By: debbie lynn elias
When it comes to romantic comedies, who better to make sweet music this Valentine’s Day than writer/director Marc Lawrence? Re-teaming with “Two Weeks Notice” star Hugh Grant, Lawrence strikes another winning chord here and then goes even one step further by adding the melodious comedic harmony of Drew Barrymore , resulting in a film that’s pure gold. I didn’t think it possible for a present day movie pairing to be as charismatic, comedically timed, razor sharp and down right fun and likeable as the likes of Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn or Roz Russell, but for Grant and Sandra Bullock, but after seeing MUSIC AND LYRICS, I stand corrected. Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore are another match made in silver screen heaven.
Alex Fletcher is a 1980’s pop star has been. At age 46, he is a has-been’s has-been. One-half of a once famous duo, he is now self-deprecating, bitter, ambitiousless and even loutish, relegated to playing state fairs, maybe a Vegas lounge now and then, and high school proms (and we’re not talking a Davy Jones appearance at a Marcia Brady prom). Think classic MTV pop stars of days gone by with the over-moussed bouffant hair, vinyl leatherette pants, spangle shirts, buckled at the ankle cargo pants a la Wham! or Aha!, and you’ve got Fletcher to a tee. Sophie Fisher is a struggling wannabe writer. The victim of a former boyfriend’s tabloidesque “novel” in which the main character bears more than a striking and unflattering resemblance to Sophie, she has all the makings and vulnerable adorability of a wounded fawn. Floating through life with no sense of direction and purpose, she has had a series of odd jobs, the most recent of which is that of a “plant lady” who makes house calls.
Cora Corman is the world’s reigning pop queen. Reminiscent of a younger Britney, Tiffany or Debbie Gibson, Cora is obsessed with Alex Fletcher; after all he is to her what Elvis, Ricky Nelson, David Cassidy and Donny Osmond were to generations of girls before her. And wouldn’t you know it – Cora gets the bright giggly idea to have her heartthrob idol write a duet for the two of them to sing at Madison Square Gardens. Unfortunately for Alex, he only writes music. Chomping at the bit at the thought of stardom beckoning him back, Alex is secretly overjoyed at opportunity knocking. But as quickly as opportunity may now knock, it can flee just as quickly – particularly when Alex is assigned the writing partner from hell to collaborate with. Quite vocal in his disdain for his partner, as is she, Alex finds himself complaining to his substitute plant watering lady, Sophie. Taking her own cue, Sophie drops a few hints about her own writing aspirations and poeticism and although she hasn’t written any songs before, how fortuitous is it when Alex begs her to collaborate with him on Cora’s already titled song, “Way Back Into Love.” Needless to say, it’s not long before Sophie succumbs to Alex’s charms the two are making beautiful music together both lyrically and romantically. But, as we all know, true love never does run smooth and with Cora around, it’s inevitable that we hear a few sour notes of discord amid the lilting romantic froth.
The supporting actors are no slouches either. Kristen Johnston, best known for tv’s “3rd Rock from the Sun” is absolutely hysterical as Sophie’s sister Rhonda. Over the top, loud and boisterous as Rhonda her enthusiasm is boundless when it comes to her joy over Sophie coming out of her shell and finding romance again. On the male side, look no further than Brad Garrett as Alex’s manager Chris Riley for some unbridled laughs. Written and directed by Marc Lawrence, MUSIC AND LYRICS is just a joy. Premised on theories of mutual and musical appreciation are the foundation of mutual attraction, Lawrence’s gift for words and romance is undeniable. Once again setting romance against the metaphoric backdrop of the workplace, Lawrence’s successful now-patented revitalized formula harkens to classic films of days gone by such as Cary Grant and Roz Russell in “His Girl Friday” or Grant and Hepburn in “Bringing Up Baby.” Romantic comedies worked then as they do now – if someone just knows how to write and direct therm. Lawrence does.
Key to the success of MUSIC AND LYRICS is the sophisticated wit and intelligence of the characters – and the actors who portray them. In addition to his character development and well developed story, Lawrence gives us the added perk of poking fun at ourselves and the music industry. Starting from the opening frame of an 80’s looking Hugh Grant as Alex and his pop partner in PoP! shaking their booties to their one-hit wonder song “Pop! Goes My Heart” (which will have you rolling in the aisles), Lawrence fills the film with music – so much so that I could almost swear the MGM musical was reborn! Fun, light and airy (much like the old pop ditties of Tony Romeo or Boyce & Hart), Fountains of Wayne’s, Adam Schlesinger provides his own fountain of fun with tunes like “Entering Bootyland” and “Buddha’s Delight” written just for the film . A perfect score, MUSIC AND LYRICS is solid Valentine’s gold. Alex Fletcher: Hugh Grant Sophie Fisher: Drew Barrymore Rhonda Fisher: Kristen Johnston Chris Riley: Brad Garrett Written and directed by Marc Lawrence. Rated PG-13. (96 min)
