Really good movie; please read Peter Dykstra's comments (4-23-00)

Rating: 9/10 (28 May 2000)

I agree almost completely with Peter Dykstra's thoughtful comments (4-23-00, please read them) although I didn't find the Charlie character as compelling as he did. Like him, this is not my type of music so I missed many of the in-jokes, but the same kind of elitist snobbery shown by Rob and his help can be found among people in many areas.
Dykstra's point about the Barry character being a mite improbable (to connect with an audience as a performer, given his previous track record) is well-taken. But that doesn't bother me much because Rob's conflict of commitment, his very prolonged adolescence -- and his final summing up and resolution of it -- analyzed and laid bare that dilemma with a clarity and truthfulness that I've never before seen in movies. (Would that all people, men _or_ women -- with similar immaturity/insecurity problems with relationships -- could resolve them with the insight Rob's character finally showed.)
Cusack and all the supporting actors fit well in their roles and did fine jobs. It's a really good film and you don't have to be familiar with the current pop music scene to enjoy it (that could only add more pleasure).