Movie Review: Music and Lyrics

Title: Music and Lyrics

Starring: Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore

Release Date: February 14, 2007

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 96 minutes

Storyline: Hugh Grant plays a washed up 80s pop star with a gift for melodies, but no clue about lyrics. He accepts an offer to compose a chart-topping hit for the latest teen singing sensation, Cora. Enter Drew Barrymore at just the right moment. As sparks fly between the two, so do the lyrics.

Cheesy music videos set to cheesy pop music is just one of the great things that came out of the 80s. The opening scene of Music and Lyrics features an insanely hilarious and super cheesy music video that really sets the tone of the movie.

Remember 'Wham!'? Everyone knows who George Michael is, but who was that other guy? In Music and Lyrics, Hugh Grant plays Alex Fletcher, aka 'that other guy' from the 80s group 'POP!' The band split up and one guy went on to fortune and fame as a solo act. The other guy lived in obscurity until he figured out he could still have a small scale career cashing in on his 80's fame by playing theme parks, shopping malls, and reunions. Alex hasn't written a song since POP! broke up, so he jumps at the chance to write a song for a hot new female singer, Cora. The only problem is he is good with melody, but crap at writing lyrics. He needs a lyricist, but instead gets quirky Sophie (Drew Barrymore) with her non-stop nonsense and chit chat. Hugh must then convince her to write a song with him.

The Good:

Hugh Grant does his usual self-deprecating and charming schtick. He's good at it, and I do find it charming, which is why I like him so much. Surprisingly, Hugh doesn't have too bad of a singing voice. I also loved his live performances and his leftover POP! moves, especially the hip thrust.

The Bad:

The only thing I didn't really like was Drew Barrymore's character's back story regarding her professor. I could have done without the confrontation scene because I thought it was silly and it really didn't add anything to the story. While I love Hugh Grant to pieces, and I like Drew Barrymore, I'm not completely sure I liked them together romantically.

Final Thoughts:

Music and Lyrics is a delightful and fun rom/com that pokes fun of 80s music clichés. Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore manage to turn in great performances. I thought they were both likable and they had really good chemistry. The soundtrack is catchy, and you'll probably find yourself singing along by the end. This is definitely worth watching if you haven't yet. Or if you are like me, I watch it several times a year, or whenever I need a feel good movie that always beings a smile to my face.



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