Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore cook up some sweet Music. And Lyrics.
Written: Aug 10 '07
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good leads, solid script, fun romantic comedy.
Cons: None.
The Bottom Line: Don't make fun of the Flock of Seagulls hair. That was my 8th Grade yearbook photo!
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| JediKermit's Full Review: Music and Lyrics |
When it comes right down to it, I like romantic comedies. They're cheesy and predictable, but so is a lot of the sci-fi and drama that I enjoy watching when it's my choice. So yesterday when it was my wife's choice, and she wanted to watch "Music and Lyrics," I figured it would be a pretty safe bet. I've come to like Drew Barrymore over the last few years, and I usually think Hugh Grant is funny, if kind of twitchy and flinchy.
The basic premise is that Hugh Grant is Alex Fletcher, who used to be the less-famous half of "POP," an eighties band who broke up in the early nineties. He's still able to make a living performing at high school reunions and amusement parks, and it's never quite clear if he finds it as demeaning as we're meant to. He's given a chance at a resurrected career by writing a song for the Next Big Thing, a booty-shaker named Cora. His agent (Brad Garrett) makes it clear that this is his last chance at the big time, so Alex has a week to write one more hit song. Alex actually has some musical talent--he can write melodies and hooks and knows his music. But he struggles with lyrics. Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore) stops by to water his plants, and interrupts a lyric-writing session with her own suggestions. One thing leads to another, and they end up writing the hit song. It's more complicated than that, but that's the basic plot.
I enjoyed this movie. Aside from the predictability, there were some nice twists and turns, and the performances (including the singing) were enjoyable. The clips from Fletcher's early days with "POP!" were very funny, but the movie isn't quite in the same "Mock the 80's" groove as "The Wedding Singer" was. Both Grant and Barrymore show a vulnerability in their characters that's endearing, and both are charming enough that we fall in love with each of them before they fall for each other.
Is it weird that there are decades separating Grant and Barrymore? I thought I'd be uncomfortable with it, but the movie sets up a precedent for her falling for older men, and she's clearly an adult, so there's nothing too creepy about it. Right?
There are some scathing indictments of the current state of the music industry, but also some defense of pop music. Sophie and Alex debate the value of literature, music, and entertainment, and although they could have taken it further than they did and most people consider that a throwaway conversation, I'm glad they included it in the movie. There might be more to this booty-shaking than I thought.
If you're in the mood for a romantic comedy, and you're a fan of either Hugh Grant or Drew Barrymore, you'd enjoy "Music and Lyrics." It's well-written and performed, and you'll find yourself singing along at some point during the movie. And then you'll be really embarrassed.
Recommended:
Yes
Movie Mood: Date Movie
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Epinions.com ID:
JediKermit
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 in Movies, Kids & Family, Books |
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Member: Quinn
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Reviews written: 2136
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Books, Movies, and Toys. Is there more to life?
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