If you're a fan, you're likely to remain a fan

Rating: 4/10 (4 March 2007)

Hugh Grant. Ah, Hugh. The closeups are not kind. As an 80's pop singer now crooning to fairs and minor festivals, he's not for one minute believable. But as Hugh portraying another rather quirky, self-effacing and well-rehearsed character, he's fine. Few of us look to Mr. Grant to expand his film repertoire. We're perfectly happy to see him gingerly step into film after film with the same delivery, same expressions and same good comic timing. He is himself an art form. Lately I've seen comparisons to Cary Grant (by other published writers). Hmm.
Drew Barrymore. Again, more of the same. But this time she's showing uncomfortable lapses of charm. Or is it that I'm growing weary of her roles more quickly than with Mr. Grant? She has lapses into annoying stretches that may continue an amazing 5-10 minutes. And that's uncomfortable indeed in a film. Writer? Director? Or boredom on the part of the actor? But as for plot, this is one film for which a spoiler is not possible. We all know going in what will happen. How it happens is irrelevant. One look at a poster and one scan of the title - we know it all. Haley Bennett as Cora, the pop mega-star, nearly pulls the rug out from under our stars in several scenes. She, anyway, has some modicum of unrecycled life.
I will acknowledge that many fans of these two actors might be tempted to rate this higher, perhaps 6 or 7. So if you're incorrigible, go for it. The ending may make you forget tedious moments in between. Enjoy.