by Meredith Evonne

Created on: February 17, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

Hugh Goes Pop Gold With Drew!
Music and Lyrics (Starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore)

It was sometime late last fall when the upper west side of Manhattan had production notices posted, alerting businesses and motorists that filming would take place for a upcoming feature film called "Music and Lyrics By." Reading these multiple fliers, one would assume this was a odd working title before changing it into a more catchy movie title like "Another Great Comedy By Hugh Grant!," but with "Music and Lyrics," now in theaters, with virtually the same originally title, the film has made its place in the romantic comedy genre. Whatever you want to call this film, there is no question, this film will not soon be forgotten.

Similar to when Love, Actually(also an odd titled comedy with Hugh Grant), was out for the 2003 holiday season and became a well-timed hit film; Music and Lyrics cashes in on Valentines Day. It is easily the best February love themed film in years, being able to rely less on slapstick comedy and replacing it with crafty jokes that don't distract from the main story lines. Comparatively, this approach was what was missing from the lackluster 80s-themed, The Wedding Singer, which also starred Drew Barrymore. Hugh Grant's Alex Fletcher becomes more memorable in his faux-Andrew Ridgley(Wham!), middle-aged adventures than Adam Sandler's Robbie Hart morbid-brooding around soulless characters in over-used 80s sight gags.

Alex Fletcher is a has-been pop star who is looking for a lyricist to assist him with a huge opportunity for hitting a high note for a Britney-ese pop sensation. Sophie, a misguided yet hopeful and bright woman(Barrymore) waters his plants for extra money. When pressed for time, Alex is more impressed with her rhyming ability than a guy who worked with "Avril"(played briefly by someone who should have been in the 'Wedding Singer'). The love story is going to happen, but it isn't forced or without some unfathomed plot twists.

The audience doesn't have a moment to feel let-down from a few slow bits because the acting is good enough to pull through, with a supporting cast that supports rather than distracts, using hit-television veterans Brad Garrett(Everybody Loves Raymond) and Kristen Johnson (3rd Rock from the Sun) in the best ways possible based on these aforementioned actors high notes.

Speaking of high notes, Hugh Grant actually learned to play piano and sing for this film. The only difference between him Andrew Ridgley as a singer is that it is completely believable that George Michael should have went with Grant. The soundtrack album is a shock that it could be lead best with an actors musical attempts rather than another 80s chart compilation.
Pop goes my heart for "Music and Lyrics" and it should be a highlight of 2007 for films.

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