With Jim Sabatini

Music and Lyrics

Rated: PG-13
Reviewed by: Frank
Release date: February 14, 2007	Released by: Warner Brothers

With an opening from a pop eighties style music concert, Music and Lyrics immediately makes it clear the music portion of the film will be satisfying; too bad the scrip lacks interesting dialogue and is filled with repetition of lines such as "He's a jerk" (three times in a row).

Hugh Grant as Alex Fletcher appears controlled or uninterested, his delightful smile and snicker which has made him an international star appears to be missing except when he is carrying out a musical number. The music from the past appears to be the only enjoyment for the principle stars; it is certainly the only lively, enjoyable segment of the film.

Drew Barrymore as Sophie Fisher has an untapped talent. She finds that with her lyrics combined with Fletcher's music they can produce popular tunes which he can no longer muster alone. Their on and off romance fills the time when musical numbers are not on the screen. They are joined by Haley Bennett as Cora Corman a present day pop star who is dead pan except when gyrating her performances and displaying her many sexy costumes. This film doesn't give us a clue as to her ability as an actress but she has a child like look which may appeal to some.

There are films where we can't wait for the musical numbers to end to get on with the story, this one is just the reverse; give us more music and less of the lame romance which is not convincing.