"That's wonderfully sensitive... especially from a man who wears such tight pants."

Music and Lyrics
2007; USA; 96 min.

Director: Marc Lawrence
Screenplay: Marc Lawrence
Music: various writers

Cast:
Hugh Grant - Alex Fletcher
Drew Barrymore - Sophie Fisher
Brad Garrett - Chris Riley
Hayley Bennett - Cora Corman
Kristen Johnston - Rhonda
Campbell Scott - Sloan Cates

I couldn't resist watching "Music and Lyrics" for about the fourth time when it was on HBO. This is definitely one of my favorite movies ever! The genre of this movie is romantic comedy - which I have said before is my favorite. The story is about Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant), an old popstar from the 80s, whose career is practically over. Alex's one last shot at fame is to write a hit song to be performed with Cora Corman (Hayley Bennett), who is more popular than "Britney and Christina put together." When we find out that Alex can't write his own lyrics, he encounters Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), his plant watering lady, who has a magical talent for writing. The story goes on to examine both Sophie and Alex's pasts. (There is much more to the story than this - I just don't want to give it all away!) The casting in this film is absolutely fantastic! Hugh Grant does an outstanding job as Alex - he's charismatic, has a great voice, and he's also gorgeous. Drew Barrymore also has a personality that seems to fit her physical appearance. She plays the part of Sophie fabulously - you can almost imagine that she is somewhat like her character. Hayley Bennett's character, Cora Corman, is hilarious - she's a buddha-loving, wheatgrass drinking self-proclaimed "spiritual" type, yet at the same time she's a promiscuous tween idol.

When I began watching the film with my new "film eyes," I was able to notice things that I wouldn't have noticed prior to my Art of Film enlightenment. In the beginning of the film, there's one shot where the camera is looking into Alex's apartment through a window divided into three sections. It's clearly visible that Alex is standing the the left section and Sophie in the right section, with the middle window pane empty. This is demonstrative of the space between them in the beginning of the plot. As the film goes on and their relationship develops, Alex and Sophie are standing closer and closer to each other. Also, in one scene when there is conflict in the plot, Alex and Sophie are standing over a New York skyline with a tower separating them. (This film gives the viewer a great sense of the NYC atmosphere!) I was surprised at cinematic elements such as these because I don't really think of "Music and Lyrics" as a "quality film," but more of a movie. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love it and highly recommend it! I also happen to love the film's soundtrack. As cheesy as some of the songs may be, they have great rhythm, and of course, lyrics. Funny and sweet, "Music and Lyrics" is an outstanding film that I would suggest to anyone.

iRate: 5/5 tight pants
Trailer:http://video.google.com/videosearchq=music+and+lyrics+trailer&hl=en&emb=0&aq=f#