For more movie summaries, see Kam's Kapsules.
 WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE LYRICS I WROTE?: Rock star Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant, right) is having a difference of opinion over the choice of words for the lyrics for the song he is writing with his lyricist, who just happens to be his substitute plant waterer, Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore). |
Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) skyrocketed to fame as a lead singer for Pop, a British band which enjoyed a string of hits back in the eighties, starting with "Pop Goes My Heart." The group reached the top of the charts with the help of music videos that made teenage girls go ga-ga over the guys' gyrations. At the peak of their success, the quintet went their separate ways after the other front man, Colin (Scott Porter), decided to embark on a solo career.
At that point, the fortunes of the two heartthrobs diverged, as Alex's career plummeted while Colin's continued to flourish. Fast forward to the present, where we learn that Colin has been knighted by the Queen and Alex is languishing on the fringes of show business.
He now lives in New York City in relative obscurity, represented by his constant companion Chris (Brad Garrett), an enthusiastic but ineffective agent with one client. The only bookings he can find are at amusement parks, high school reunions, and on a reality-TV show designed for over-the-hill icons called "Battle of the Eighties Has Beens."
Then, when Alex has resigned himself to life on a circuit that would have him performing at Great Adventures, Knotts Berry Farm, and Busch Gardens, a shot at a comeback arrives out of the blue. Cora (Haley Bennett), the hot new singing sensation was a big fan of Alex as a child and wants to record a duet with him for her next single. The catch is that the young diva (whose act looks an awful lot like Shakira's) expects him to write the song and to have it ready in six days.
Out of desperation, Alex accepts the challenge, not letting on that he hasn't composed a tune in years. Because he has never written lyrics, he feverishly looks about for a partner with whom to collaborate. As fate would have it, Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), his substitute plant waterer(!), has an uncanny knack for rhyming almost anything. And, from by the way that Alex and Sophie's eyes locked when they first met it's obvious that they're fated to fall in love.
This transparent premise provides the basis of the plot for Music and Lyrics, a charming romantic romp which is the funniest film of the year so far. The movie was written and directed by Marc Lawrence who was a screenwriter for Miss Congeniality (2000). Here, Lawrence has crafted a more sophisticated screenplay and placed it in the hands of a very capable cast.
The casting of Hugh Grant opposite Drew Barrymore was a stroke of genius, both in terms of chemistry and comedy. His trademark self deprecating vulnerability is the perfect foil for her scatterbrained zaniness, and their witty repartee is reminiscent of the best of the badinage between Hepburn and Tracy.
The supporting players are equally inspired, especially a couple of colorful characters played by seasoned TV alumni, multiple Emmy winners Brad Garrett of Everybody Loves Raymond, and Kristen Johnston of 3rd Rock from the Sun. The gargantuan Garrett exhibits an exquisite sense of timing as Alex's wheeler-dealer agent/sidekick, and the Rubenesque Johnston steals every scene she is in as Sophie's star-struck big sister.
Thanks to the pithy dialogue and the retrospective humor about big hair bands, be prepared to laugh throughout the duration of this delightful romantic comedy.
Excellent 4 stars. Rated PG-13 for sex content. Running time: 96 minutes. Studio: Warner Brothers.
For more movie summaries, see Kam's Kapsules.