passing resemblance to “The Devil Wears Prada” but “Late Night” holds its own as an original winner.