Grant and Barrymore

Rating: 6/10 (8 February 2007)

I'm a fan of Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. Their personalities alone are enough to carry a movie. And such is definitely the case with Music and Lyrics. Hugh Grant's self-deprecating, dry sense of humor charms. And Drew Barrymore's slightly daffy girl-next-door shtick lights up the screen. These two could read me an economics book and I'd be entertained.
Music and Lyrics has its moments (campy '80s videos, shots at reality shows and pop divas), but overall, the story isn't as good as its stars. And while I love Grant and Barrymore separately, I'm not sure I love them together. Each of their personalities seems somewhat compromised in Music and Lyrics -- as if Grant's sarcasm and Barrymore's sweetness are both toned down. They meet somewhere in the middle, and it's very pleasant...but it's not as good as it could have been. Music and Lyrics is very much along the lines of Two Weeks Notice (both are written and directed by Marc Lawrence).
Bottom line: it's light fluff with some engaging stars, fun pop culture mockery and a song that will stick with you (like it or not!)