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    This movie is lucky that it gets 3 stars.  I was very tempted to give it 2 and a half.  What bumped it up?  I'm hoping that like Cameron Crowe's last big film, Jerry Maguire,  this movie will grow on me.  It has potential

   The story is about a young boy who follows a rock band around trying to be a writer for Rolling Stone in the 1970's.  Billy Crudup is the lead singer, Kate Hudson is a groupie-like girl who calls herself Penny Lane, and Patrick Fugit is the young boy who stole the show.  He did a magnificent job.  I'm sure we'll see his face in years to come.  Frances McDormand olays his overly protective mother.   I've never really liked her much but I thought she was perfect for the role and I could see a best supporting actress nomination for her.

    Crudup, Hudson, and Jason Lee (another band member) were all very good.  What are some of the strengths of the movie besides acting?  Good directing, good soundtrack and that's really about it.  The writing was decent but it was nothing super special.  The acting and directing are what make it worth while.

    So, why the grade?  Why the almost 2 and a half stars?   The movie creeps along at times.  I wanted to take a snooze here and there.   There is no super happy ending, which is something I almost need nowadays.    As my father says, "I don't go to a movie to pay money and be depressed".  If the occassion calls for it, like a war movie, I'm ok with it.   Otherwise, I want a happy ending.  So sue me.  Also, it's hard to like any of the characters aside from Fugit's.  Crudup plays an egotistical, drug using, two timer.  Can't really side for him.  All the band members are jealous and manipulating and untrusting.  And Hudson, who says she's not a groupie, sleeps with different rockers, and with some knowing that they're married.  So don't call her a whore, I guess we call her a slut.  Take your pick.  Again, hard to like her.   Perhaps this was the point, since Fugit becomes disillusioned half way thru the film.  Maybe the writers wanted to audience to have the same feeling.  Maybe.   Even so, since I can't identify with any one character, that's a minus.

   Good acting, and due to Crowe's directing the movie definately has it's own feel.  Not bad.  Go and see it at the theater if you want.  Wait for rent if you want.  I'm hoping this is one that will get better over time.