Music and Lyrics (2007)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Marc Lawrence

Writer (WGA):

Marc Lawrence (written by)

Release Date:

14 February 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Music | Romance

Tagline:

Share the music with someone you love.

Plot:

A washed up singer is given a couple days to compose a chart-topping hit for an aspiring teen sensation. Though he's never written a decent lyric in his life, he sparks with an offbeat younger woman with a flair for words.

Plot Keywords:

Singer | Lyricist | Concert | Band | Restaurant

Awards:

5 nominations

Cast

Hugh Grant	...	Alex Fletcher
Scott Porter	...	Colin Thompson
Nick Bacon	...	Pop Bass Player
Andrew W. Blakemore	...	Pop Guitar Player (as Andrew Wyatt Blakemore)
Dan McMillan	...	Pop Drummer
Tom Foligno	...	Has-Beens Promo Announcer (voice)
Zak Orth	...	David Newbert - TV Executive #1
Brooke Tansley	...	Janice Stern - TV Executive #2
Daniel Stewart Sherman	...	Willy
Brad Garrett	...	Chris Riley
Aasif Mandvi	...	Khan
Drew Barrymore	...	Sophie Fisher
Haley Bennett	...	Cora Corman
Matthew Morrison	...	Ray
Jason Antoon	...	Greg Antonsky

Also Known As:

Music and Lyrics by... (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some sexual content.

Runtime:

USA:96 min | Philippines:105 min | Hong Kong:104 min | Argentina:106 min | Croatia:95 min (DVD)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS | SDDS

Certification:

USA:PG-13 | Ireland:PG | Malaysia:U | Hong Kong:IIA | Australia:PG | Germany:o.Al. | Canada:PG (Ontario) | South Korea:12 | Philippines:PG-13 (MTRCB) | Singapore:PG (edited version) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | UK:PG | Argentina:Atp | Netherlands:AL | Finland:S | Denmark:A | New Zealand:PG | Portugal:M/12 | Sweden:Btl

Filming Locations:

201 West 72nd Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Castle Rock Entertainment

Trivia:

When Alex and Sophie are in the record store discussing his solo album, the song on in the store is "Radiation Vibe" by Fountains of Wayne. Their bassist, Adam Schlesinger, wrote the score and most of the original music in the movie.

Goofs:

Continuity: During the scene at the City Bakery, both cups change positions many times (Just look at the logos on them) and so do the positions of the characters' hands.

Quotes:

Cora Corman: If it's meant to be, it will be. It's destiny . . . or not.

Movie Connections:

References Brick (2005)

Soundtrack:

Rose Room

Charming, witty, and lighthearted comedy

There are already 222 reviews of this movie, so the chances of anyone ever reading this are slim. However, I'm a sucker for a longshot. (so if you read this review, please give it a thumbs up or a thumbs down...I'm curious to know if anyone will ever read this, buried under more than 200 other reviews)

When a friend suggested we rent this movie, my initial reaction was, "NO!! It's a chick flick. And besides, it's got Hugh Grant in it. Those are two really big strikes against it." However, and remember my fondness for longshots, the movie also casts Drew Barrymore in the other lead role. I couldn't resist.

To my complete surprise, both actors were excellent, and Hugh Grant doesn't have a bad singing voice. To be honest, if he and Drew Barrymore wanted to record an album of pop songs, I think it could do quite well. Her strength is that she is perky and funny, and that compensates for lack of trained vocal talent. Sometimes you DON'T want to hear Barbra Streisand.

Here's the quickie plot summary: Hugh Grant was in a popular band of the 1980s, and now he's reduced to playing for embarrassing venues like shopping malls, amusement parks, and High School reunions. When a Britney Spears-type singer wants him to write her new single, his life changes completely, but only due to Drew Barrymore's help.

I now judge movies in part by how my European friends would react to them. I have to admit that some American movies are a little corny, but this movie passed the test with flying colors. A friend from Slovakia not only loved the movie, he insisted on watching the trailers and special scenes.... twice! It was a welcome relief to actually be proud of a Hollywood movie.

I now have new-found respect for Hugh Grant, and my admiration for Drew Barrymore is higher than ever. She sure has a lot of talent for playing someone with pluck and a little bit of endearing wackiness.