Rarely does a film come along that is cute for adults. As a romantic comedy, ‘Music and Lyrics’ is a balance of romance and comedy. How is this possible? Hugh Grant as Alex Fletcher, an ex-POP! star and Drew Barrymore as Sophie Fisher, a plant waterer/poet. They are different and yet complement each other. This film is about a couple that literally makes music together.
In just a week they met, teamed up to write a song, wrote said song, and fell in love. What is so great and uncommon is that their romance began as a friendship. At first they make an unlikely pair, but by just being themselves they become a lovely match. His humor is dark and genuine. Hers is young and lighthearted. He is a ‘has-been,’ while she is just getting started. He is encouraging, she doubts herself. He needs the business, she could be happy with a different job. He mentions no family, she is involved in her older sister’s family.
Fletcher needs Fisher’s help writing a song for the pop act, Cora Corman, played by Haley Bennett. Compared to Christina and Britney, this singer is more revealing than the ex-‘X-tina,’ but at least is a better singer than Britney. She is a hyper-parody of all the young blonde pop stars of the late 90s until now. But somehow her youthful attitude and dialogue stole the scenes from Hugh and Drew.
Ever since ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ ended, Brad Garrett has been getting more jobs. For this role, he turned what could have been the struggling generic manager into a friend. He wants Alex to finally make a comeback – not to be on top of the world again, but to just be happy and secure in his talent, without living in the past. Their conversation about what jobs they have lined up and what has been canceled was done just right because it shows who they represent and how their relationship works.
The song ‘The Way Back To Love,’ came out unexpectedly well. The music and lyrics fit so well that it would not be surprising if it will become a guilty pleasure if it makes it on the radio. What were also great about this movie were the very noticeable locations – Adventure Land in Farmingdale and Nassau Coliseum were used, among others in our region. One of the best scenes is the fake music video of POP! and most of the best lines do go to Fletcher.
However, there were too many mistakes in continuity. One moment the Diet Coke can lettering is facing the screen and in the next it was turned away. One moment Sophie is drinking from her iced coffee, but in the next it is back on the table. Fisher’s past and present seem unusual, but this genre is based on circumstances that bring the couple together.
‘Music and Lyrics’ was released on Valentine’s Day as a date movie, but due to the ice storm, many could not see it until the weekend. And still almost two weeks later, its showings are still selling out. It is a nice date movie for the theater, and will later be a nice date movie for the living room, too.
