REEL REVIEWS COLUMN: 'Famous' is almost perfect
By Justin Smith
October is not typically a good time for movie fans. The summer’s best have yet to hit video store shelves, the holiday film rush is still approaching, and films in the theater are generally bad. It’s a good thing for movie fans that writer/director Cameron Crowe ("Jerry Maguire," "Say Anything") doesn’t know how to make a bad film. His latest effort, "Almost Famous," is a thankful break from this season’s batch of lackluster films.
"Almost Famous" looks back at rock and roll in 1973 through the eyes of 15-year-old William Miller (Patrick Fugit). Skipped ahead two grades by his over-protective college professor mother (Frances McDormand), William’s mind is far more adult than his body shows. By a stroke of luck he is given the chance of a lifetime: to tour with the up-and-coming band Stillwater and write about it for "Rolling Stone."
William takes the job and is soon rubbing shoulders with the biggest names in rock. When he took the assignment, he didn’t realize how much it would change him. While on the road, William searches for himself, loses his virginity, saves a life, avoids drugs, finds love, and forms life-long friendships with the band.
"Almost Famous" has all the ingredients of a great movie, superb acting, infused humor, a fantastic story, and even an impressive soundtrack. Kate Hudson shines as Penny Lane, leader of the Band-Aids, Academy Award winner Frances McDormand steals her scenes as William’s over-bearing mother, and newcomer Billy Crudup plays a believable and lovable rock star. Any one of them could easily snag an Oscar this year.
Crowe rarely misses an opportunity to crack a joke, making "Almost Famous" the funniest movie about music since "Detroit Rock City." Although this film is categorized as a drama it could easily pass for a comedy.
"Almost Famous" is easily one of my favorite movies this year. It captures the decadence of rock in the 70s, puts a humorous spin on it, and throws young, inexperienced William Miller right into the middle to enjoy the ride.
Rating: 9 (out of 10)