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Music & Lyrics (2007) Starring Hugh Grant, Drew Barrymore, Brad Garrett, Kristen Johnston, Campbell Scott, Haley Bennett.

Directed by Marc Lawrence.

Runtime: 96 minutes.

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Romantic Comedy

A down-on-her-luck vindictive basketcase writer (Drew Barrymore) with a sideline as a plantsitter reluctantly accepts the offer to go to work for Alex Fletcher (Grant) a washed-up, nice-guy ex-pop star who was famous in the 1980's on MTV but is now reduced to playing high school reunions and amusement parks. He feels somewhat rejuvenated by the experience of being around the young woman and begins to compose again for real with lyrics she writes. He is moved to produce a potential hit song by his new found muse to present to a flakey Britney Spears type teen singer tacky music sensation (Haley Bennett).

The main characters are a scream even though neither of them are particularly believable and the premise is not either. If it is done well enough style can supercede substance and the audience won't care. Viewers can suspend disbelief if their minds are occupied by something entertaining. Motion picture is one of the few art forms where this really is true.

The chemistry between Grant and Barrymore is readily apparent in this silly Hugh Grant romantic comedy that I guess I am not ashamed to admit I absolutely loved. I never would have thought to pair these two particular actors together but what they do here is terrific.

Grant finds the humour in portraying his character's self-deprecation. His character is painfully aware of the foundation his musical career is based on. He has the ability to be charming and likeable even in playing the least charming or likeable of characters but here the character he plays is likeable.

Barrymore is lovably earnest and who takes herself and her unresolved feelings far too seriously. She has a quirkness that wins over audiences. I have generally liked most of her performances but never more than here.

For all the eccentricities these are nice people. These are good people. Those are two qualities that make up for a lot and disrupt one's ability to be judgemental.

Audiences were not asked to simply swallow the fact that Grant's leading lady in this movie was almost 16 years his junior. Campbell Scott as her ex-boyfriend is as old as Grant. That suggests that the character Barrymore plays likes men of that age and adds a kind of consistency to the backstory.

The kind of humour it taps into it is genuinely fun to watch. This is biting

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