Grant me a Song
Music and Lyrics
Review by Ross Anthony

In About a Boy Hugh Grant played the son of a songwriter. In American Dreamz he played the host of an “American Idol” type musical talent show. Here, the momentum from his 1980’s pop band is finally winding down. Still, he’s given one big chance to write a song for Cora (a Britney Spears type mega teen star). He only needs a lyricist. Can you guess who that might be?

“Music & Lyrics” entertains! I laughed, I got all choked up, I smiled. I left happy. Yes, there were some short scenes that stuck out as bland, but that’s because mostly the whole film is entertaining. The dialogue is loaded with many, many snickers, and while there aren’t too many belly-busters, there are some very heartfelt moments. And that music video open that spoofs 1980’s MTV bands like Duran Duran – is absolutely hilarious. It had me in tears for fears.

Grant plays the same sort of character in all his movies – likeable, good looking, funny, but somewhat of a jerk. Compared to the other films (which I enjoyed – especially About a Boy he’s much less of a jerk here). Barrymore plays the cute, single, but somewhat of a nutcase woman that stumbles into the role of lyricist. A tad rickety or hokey here and there plotwise, but very amusing dialogue, acting, production overall. This is a highly entertaining romantic comedy. A very strong A- (almost a full A).

-- Book Contest --


  • Music and Lyrics. Copyright © 2007.
  • Starring Hugh Grant, Drew Barrymore, Brad Garrett, Kristen Johnston, Campbell Scott, Haley Bennett.
  • Directed by Marc Lawrence.
  • Screenplay by Marc Lawrence.
  • Produced by Martin Shafer, Liz Glotzer at WarnerBros/Castle Rock/Village Roadshow/Reserve Room.

Grade..........................A- (3/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Monday, 19-Feb-2007 11:39:58 PST