Romantic comedy starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. Alex Fletcher (Grant) was a popular musician in the 1980s, but these days hes lucky to get a gig playing at the local county fair. Just when it seems as if things couldnt get any bleaker for Alex, reigning pop diva Cora Corman (Haley Bennett) offers him the opportunity to write and record a duet with her and give his career a much-needed boost. Little does Cora realise that not only has it been years since Alex has written a song, but hes never actually written a single lyric. Now, if he hopes to make the comeback needed to save him from a life of complete and utter obscurity, Alex will have to craft a radio-friendly hit in a matter of mere days. Luckily for Alex, his quirky plant-keeper Sophie Fisher (Barrymore) has quite a way with words and may possess just the kind of songwriting talent needed to make such a hit happen.
Music & Lyrics is frothy and sweet, like the top of a perfect cappuccino shared a deux. Hugh Grant is a self-professed "happy has-been," playing his befuddled, adorable persona more spot-on than he has since Four Weddings and a Funeral. As Alex, former member of an 80s pop band who years later is playing at water parks and high school reunions, hes settled into a life of lesser expectations. Drew Barrymore, quietly radiant, is Sophie, the underachieving girl Friday who arrives to water--make that overwater--Alexs plants--and to explode him out of that comfy rut. If the plots a bit farfetched, it matters not, since the two lead characters are so likable--and make such beautiful music together. Big bonus: the supportive role of Kristen Johnston as Rhonda, Sophies older sis (and longtime Alex fan) whose hilarious performance threatens to steal the show whenever shes onscreen. (The owner of a chain of successful weight-loss centers, Rhonda tries to comfort a rattled Sophie: "Want to do some stress eating?") The film also marks the remarkable debut of Haley Bennett, who plays a pop star of Britney/Cristina proportions with deadpan sincerity radiating through her skimpy outfits and mega-extensions. As Alex and Sophie work on crafting musical magic, something else is taking hold. Its music to the ears of anyone needing a sweet romantic comedy that hits all the right notes. --A.T. Hurley