Publicity
Stills of "Music And Lyrics"
(Courtesy from GV)
Genre:
Romance/Comedy Director: Marc Lawrence Cast: Hugh Grant, Drew Barrymore, Brad Garrett,
Kristen Johnston, Campbell Scott, Haley Bennett RunTime: 1 hr 44 mins Released By: GV Rating: PG Official Website:www.musicandlyricsmovie.co.uk
Alex Fletcher (HUGH GRANT) is a washed-up ‘80s
pop star who’s been reduced to working the nostalgia
circuit at county fairs and amusement parks. The charismatic
and talented musician gets a chance at a comeback when reigning
pop diva Cora Corman invites him to write and record a duet
with her, but there’s a problem—Alex hasn’t
written a song in years, he’s never written lyrics…and
he has to come up with a hit in a matter of days. Enter Sophie
Fisher (DREW BARRYMORE), Alex’s beguilingly quirky plant
lady, whose flair for words strikes a chord with the struggling
songwriter. On the rebound from a bad relationship with the
newly famous novelist Sloan Cates (CAMPBELL SCOTT), Sophie
is reluctant to collaborate with anyone, especially commitment-phobe
Alex. As their chemistry heats up at the piano and under it,
Alex and Sophie will have to face their fears—and the
music—if they want to find the love and success they
both deserve.
Movie Review:
There are films like Pan’s Labyrinth which
will be lauded by critics across the land while there are
popcorn movies like Music and Lyrics which, well, let’s
face it, will not win a single Oscar statuette.
It
may even invite harsh comments from self-important reviewers
for being a predictable sugar-coated romantic comedy.
But
the smiles of delight it brought to this reviewer more than
makes up for this flaw. Another reason this movie works like
charm is its delectable leads – Hugh Grant and Drew
Barrymore.
Grant
plays a down-and-out ex-boyband member (the opening sequence
featuring a cheesy 1980-style music video is a hoot) who is
about to get his big break. All he needs to do is write a
song for an immensely popular sexy pop star. Enter Barrymore’s
character who writes the lyrics. Cue their lovey-dovey moments.
Arrange for some tiffs between the two leads. Conclude the
movie with some sweet gesture made by the guy to woo back
the girl.
That
about sums up the 104-minute movie.
This
plot is definitely not the most original we have seen, but
we somewhat enjoy praising ourselves for correctly predicting
what is going to happen next. There is some attempt to go
philosophical with Barrymore explaining how people only notices
the music at first listen, but will eventually get to know
the song better by paying attention to the lyrics. She says
that music is like sex while lyrics make you know someone
else better.
Now,
that is deep.
Good
thing the movie ultimately steered back to its original cheesy
course by ditching attempts to go heavy on emotions. After
all, it is meant to be a go-easy pleasant flick to appeal
to the masses.
Then
there is the part where the filmmakers threw in several very
welcoming tunes like “Way Back into Love” and
“Don’t Write Me Off” to entice the romantic
die-hard in you. While tunes like “Pop! Goes My Heart!”
by Grant is a nostalgic homage to music from the 1980s; “Buddha’s
Delight” is a laugh-out-loud parody to today’s
techno-zen dance tracks.
The loveable cast is also why this movie is a pleasure to
sit through. Grant’s magnetic charisma and Barrymore’s
ditsy cuteness make them one of the most appealing on-screen
couples ever. Grant’s spouts of witty one-liners also
made us chuckle quite a bit. There is also newcomer Haley
Bennett, who plays the booty-licious siren ala Shakira. Her
fluid gyrates and slinks are a pleasure to the male viewer’s
eyes.
Kudos
to director Marc Lawrence (Miss Congeniality, Two Weeks Notice),
who also wrote the script to this perfect date movie. There
is nothing more lovely and enjoyable than spending your time
and money on a movie that brings with it smiles and laughs.
Movie
Rating:
(A sure-win crowd-pleaser which features charming performances
and songs, thanks to the ever-appealing Hugh Grant and Drew
Barrymore)
