MEAGAN MAXWELL
Staff Writer
True to its title, “Music and Lyrics” leaves viewers with a smile on their faces and a melody in their heads. This movie, which opened on Valentine’s Day, offers an hour-and-a-half escape from everyday life by enveloping audiences in a sweet romance that develops through the combined talents of the main characters, played by romantic comedy veterans Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore.
The film appropriately ends with the creation of something sweet and innocent — a love song.
Beginning with a music video that displays the ridiculous over use of pelvic thrusts by the popular 80s band “Pop,” the film immediately demands laughter.
No stranger to the date movie genre, Grant fulfills his comedic role as Alex Fletcher, a has-been musician who was worshiped in the 80s but now finds his glory in performing for high school reunions and at theme parks where nostalgic audiences gather to remember the “good old days.”Although content with his status as a has-been, he is offered a chance to step back into the spotlight when a new young pop princess asks him to write a song later named “A Way Back into Love.”
Given only a few days to compose the song, Alex immediately sets out to find a lyricist to work with him. By chance, Sophie Fisher, a quirky employee who waters the office plants, interrupts Alex’s unsuccessful writing session with an interjection of her own brilliant lyrics. Sophie is played by Barrymore, who is known for roles in similar movies such as “50 First Dates” and “Never Been Kissed.” Fletcher is immediately enthused by Sophie’s writing ability and begs her to work with him. Just coming off of a bad breakup, she is reluctant to collaborate with Alex. But after some persuasion Sophie accepts, and the pair gets to work.
The film managed to remain intriguing throughout the entire plot. “Music and Lyrics” even tackles the issue of sexuality perverting the essence of music, and the film effectively uses humor to expose the ridiculousness of today’s popular music. Through the pop superstar character Cora Corman, played by Haley Bennett, the film plays up the tabloid-dominated and over-the-top lives of modern celebrities.
A movie called “Music and Lyrics” could not successfully fulfill the connotations of its title without a few catchy tunes. Although the original songs are not amazing, they are acceptable because the story behind them and the sincerity of emotions are expressed through the music. The most toe-tapping, can’t-get-it-out-of-your-head song is Alex’s second chance at fame, “A Way Back into Love.” Upon leaving the movie theater, audience members could be heard humming the music or singing the lyrics, proving the title was perfect for the film.
“Music and Lyrics” was directed by Marc Lawrence, who also directed Grant in “Two Weeks Notice.” Audience members can expect the same quality of film and a lot of the same humor as in his other hit films. Grant and Barrymore were perfectly cast in their parts. Grant successfully captured the humorous attitude of a has-been, the coldness of a rock star as well as the sensitivity necessary for a likable character in a romantic comedy.
Barrymore’s ability to convey emotions through her eyes created a softness in her loveable character, whose innocent convictions were inaccurately perceived as conniving by the males in the film.
Actor Brad Garrett played Alex’s long time manager and closest friend, adding a comedic sidekick presence to the film. Known for his role as Robert Barone in “Everybody Loves Raymond, ” his familiar monotone voice is perfect for the character he plays.
The production company had the right idea when deciding to release the film on Feb. 14th, because “Music and Lyrics” is the perfect movie to see with a sweetheart. It examines a relationship that succeeds despite difficulties brought on by personality traits and differences. While it keeps viewers laughing throughout the film, it also manages to bring the warmth of an unusual romance to receptive audiences.
“Music and Lyric” is a harmonious mixture of love and laughter that is perfect for the “month of love.”
02-22-2007