Music and Lyrics
Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant), a washed-up ’80s pop star who's been reduced to working the nostalgia circuit at county fairs and amusement parks gets a chance at a comeback when reigning diva Cora Corman (Haley Bennett) invites him to write and record a duet with her. However, there’s a slight 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 quirky plant lady, whose flair for words strikes a chord with the struggling songwriter. On the rebound from a bad relationship, Sophie is reluctant to collaborate with anyone, especially commitment-phobic Alex. As their chemistry heats up at the piano, Alex and Sophie will have to face their fears – and the music – if they want to find the love and success they both deserve.
Member Reviews
awesomely fun - tylerwharper
We loved MUSIC AND LYRICS! The language was clean and the story, although formulaic in plot, was heartwarming and cute.
Hugh Grant was enjoyable as Alex Fletcher, and his character had lots of snarky and witty comments that we found amusing. We were quite surprised to know that he and Drew Barrymore did their own vocals on the soundtrack. They both have decent singing voices!
Drew Barrymore was endearing and charming as Sophie, and this was one of few Barrymore films we enjoyed. Her character's sincerity is sweet and believable, and you can't help but love her.
Kristen Johnston and Brad Garrett were fun supporting characters, too. Their characters were fun foils to Alex and Sophie.
Our favorite moments, however, were found in the musical numbers. The opening sequence of the film -- "Pop Goes My Heart!" -- was catchy, fun and stereotypically '80's. It was great!Intelligent Comedic Dialogue - Stitch
The one-liners alone are worth the watch here; there’s a bunch and for once they target an adult audience that can appreciate clever repartee without the icings of profanity, vulgarity or sexual innuendo. Add to this a plot that is not offensively juvenile and a cast that genuinely enjoys their work, and you have a recipe for a light and refreshing ninety-plus minutes.
No, it’s not reality, it’s fun. Hugh Grant handles his role effortlessly and hams up the musical routines sufficiently to divert us from his modest rock star talent. We forgive him; he doesn’t take himself seriously so neither do we. Drew Barrymore is a great choice as the love interest; she does light comedy extremely well but can deliver a more serious emotion on demand. Parenthetically, one reviewer remarked on the age difference (15 years). My bride is 17 years younger and we’ve been together for 33. Happily.
Lawrence’s previous dual role as writer and director gave us Two Weeks Notice, not nearly as enjoyable. And it’s my opinion the difference is with the female lead; here Barrymore as foil is much more empathetic. Bulloch does not do vulnerable as well. Haley Bennett as Cora reminds me of a young Ellen Barkin. Will be interesting to see how she fares next; apparently under contract for two more movies.
Marc Lawrence has written and realized an entertaining diversion. No, it’s not one that will stick in my memory for long but every time I see a piano I’ll recall, ‘Yes, I think she's up now’. No one can deliver off-beat lines like Grant and I hope he keeps doing it for years to come. Clichéd? Of course, but the film never pretends to be serious so they don’t grate.
In summary, an entertaining romantic comedy that will probably appeal more to women. But this senior approached it with some caution and hung around to chuckle throughout. Recommended.Sweet - FilmJunkie
In recent years Hugh Grant has taken to playing the cad in most of his films. In the 90's he was the stuttering charmer, but in the 21st century he has become the arsehole. However here he breaks from that type to play a has-been 80's pop star trying to rekindle his career.
It might seen a prime opportunity to play a jerk, however Grant plays the role as a man who is happy to have what he does have rather than being bitter about what he doesn't have. It is an unexpected choice, but one that works. Especially since Grant is paired with the ever-cheerful Drew Barrymore.
I didn't expect to like this pairing. I love both of them separately and in other pairings, but I never thought that the sardonic Grant would work with the peppy Barrymore, however they surprised me. The chemistry between them is clear from the get-go.
The film is basically the story of the two of them attempting to write a pop song for a ridiculous pop star and in that area it lacks. The pop star, Cora (Hayley Bennett), is completely unbelievable. Where Grant's 80's band, Pop, is a comedic but also quite realistic depiction of that era's music scene, Cora is instead trying to mock too many stars and thus it loses the effect. She is at once the religious inclinations of Madonna, the ignorance of Britney, a weak impression of Shakira's dancing, with the costumes of Christina. And yet with all these influences, the actress herself has none of the charisma of any of these. Barrymore and Grant outshine her at every turn, and thus we can never really buy that she is the biggest star on earth.
Ultimately, I was entertained by this rom-com. I like Grant and Barrymore together. It is a much sweeter movie than I expected and that was a nice surprise. Plus, the Pop music video is one of the funniest things I have ever seen Hugh Grant do.
Member Reviews
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awesomely fun - tylerwharper
We loved MUSIC AND LYRICS! The language was clean and the story, although formulaic in plot, was heartwarming and cute.
Hugh Grant was enjoyable as Alex Fletcher, and his character had lots of snarky and witty comments that we found amusing. We were ...Intelligent Comedic Dialogue - Stitch
The one-liners alone are worth the watch here; there’s a bunch and for once they target an adult audience that can appreciate clever repartee without the icings of profanity, vulgarity or sexual innuendo. Add to this a plot that is not offensively juvenile ...Sweet - FilmJunkie
In recent years Hugh Grant has taken to playing the cad in most of his films. In the 90's he was the stuttering charmer, but in the 21st century he has become the arsehole. However here he breaks from that type to play a has-been 80's pop star trying to ...