Review of Almost Famous (2000) by Paul P — 03 Jun 2011

Words really can't describe the love and affection that I have for this film.

Following Fugit's William Miller on his road trip around the US with up and coming rock group Stillwater in 1973 is such a wonderful and satisfying experience. Cameron Crowe took his time and assembled the type of cast that you will not see today.... Billy Crudup, Jason Lee, Seymour-Hoffman, McDormand, Paquin, Balk...the list is endless and everyone single one of them aquit thenselves perfectly.

The main reason this film works for me is that Crowe's passion for the film and these characters shines through in every scene. Every character is memorable and are given little moments to shine. The music choices are pitch perfect and this is the only film that manages to capture the magic of a live music performance appropriately....

Watching this again recently, it also highlighted the absolute brilliance of Kate Hudson's perfomrance as legendary band aid Penny Lane. It is impossible not to fall in love with this girl. Hudson brings Penny to life with such charisma and charm, I can't help but think that her subsequent choices have truly wasted her talent...

This film also contains one of my favourite scenes of all time, with the band on the verge of breaking up all together on the bus when Tiny Dancer starts playing.... For me, this scene is sheer peffection, building to a genuinely uplifting and heartwarming conclusion...

Still my favourite Crowe flick, there is so much love for the subject and the characters, this is one of those films that I find impossible to resist. A really beautiful film....