MUSIC AND LYRICS:  
Romantic Comedy at Its Best

Helping someone discover his or her hidden talents ranks as one of   the most satisfying things a person can do for another, and that  probably explains why I fell for Music and Lyrics  right away. I absolutely loved watching the character played by Drew Barrymore discover she was able to write brilliant lyrics while roped into a panicky relationship with a has-been composer and performer, portrayed by Hugh Grant, who also finds out he has more talent than he ever imagined as a result of working with her. Happily, the budding romance between these two amusing people adds considerably to the charm and fun of this delightful romantic comedy.   

I used the term “panicky relationship” above because Alex Fletcher (Grant) faces a deadline he must meet in order to make a dramatic comeback. He’s a former member of a popular 80s band called POP -- but spends most of his time now doing fairs and class reunions. Sadly, even those gigs are starting to dry up. However, the current teen sensation, Cora (Haley Bennett), who happens to be a fan, asks Alex to bring her a new song within a couple of days. What an amazing opportunity for him! The problem? Alex can’t write lyrics. Enter Sophie Fisher (Barrymore), a woman sent to his apartment to take care of his plants. As Sophie listens to Alex working with a cynical partner recruited rather quickly, she tosses off a few lines which get Alex’s attention – and he realizes she’s a born lyricist.

Although Sophie pooh-poohs the idea at first, Alex can be very persuasive, so the two start working together. Will they come up with the perfect song in time for Cora’s huge musical extravaganza? Of course we know the answer, but the way these two accomplish their goal -- despite some serious obstacles of their own making -- simply fascinated and delighted me.     

Grant and Barrymore, who generate great chemistry together, display impeccable comic timing in their winning performances here. Grant, master of the throw-away comment, shows he’s no slouch when it comes to delivering songs as well. He’s very funny in an 80s-type music video and quite appealing while singing a couple of lovely ballads. Barrymore, the Queen of Romantic Comedy in my book, earns more stars in her crown with her endearing portrayal of a woman lacking self-esteem because of mistreatment by a literature professor (Campbell Scott) she once fell in love with.     

Fortunately, writer/director Marc Lawrence (Two Weeks Notice) gives his stars wonderful material to work with. Because of its appealing characters, uplifting theme, witty dialogue, and humorous satire of the pop music world, Music and Lyrics ends up being the best romantic comedy I’ve seen since Pride & Prejudice. I can’t wait to watch it again!