Gary's Movie Reviews and Ratings

2001 Movie Chart

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Almost Famous

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Cameron Crowe's eagerly awaited follow up to1996's Jerry Maguire confirms his status as one of the more interesting writer / directors around at the moment. While it lacks the star power and obvious popular appeal of its predecessor, Almost Famous is one of those cleverly heartwarming movies that is likely to get better with age.

Almost Famous tells the story of 15 year old William Miller's (Patrick Fugit) who gets the chance to tour with (fictional) 70s rock band Stillwater and write an article for Rolling Stone magazine. For budding rock critic William this is like a dream come true. For his mother Elaine (Frances McDormand), it his her worst nightmare come true. For Stillwater's lead guitarist Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) it is a chance for the band to manipulate the young writer into making them look good. For William's mentor Lester Bangs (Philip Seyour Hoffman) it is important to not make friends with the musicians. And for professional groupie Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), William is just a diversion from the real business of 'inspiring' the music.

One of the marks of a well written film is that it works on more than one level. On the surface this is a funny story about a kid getting to hang out with a rock band. But because this is also a semi autobiographical tale (Crowe himself travelled with The Allman Brothers as a 15 year old) there are deeper themes coming through as well. There's the conflict between being a critic an being a fan. There's an examination of the self important role of rock and roll groupies. There's the behind the scenes look at what keeps a band together despite the arguments and personality clashes. There's the question of how over protective a parent should be. But most of all, Almost Famous is the story of a teenager's coming of age. It is about William being given advice by everybody and eventually learning to think for himself.

The acting is mostly pretty good with Hudson and McDormand in particular deserving their Oscar nominations, while Hoffman once again produces a superlative supporting character. The music, as well, adds to the atmosphere with an impromptu bus performance of Elton John's Tiny Dancer being one of several highlights. One of the only flat points in the movie is the scene in the plane, which although supposedly based on a real event, is just a little too predictable.

All in all, there's something in this film for just about everybody. Not quite 'incendiary', but a potential classic in years to come.

F.A.Q.

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Director: Cameron Crowe
Starring: Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, Patrick Fugit, Frances Mcdormand, Jason Lee, Zooey Deschanel, Michael Angarano, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Anna Paquin
Date seen: 18 February 2001
Last Updated 20 February 2001


Contact Gary at harbourboy@geocities.com

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