Review of Almost Famous (2000) by Zack B — 19 Jan 2011

Easily one of the most lovable films in cinema history......well....of course not for everyone, but I have a hard time imagining the sad face of the person who dislikes this film, finds nothing of value or no enjoyment in this film. I like to read online the negative reviews that users give to some of my favorite movies so that I can laugh and also be frustrated. And of course I found some people who called the film a single word which I loathe. The word idiots use when they want to critique something intelligently, but they lack the vocabulary. PRETENTIOUS. And I ask all of you, how is this movie pretentious? Sure, according to writer/director Cameron Crowe it's somewhat autobiographical, but I never once felt that he was attempting to be vain about the story. It was a completely charming and heartfelt story. He made a film about what he knew and what he was passionate about. Life on the road. Meeting a band that you love. Being a part of a vibrant time. Listening to great music.

The film is full of great performances by some of the great actors in recent memory, but I think if I had to choose my favorite, I'd be unoriginal in naming Kate Hudson. But come on, you can't blame me. She really shines in this movie. There's a scene where she's talking with Patrick Fugit's character William outside in a park. He tells her that she has been used by Stillwater (particularly the lead guitarist Russell played by the strangely casted but absolutely brilliant Billy Crudup), the band they are both in love with. Russell and the band manager sold Kate Hudson's character, Penny Lane, to another band for beer. She smiles with tears in her eyes as she asks William, "What kind of beer?" The power that she had in that scene was tremendous. You get the feeling that all of these characters seem pretty real despite the fact that they're so eccentric. You also get the feeling that you'll never be lucky enough to meet people like them. It's such an enjoyable film about youth, music, discovering love and sex, and being a part of something that feels so important even if it is just music. It's the kind of movie that makes you love movies. It's the kind of movie that reminds you of the power of movies. The power they sometimes have to introduce you to characters you want to meet and hang out with. The power to move you with songs and music played in certain scenes. I hope everyone watches this movie and I hope they all feel the magic I felt.