Grant & Barrymore make fine rom-com pair despite predictability of the fare involved

Rating: 7/10 (20 February 2007)

MUSIC AND LYRICS (2007) **1/2 Hugh Grant, Drew Barrymore, Brad Garrett, Kristen Johnston, Haley Bennett. Frequently amusing rom-com with Grant as a has-been '80s pop music star attempting a comeback by penning a hit song for a current sensation (Bennett) who enlists the unlikely help of his plant caretaker (!) Barrymore, whose way with words prove to be magical. Fine chemistry between the comedic leads with fine throw-away lines delivered by Grant and Barrymore's adeptness at physical comedy make a good combo but ultimately the third act of writer-director Marc Lawrence falters into predictability. Fun for a while at any rate.