I watched a movie with my wife last night, and I thought it was good enough to recommend to my friends here. Actually, we watched it over a two-night period, since we rarely have two hours to spend in front of the TV at a stretch.
"Music and Lyrics" with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore is a charming and funny date movie. Grant plays Alex Fletcher, an 80's has-been music star whose singing partner went on to fame and success while his career fizzled (think Andrew Ridgeley of Wham!, who got to watch George Michael skyrocket to fame after their group broke up). Alex is asked to write a song for a Britney Spears-type star named Cora Corman, and it's a huge opportunity for him. He specializes in music, but he needs a good lyricist.
Barrymore portrays Sophie Fisher, the girl who comes to water Alex's plants while his other helper is away, and she proves to be a sensitive poet and efficient lyricist. Their partnership develops somewhat accidentally, and they compose the song together just in time for the big concert by Cora.
The music is incredibly catchy, and I have found myself singing two of the songs today.
Grant plays a cooler version of his "Four Weddings and a Funeral" character, complete with one-liners and throwaway lines that are perfectly delivered. Barrymore gives a cute and endearing performance as Sophie. Haley Bennett, who plays Cora, is a beautiful and willowy young lady who serves mainly as eye candy, but that's pretty much what the role requires.
As a side note, Hugh Grant is actually a better-than-average singer, and the actors all did their own vocals. I thought the 15-year age difference between the primary actors would make their romance difficult to believe, but it was really not hard at all to see them ending up together.
So, if you are looking for a romantic comedy to enjoy with your own beloved (even though Valentine's Day already passed), check this one out. The songs are catchy, the plot is engaging, and you won't have to think too hard. It's a relaxing film.
Enjoy this 80's-style video which plays during the opening credits:
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Jason..... lol.... I am laughing because I can't remember if I watched this movie. I remember seeing the previews on cable, but I can't remember if I actually watched it... is that old age? rut row... I guess I will have to watch it now... or again.
"All I want to do is find my way back into love..." I still remember the music and lyrics to that song over a year after seeing the movie...that's the sign of good pop writing.
My cool friends will ostracize me for liking this movie, but Jolynne and I saw it. It was sweet, reminded me of writing sessions with other friends (somewhat realistically protrayed, btw), and I thought the pop goddess in the film was awesomely vacuous and bizarre.
Ooops...am I commenting or writing my own review? Perhaps I can play Roeper to your Ebert?
JOEY - I agree that the pop writing was really quite good, and the songs themselves stick in your mind. I am one of your cool friends, and I will not ostracize you, Roeper. The pop goddess was indeed an interesting character.
ANDREW - I think this was probably my favorite Hugh Grant movie as well. I liked him in a couple of other movies, but in this one he seemed more willing to admit his status as an aging star. It was a humble performance, and he's really a decent singer. Drew Barrymore was simply terrific. The other songwriter was a funny side role.
JILL - I like some romantic comedies, but not all. This one was a clever premise and the 80's throwback idea clicked with me. I have seen Nine Months and Notting Hill, and they were both good, too.
VANESSA - Oh, yes, the video is bad. Of course, that's the point since it was 1984. You mean that look is NOT in style? Oh, man....I just stocked up on those items for spring.
MELISSA - I think you will like it. Give it a shot!
JEANEAN - If you like them both, this is probably a "can't miss" movie for you!
ELAINE - I definitely loved "Love Actually", but I haven't seen "About a Boy". I am going to add it to my Netflix queue today! If Elaine likes it, it's probably good.
JAN - You're welcome, and they were some fun evenings.
ALAN - Thanks for your input. Seems like everyone likes this movie.