The Best Romantic Comedy in Years

Rating: 9/10 (7 April 2007)

I saw "That Thing You Do" back in 1996 and was convinced that the film would never be outdone in its genre. In that film a song from another age is created as a backdrop for a fictional garage "one hit wonder" band. Adam Schlessinger wrote the title song for that movie. He is up to it again.
He writes several songs used in this movie including the retro 80's "Wham" sound-alike song "Pop Goes My Heart." This film starts with a retro video of that song and anyone who remembers the digital drums and synthesizer sounds of the "over-produced" 80's songs will be in stitches. This film is based loosely on the plight of Andrew Ridgely--the other guy from Wham who was not George Michaels and who did not have a great after-Wham career. The part is played quite well by Hugh Grant, who is very likable and humorous throughout the film.
As the story goes, Grant, playing Alex Fletcher, the 80's has-been, has a chance to escape the stagnating economic necessity of playing Oldies concerts for one more chance to write a hit song for a current artist. Unfortunately, like Elton John, he is a tune-smith, and not a lyricist. Enter Drew Barrymore, who he convinces has what it takes to be a lyricist. The story unfolds and is a bit predictable in places--yet totally satisfying.
I got hooked into seeing this film with my wife. "Another Chic-flick" I thought. I have now seen it three times--taking one of my daughters each time. It was a good excuse to keep going back and to keep laughing at this well crafted romantic comedy. One like this has not come along for a good while. For two hours of pure delight, good music, and a lot of laughs, this one is recommended.