A Lovely Casting Melody.

Rating: 8/10 (6 May 2015)

Music and Lyrics (2007): Dir: Marc Lawrence / Cast: Hugh Grant, Drew Barrymore, Haley Bennett, Kristen Johnston, Campbell Scott: Endearing romantic comedy about collaboration. Hugh Grant plays a washed up 1980's pop musician who is given opportunity to write a song for new pop sensation Cora but must rely on the woman who waters his plants since his lyrics skills are weak. Although formula in structure director Marc Lawrence makes hilarious jabs at the 1980's pop scene. This is a vast improvement over his previous film Two Weeks Notice, which also starred Grant but here he is backed with 80's satire elements that work much better. Grant plays off weakness and desire with perfect comic pitch. In the film's opening he is shown in full 80's drag before his plummet from success. Drew Barrymore is superb writing lyrics yet haunted by a past relationship. It is obvious that they will romantically unite but what works is his talent verses her ability to write lyrics. Supporting players are unfortunately flat although Haley Bennett as Cora is fetching. Cora is obviously a reference to Britney Spears and selling sexuality and Bennett spares no punches. Campbell Scott plays Barrymore's ex-boyfriend professor whom she encounters by chance but Grant ends up in a scuffle with in her defence. Retrospect pop culture and the innocence spawn from what has come to pass. Score: 8 ½ / 10