MUSIC AND LYRICS – Better Than Expected

I was desperate for something to watch while I work – especially since I’m getting 2 premium movie channels for free so there HAS to be SOMETHING on, right? – when I noticed MUSIC AND LYRICS, the movie with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore, was showing this month. I never saw it when it first came out, but had liked the commercials, so wanted to see if I’d missed out by not seeing it in the theaters.

Now, normally I find that Hugh Grant tends to play the same character over and over as does Drew Barrymore a lot, so I figured I’d get some work done since I wouldn’t have to give it my whole attention. What I didn’t realize is how well their “usual” characters would mesh and work so well together. In fact, I’ve now watched it about 4 times (and counting since I DVR’d it) and it keeps growing on me.

I really couldn’t say why. There’s just something about it that makes me want to rewatch it again and again. (It’s probably the great 1980s derivative “Pop Goes My Heart” song they created as the signature tune of the has-been band – very dead-on Duran Duran-ish/Flock of Seagalls-ish and most likely would have been a chart-topper back in the day!)

Or maybe it’s the chemistry and the writing. Both characters have brains, when they choose to use them, the comedy is fun and not mean-spirited, and I love the 80s in-jokes – I think I lived almost ALL of them! LOL

Kristen Johnston is a bit over-the-top as Drew’s older sister, but Brad Garrett actually does a nice understated job as Hugh Grant’s agent, even if I do wonder how they managed to get them all in the same frame: Garrett’s like 6′8″, Grant’s 5′11″and Drew’s about 5′4″!. The girl playing Cora gets on my nerves, but her character is supposed to be a bit spacey, so I guess she’s doing a good job, eh?

So, if you’re looking for a fluffy little romance with some cute comedy, great toss-off lines, intelligent, witty dialogue, and catchy music that grows on you, this is a good one. (This is also one of the few movies where I actually want to pick up the music CD…) This is one movie where I’d also love to see the outtakes. (Time to hunt down a DVD copy to see if it has any!)

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