Melodious Romantic Comedy

Rating: 7/10 (17 January 2008)

'Music and Lyrics' is a feel-good film. It has a decent amount of music, and romance, with a touch of comedy. The movie begins with a recital of a 80's band named "POP!", and the opening credits show their journey, and subsequent break up. Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) is the composer of that band, and life takes a drastic turn after the band members part ways. Alex is still living on his past success, but unable to come up with newer songs due to his abysmal skills in writing lyrics. Enter Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), a plant lady turned writer, who teams up with Alex to come up with a new song for a hot teenage sensation's (Cora's) new album. The character of Cora really makes you realize how superficial the music industry of today is! The rest of the movie is typical; boy meets girl, they fall in love, then comes some drama, and finally a happy ending. However, there is something about this movie that makes you fall in love with it.
Hugh Grant looks as cute as ever, and has some really good one-liners. He is very convincing as the washed out icon of the 80'sand it is hilarious to see him shaking his hips, imitating the pop stars of those days! Drew Barrymore is as natural as it could get. Among the other actors, I thought Kristen Johnston, who played Rhonda (Sophie's sister) was really good, and so was Haley Bennett as Cora. The songs that stood out include "Pop! Goes My Heart", "Way Back Into Love" and "Don't Write Me Off".
All in all a very enjoyable movie, and I definitely don't regret buying the DVD!