Back in the 80's, Pop was a popular music group. Then they broke up, and former member Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) has struggled ever sense. In fact, his most exciting career opportunity is a potential appearance on "Battle of the 80's Has Beens."
Alex's manager Chris (Brad Garrett) usually only comes up with nostalgia gigs at fairs, amusement parks, and reunions, and even those are drying up. But then Chris comes up with the potential comeback vehicle. Pop sensation Cora Corman (Haley Bennet) is looking for a new song. Unfortunately, it has to be done in only a few days, and Alex can't write lyrics.
Sophia (Drew Barrymore) has recently started watering Alex's plants, and her mutterings while he's working on the song show she has a wonderful way with lyrics. He immediately enlists her to write the lyrics for the songs. While she resists at first, she eventually gives in and the two begin to work on the perfect love song. And sparks begin to fly between them. Will this turn into something more?
This is a charming, witty romantic comedy. The movie not only mines the situations for laughs, but also provides some truly funny lines. The movie even mocks 80's music (especially in the hilarious Pop music video that opens the film) and today's pop divas as well.
The story has heart, too. While the plot is mostly predictable, that doesn't make it any less entertaining. The characters are charming, and I came to care for them and I did choke up a time or two as well.
All the actors are in top form. Not only can Hugh Grant act, but he can sing as well. Drew Barrymore isn't quite as good a singer, but she does ok when the job is required. New comer Haley Bennet is hilarious as the new agey pop sensation. I was surprised to find that Brad Garrett mostly plays the straight man here with fewer of the funny lines then I'd expected. He does a great job with the little screen time he does have. Kristen Johnston plays Sophia's sister who has a major crush on Alex, and is absolutely hilarious in the role.
Music plays a major part in the movie. There are several 80's style hits here. They sound like 80's cheese without being truly annoying. And the song Alex and Sophia work on is a beautiful modern duet that would indeed be a hit today. Frankly, I'm quite tempted to go out and get the soundtrack.
The movie's PG-13 rating comes mainly from the sexually suggestive dance moves done by the singers. If you've watched music videos in the last couple of years, I don't think there's anything here you haven't already seen. Still, I would have enjoyed it more if parts of them had been left on the editing room floor.
The audience I watched this with laughed the entire way through. It really is heart warming and entertaining.
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