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166 out of 180 people found the following review useful: Cheesy and proud of it, 12 February 2007 Author: Chris Docker (eyeforfilm) from Scotland, United Kingdom
Let's face it, often we go to the cinema for a bit of inconsequential fun. In case you were in any doubt, Music and Lyrics kicks off with an 80s-style Wham-like video of a band called as 'PoP'. Firmly tongue in retro-chic, Hugh Grant is Alex Fletcher, the washed-up has-been now playing the nostalgia circuit for middle-aged housewives. He meets bubbly Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore) who waters the plants in his apartment but has a knack for writing lyrics. This saves his day when current pop-diva princess Cora asks him to write and record a duet with her.Chances are you are now reaching for the vomit bag or saying that maybe sounds like quite a giggle. If you can stomach the idea of Hugh Grant singing his own songs and staging a come back then rest assured, this is a very polished and unsubstantial rom-com. He and Drew Barrymore propel the movie with energy, wit and a warm, lovable enthusiasm. While perhaps doing little more than playing new aspects of themselves, it is a delightful performance, and one backed up with catchy songs, a fabulous debut by Haley Bennett (Cora) and a heartfelt, realistic script.Cora is a sort of teenage megastar, somewhere between Shakira, Britney Spears and a youthful Madonna. Her elaborate stage-shows have a 'Buddhism & thong'(mysticism and sex) philosophy. Here, as with Alex and Sophie, the echelons of the music world seem realistically portrayed. While the matches seem unbelievable at first, by the end of the film we want Hugh and Drew to continue their romance offstage, just as with classic romance films of the 30s, so by any mainstream yardstick, Music and Lyrics is a success. The film is as unpretentious as its two lead actors, makes no great claims, and satisfies Valentine's Day release requirements with a sincerity that takes it a notch above the average cheese. Casting is spot-on, even down to Sophie's older (and much larger) sister, who has similar characteristics and mannerisms. It's easy viewing, and even contains nothing unsuitable for older children. If you want more sophisticated and substantial fare, you probably don't need film reviews to find your way to the nearest art-house cinema or Oscar blockbuster. But for straight enjoyment, Music and Lyrics slides down like a very reasonable glass of rich chardonnay. Silly, formulaic, but rather well done.
144 out of 165 people found the following review useful: Interesting and funny movie, 8 February 2007 Author: cegeon from United States
I must warn you -- Being a guy, I had pretty low expectations to begin with. However, there were a couple of things I enjoyed:1) The movie was funny. -- Hugh Grant's one-sentence witty remarks came out natural and funny. -- Their ability to poke fun of two distinct musical decades could be better, but still turned out pretty funny. 2) The plot was novel (at least to me). -- "Meshing" the two music periods (the 80's and today) in the same movie provided a good way to contrast the two styles. -- Since I'm not so familiar with the music industry, I enjoyed the "behind the scenes" with the trial and error of coming up with lyrics (at least in the way the movie portrays it.) Other than that, it was the typical "chic-flick." Guy has problem with girl, he says some bad things, stir up some emotional scene and the usual -- will they get back together? Other than that, if you're just looking for a good laugh, I'd give it a go!
125 out of 144 people found the following review useful: Surprisingly good fun - better than you'd think., 6 February 2007 Author: buster1976 from United Kingdom
I've just read the first review on here and I'm a little surprised at the things it said but as always, these things are only an opinion. Anyway, I went to the World Premiere last night and here's what I thought.The plot is fairly simple - Hugh Grant plays a washed out 80s pop star with a flair for melodies but no clue about lyrics. Cue the dizzy plant-girl (do people really have a plant-girl??) Drew Barrymore who can throw lyrics together without a problem. The relationship between Drew and Hugh is built well - especially when you remember that Drew is 31 and Hugh is 47. There's nothing wrong with such a gap, I'm simply saying the chemistry is there (or they would have looked a little creepy).Haley Bennett plays Cora, a Britney/Christina/Shakira mish-mash who is looking to do a duet with Hugh's character. She is brilliant at the shallow, superficial teen-nymphette and it's a surprise to see that it's her first feature. And check out her costumes! The soundtrack is good fun - pretend 80s songs mix with Cora's modern pop and the Hugh/Drew demo track is nice too. One of the songs sounds a bit like The Whitlams. The spoken section at the very start of the film sounded awful but the rest was fine - maybe the cinema's problem but I was in the Odeon Leicester Square....The editing seemed a tiny bit, er, clunky at times - scenes cut into each other messily and dialogue at one point seemed to be cut short. It hadn't been but it just sounded that way at the time.I didn't expect to like the film that much - I only went as I fancy Drew to bits (and having seen her close up I'm right to!) but both my girlfriend and I came out laughing and humming the main song. It's genuinely as good as any other Hugh Grant film and is another great performance from Drew (though it doesn't get near Wedding Singer or Doppelganger (joking about Doppelganger)). It's well worth going to see at the cinema and is a proper feel good rom-com. There's no shame in it for us fellas as Drew is nice to look at, as is Haley. My girlfriend loved it.
