My Movie Rental Recommendation - A little bit late for Valentine's Day

I watched a movie with my wife last night, and I thought it was good enough to recommend to my friends here. Actually, we watched it over a two-night period, since we rarely have two hours to spend in front of the TV at a stretch.

"Music and Lyrics" with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore is a charming and funny date movie. Grant plays Alex Fletcher, an 80's has-been music star whose singing partner went on to fame and success while his career fizzled (think Andrew Ridgeley of Wham!, who got to watch George Michael skyrocket to fame after their group broke up). Alex is asked to write a song for a Britney Spears-type star named Cora Corman, and it's a huge opportunity for him. He specializes in music, but he needs a good lyricist.

Barrymore portrays Sophie Fisher, the girl who comes to water Alex's plants while his other helper is away, and she proves to be a sensitive poet and efficient lyricist. Their partnership develops somewhat accidentally, and they compose the song together just in time for the big concert by Cora.

The music is incredibly catchy, and I have found myself singing two of the songs today.

Grant plays a cooler version of his "Four Weddings and a Funeral" character, complete with one-liners and throwaway lines that are perfectly delivered. Barrymore gives a cute and endearing performance as Sophie. Haley Bennett, who plays Cora, is a beautiful and willowy young lady who serves mainly as eye candy, but that's pretty much what the role requires.

As a side note, Hugh Grant is actually a better-than-average singer, and the actors all did their own vocals. I thought the 15-year age difference between the primary actors would make their romance difficult to believe, but it was really not hard at all to see them ending up together.

So, if you are looking for a romantic comedy to enjoy with your own beloved (even though Valentine's Day already passed), check this one out. The songs are catchy, the plot is engaging, and you won't have to think too hard. It's a relaxing film.

Enjoy this 80's-style video which plays during the opening credits:

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