A Pleasant Surprise

Rating: 6/10 (20 June 2007)

Let me begin by saying that "Music and Lyrics" is by no means an Oscar-caliber film in any way. However, it is a charming and rather humorous film that both girls and guys can find something to like in. Hugh Grant is (for once) perfectly cast as Alex Fletcher, an 80s "has-been" who is asked by a hot young pop star, Cora, to write a song for the two of them to sing. After having a failed meeting with a professional lyricist, Alex enlists the help of a young "substitute plant lady," played by Drew Barrymore, who turns out to be a born lyricist. His music and her lyrics meld together, as the title implies, to create a great new hit. Of course, we also see a romance spring up between the two leading characters, and we get a few small sub-plots to fill up the rest of the film. The acting is very good overall, and the delivery of some of the more entertaining lines is very funny. We also get a hilarious music video at the start of the film from Fletcher's former pop duo group.
There are quite a few laugh-out-loud moments, but the film is not hilarious. It is, however, very enjoyable to watch and ranks very high amongst most modern romantic comedies. It's not fantastic, but it's very pleasant.