When George Michael graced the closing ceremony stage of the London Olympics, I flashed back to San Francisco, circa the 1980s, at a Wham! concert where the British pop duo danced and sang their hit songs leaving me and my
When George Michael graced the closing ceremony stage of the London Olympics, I flashed back to San Francisco, circa the 1980s, at a Wham! concert where the British pop duo danced and sang their hit songs leaving me and my besties screaming for more. This hot pair from the UK was parodied in “Music and Lyrics,” the 2007 romantic comedy starring the very charismatic Hugh Grant as washed-up singer Alex Fletcher of the 80s group Pop whose solo career now consists of county fairs and high school reunions.
His big break back into stardom comes when a young Britney-esque like star, Cora Corman (Haley Bennett), commissions him to write a hit song for her. While attempting to complete even the most simple of lyrics, Alex experiences writer’s block. He overhears his plant caretaker, Sophie (Drew Barrymore) finishing his lyrics under her breath. Liking what he hears, Alex asks Sophie to help him write a hit song, but she refuses. He tries every tactic to entice her, and she finally succumbs. They write a beautiful song and a recording session is in the works. All the while, a budding romance ensues between the two.
At the recording session, Cora tells the writers that she has put a twist on their newly written song. Instead of a love ballad, Cora has turned the meaningful lyrics and music into a synthesized nightmare. Sophie is absolutely horrified; as she is about to tell Cora that her version is unacceptable, Alex intervenes and tells Sophie to back off. Alex fears the truth will put him back out of the musical chairs game, a chance he is not willing to take. Things cool off between Sophie and Alex and both move forward with their lives.
Before Sophie leaves New York for Florida for a job, she attends Cora’s sold out performance at Madison Square Garden. There she witnesses Alex singing a beautiful ballad meant for her ears. She runs to Alex backstage they share a passionate kiss, sealing their fate. They end up performing the song that he and Sophie wrote in its original form. Sophie and Alex continue their romantic and professional relationship writing hit songs for other artists.
From director Marc Lawrence (“Miss Congeniality”, “Two Weeks Notice”), the pairing of Grant and Barrymore was perfect. Kristen Johnson of “3rd Rock From The Sun” television fame, who played Sophie’s sister, was both witty and sharp. A surprise performance of Barrymore’s character singing “Way Back Into Love”, the hit song written for Cora, was the bonus of the film.
With good performances and an impressive soundtrack, “Music and Lyrics” will have you singing for more.
