March 1, 2007

Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant give us yet another romantic comedy called Music and Lyrics. Hugh plays Alex Fletcher, an 80's pop star who seems content scrapping by on his former glory perfoming anywhere he can get booked (mainly fairs and parks). Drew plays Sophie Fisher, a slightly neurotic quirky character who has very little social grace so her foot ends up in her mouth often. Alex gets the chance to come back from musical obscurity and wants it. All he has to do is write a new duet for the current "flavor of the moment" teen pop star, Cora Corman. The problem is he has about 3 days to do this and he's a horrible writer. During the song writing process, Sophie's off watering the plants and can't help chiming in. Before she knows it, she's part of the process.

Throughtout the movie you get all the staples of a romantic comedy. Funny and flawed characters, the first meet, the attraction build up, the inevitable fight, realization of feelings, the over-the-top win back gesture and a happy ending. It's a simple, silly, feel good movie. Drew and Hugh are known for these types of roles and are quite successful at them. Drew is slightly odd and always lovable. Even when she's confronting an issue from the past, you can't help but laugh at her reaction. And no one does light-hearted, witty sarcasm better than Hugh. Plus, they work well with each other.

You do end up laughing all through the movie. How can you not when you see Hugh in the Wham! 80's imitation band called Pop! ? The movie is silly and yes, predictable. It's definitely not the best movie out there. However, if you're looking to laugh and be entertained without expecting much, then this movie delivers. Sometimes you need silliness, you know? It made me laugh. I was entertained for that hour and a half. Mission accomplished.