Almost Famous (2000)reviewed by Benn "Where's the Humanity?" Farrell
"Almost Famous" is about a excelled high school kid, named William, played by Patrick Fugit (White Oleander), who is hired by Rolling Stone to write a story on a popular rock band named Stillwater, headed by guitarist Russell, played by Billy Crudup (Big Fish), and lead singer Jeff, played by Jason Lee (Chasing Amy). However, William gets sidetracked when he falls for a bandaide--not a groupie--named Penny Lane, played by Academy Award® nominee Kate Hudson (Raising Helen). This time around, writer/director Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Say Anything...) takes material from his own personal story of when HE was writing for Rolling Stone Magazine at the age of 15 without the rag knowing his true age. However, Crowe has stated this picture is not a true story, but rather the truth ABOUT the story. All the names of people involved are completely fictionalized, including the band's name. Fugit was perfect in this role. Crowe saw a very innocent expression and worked it well in this young man; very telling. Crudup and Lee made a great pair of rock and rollers from the 1970s. Especially when egos and powerplay created conflict between them. Both of them were very believable. Hudson's performance was extremely special and well deserving of her Oscar® nod that year. Oscar® winner Frances McDormand (Fargo) commanded every scene she had as William's mother. Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Along Came Polly) was also a great character as William's rock and roll journalism mentor. The comedy of this work is written very subtle and strong. Crowe leaves the performances to bring it out, making the movie a borderline comedy, rather than a light hearted drama. I think Crowe's age group--almost 50 years old--will like the material in this movie the most, especially if they were into the rock music of the 1970s. Most of all, I like the picture's characters and the heart of the material. It's a movie about being young, ambitious, in love and a music lover. I've--like many--have been all four. This picture is purely a contemporary classic in my book. Too bad Crowe followed up with "Vanilla Sky," the worst picture and the only BAD picture he's ever written and directed. Overall, if you like music, gentle comedy and young unrequited love stories, "Almost Famous" should be on the top of your list. In fact, most DVD retailers sell it very cheap now and it comes with a good amount of extras. Just go buy it. Benn - Where's the Humanity?
Director Cameron Crowe knocks another one of his scripts out of the park with this movie. Why is it he can simply show a love-struck male character thinking about how he screwed up with either a Tom Petty or Peter Gabriel tune on the soundtrack behind him and completely suck me in every time?