107 out of 129 people found the following review useful: I liked it., 7 February 2007 Author: LDGcoolest from Quincy, Massachusetts, USA
From the moment the movie started it was apparent that it was going to be cute. The opening sequence is a hoot and must have been incredibly fun for Hugh Grant. I, as well as the most of the audience started laughing as soon as the movie came on. First time watching a movie that I didn't even notice the opening credits. I really liked the chemistry between Grant and Barrymore. They played well against each other. I could do without the woman from Third Rock From the Sun. I find that she acts a tad too cartoonish in her show/films and this one is no exception. Nice to see Brad Garrett in a straight role. I love the fact that actors and actresses are doing their own singing. I like movies that don't stop at the end of the movie, but have fun things to watch during the closing credits. I suggest you stay for them.
90 out of 104 people found the following review useful: Lightweight but uplifting comedy, 10 February 2007 Author: toncasgirl from United Kingdom
I'll admit it, I love this film! OK, the plot line is thinner than paint stripper, the lines more mildly amusing than witty, and the acting isn't going to win any Oscars, BUT...it's one of those movies that just makes you feel good. Right from the hilarious opening, showing Hugh's make-believe band "Pop" in their "MTV/VH1" hit video "Pop Goes My Heart", you can't help but smile. Obviously it is especially amusing for those of us who lived through the pop excesses of the 80s, but I have to say the teens in the audience seemed to enjoy it too.All the songs are pure cheese (and incredibly infectious), which coupled with some amusing lines, a very lovable Hugh Grant, a very cute Drew Barrymore, and fabulous supporting roles from Kristen Johnston and Aasif Mandvi make this movie a great romantic comedy for those of us who actually enjoy a "bit of fluff".
74 out of 78 people found the following review useful: Charming, witty, and lighthearted comedy, 3 September 2007 Author: pachl from Illinois
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.
67 out of 80 people found the following review useful: An unexpected pleasure, 11 February 2007 Author: midwifejean from United Kingdom
It seems odd for me to give such a high rating for romantic comedy as I always find them frothy and lightweight. Yet I found this wonderfully pleasurable. Hugh grant may have been in his usual role of self depreciating charming English Gent who is living on his past pop star glory but the dialogue and one liners gave his role substance. He more than gave justice to them by his superb timing. Drew Barrimore also fell into the part as a woman who comes to feed the plants and ends up feeding ideas to him for a song in which he cant complete. The acting was spot on, the one liners witty but I think it was the music added joy to the film. As he said in the film don't quote me on this but something like " there is nothing like a good song for lifting your spirits in a second." I left this film feeling happy not only for the characters but in myself.!
70 out of 87 people found the following review useful: A charming romantic comedy that entertains from start to finish, 11 February 2007 Author: Sniper_Wolf_86 from United Kingdom
Music & Lyrics is a great romantic comedy. Hugh Grant plays the charming English guy role effortlessly as ever and Drew Barrymore demonstrates great comedic timing and brings a sweetness to the part and together, the two have a believable chemistry. The age gap isn't an issue when you watch the movie because it just seems right that these two characters should get together.What sets Music & Lyrics apart from other rom-coms is the music. The music is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the movie. There are three main characters in Music & Lyrics, Grant's Alex, Barrymore's Sophie and the soundtrack which is enjoyable and deceptively catchy. I came out of the cinema and i had the lyrics to the main song "A way back into love" in my head for hours after the movie had ended.Mix all this together and throw in great supporting performances from Kristen Johnston & Brad Garrett and you get a sweet movie that will definitely make you smile.
71 out of 89 people found the following review useful: Delightful!, 15 February 2007 Author: davemelw from United States
I was pleased when I finished this movie... normally by the end of most romantic movies my legs ache from non-use and I have just enjoyed a nice little nap.I found Music and Lyrics to be charming and clever.... Hugh Grant gives a great crisp delivery on his very witty lines... good interaction between he and Barrymore, some well-timed jokes and a heartfelt ending make this a nice date movie that did not follow the norm in it's character. Here is where a few things were different1. The main male character was a not a womanizer charmed out of that life 2. The two characters had no secret shame to be revealed halfway through the movie 3. He did not cheat on her... then they got together in the endHe just did... as Sophie Fisher's sister in the movie, says "Something Extraordinary" to win her love.See it.. you will smile!
70 out of 107 people found the following review useful: Grant and Barrymore, 8 February 2007 Author: steph4 from atlanta, ga
I'm a fan of Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. Their personalities alone are enough to carry a movie. And such is definitely the case with Music and Lyrics. Hugh Grant's self-deprecating, dry sense of humor charms. And Drew Barrymore's slightly daffy girl-next-door shtick lights up the screen. These two could read me an economics book and I'd be entertained.Music and Lyrics has its moments (campy '80s videos, shots at reality shows and pop divas), but overall, the story isn't as good as its stars. And while I love Grant and Barrymore separately, I'm not sure I love them together. Each of their personalities seems somewhat compromised in Music and Lyrics -- as if Grant's sarcasm and Barrymore's sweetness are both toned down. They meet somewhere in the middle, and it's very pleasant...but it's not as good as it could have been. Music and Lyrics is very much along the lines of Two Weeks Notice (both are written and directed by Marc Lawrence).Bottom line: it's light fluff with some engaging stars, fun pop culture mockery and a song that will stick with you (like it or not!)
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