Music and Lyrics - Film Review

If you're a 1980's pop music fan there is finally a movie in the theaters that's for you. "Music And Lyrics," is essentially a story about an aging 'Where Are They Now," 80's pop star trying to regain some music chart glory. Hugh Grant is Alex Fletcher, the ex lead singer of the group POP whose partner has gone on to mega fame and glory after the split of the band. POP, the band, is a bit of a snip of all the best of the 80's super groups. At the beginning of the film we are treated to the band's 'music video.' It is clearly reminiscent of Wham, Duran Duran, A-Ha and others that had that handsome glossy 'pop' fun look. The music video is cheesy and you will laugh in spite of yourself, ah the memories.

Some of the most engaging scenes in the film are Grant playing State Fair's, hotel conventions, etc. The kind of places down-on-your-luck ex superstars play: no, I'm not naming any names. They know who they are. His audience is no longer the teen scene. They are older as is Fletcher, but still hardcore teenybopper screamers. Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond) is Fletcher's manager who introduces him to the latest pop sensation of the day Cora (Haley Bennett). One name, you know like Cher, Madonna and Shakira. She is basically a Britney type of performer who is searching for that next big song. She acquires Fletcher's service and gives him 36 hours to write a new hit. Her stipulation is, she's put him in competition with other washed up 80's pop stars. Cora will record the best version of the duet. The main problem for Fletcher is, he's not much of a lyricist. Enter Drew Barrymore as Sophie Fisher. She subs for his 'plant person' who stumbles into his life and apartment. Her assignment, just water his plants. She is however as Fletcher soon finds out is a fledgling 'work in progress' writer/lyricist, and a damn good one.

Surprise! They hook up and write the song. It's a good song, it's a hit song, they fall in love, there's a bit of drama, you know the drill. What you may not know is, the movie is entertaining and light, and I mean light in a good way. It's a sweet romantic comedy. Grant and Barrymore have undeniable screen chemistry. Watching this film it isn't hard to imagine they actually like each other and had fun filming the movie. Grant, always the English charmer, is in good form here. That's no surprise. And Barrymore is endearing as Fisher. Her character becomes a bit deeper as the story moves along but she and the film doesn't lose its focus or fun.

An added bonus is Grant and Barrymore actually do their own singing. Which is rather refreshing after hearing all the polished pop and studio gadgetry we're used to. No, they're not the best singers around but it does lend credence to the story. Bottom line, if you're looking for a movie that will make you laugh a little, look back fondly on your lost 80's pop favs, you'll like "Music And Lyrics." Grant's hippy hippy shake will bring a smile to your face and the songs will be playing in your head. And that's a good thing. As a footnote, make sure you sit through the end credits. There are some hysterical 'pop up video' moments and comments as the music video from the band re-plays. Sometimes nostalgia is an awesomely fun thing.