Valentine's Day has been responsible for the purchase of movie tickets to both good and bad romantic flicks since their conception. This February, couples and friends alike were lucky that they were offered at least one cute and entertaining flick. Marc Lawrence, who directed the 2002 Hugh Grant/Sandra Bullock romantic comedy, "Two Weeks Notice," has created a new film that succeeds where his last failed - this one is actually funny. Like his last film, though, the somewhat hackneyed plotline is supported by the chemistry and charisma of its cast.
Hugh Grant stars as Alex Fletcher, a forgotten '80s pop star whose gigs now consist of high school reunions and amusement parks, where he sings to adoring middle-aged women who loved him when they were young. His next break comes when the new teen sensation, Cora, who is "bigger than Britney and Christina put together," chooses him to compose her next single. He does have a problem - he can't write lyrics. Enter: Drew Barrymore.
Barrymore plays Sophie Fisher, a slightly offbeat woman who has a gift with words, but has avoided writing since a failed love affair with her professor. The two meet when Sophie fills in as his plant caretaker, and whispers a few lines to his piano melody as she waters.
Sophie explains to Alex that melody is like sex, while the lyrics are the essence of the song - the personality that you come to know as you spend more time with it, making them the more intimate part of the song.
Soon they are a composing duo and - surprise - fall in love. Trouble ensues when Cora tries to cheapen their song, "Way Back Into Love," with a hip-hop beat and slutty dance moves. Alex is so happy that he finally has another hit that he's willing to let Cora do what she wants, but Sophie is upset at the loss of integrity and the two temporarily split.
A metaphorical maturation occurs at Cora's concert when Alex performs the first song with his own lyrics, showing that he can now do more than just write a melody, therefore he's ready for a relationship. A happy ending is awarded to the moviegoers, who all saw it coming.
Both veterans of the romantic comedy genre, Grant and Barrymore each bring their unique charm to the movie. Grant's charisma steals the show and he delivers numerous one-liners with wonderful humor, making the movie genuinely funny. To some, his British accent, tight pants and frequent hip thrusts might be enough to carry the movie, and his performance as a man who doesn't take himself too seriously will satisfy the rest. Barrymore offers her characteristic sweetness and bright eyes, the traits that make her a favorite in the realm of romantic movies.
The awkward subplot of Sophie's past love weakens the movie a bit, but the attempt to give her character dimension is noted, and it also gives more screen time to Brad Garrett (known for his role as Ray Romano's deep-voiced older brother on "Everybody Loves Raymond"), who plays Alex's manager who has a love for pro/con lists. As usual, Garrett's "aw-shucks" demeanor brightens every moment he is on screen.
Kristen Johnson (best known as the quirky Sally on "3rd Rock from the Sun") supplies her spunk and enthusiasm to as Sophie's older sister with a two-decade-old crush on Alex Fletcher, from his days in the band Pop. She doubles as the exuberant music fan and the love sage, who expounds to Sophie the importance of mutual passion.
Audiences are also treated to numerous songs featuring Hugh Grant's real singing voice. Thanks to the talent of Adam Schlesinger, the bassist for Fountains of Wayne, who did the actual composing for the film, the songs are upbeat and surprisingly catchy. The introductory song, "Pop Goes My Heart," will probably be stuck in your head for hours after you leave the theater, as will visions of Hugh Grant in a floppy wig, shaking his hips to '80s beats.
Although setting the climax of the film at a concert is a little clich?© and reminiscent of a teen flick, asking anything else from a movie entitled "Music and Lyrics" may be too much. The movie knows better than to take itself too seriously and starts off with a music video of "Pop Goes My Heart" that will have you laughing the moment it starts. In case you didn't get enough of it (and you probably didn't), it's repeated at the end with mock trivia. This time around, Marc Lawrence keeps his comedy from becoming sappy, boring or slapstick.
