Music and Lyrics (2007)

63% of critics liked it
(166 reviews)
70% of users liked it
(489,938 ratings)

A professional collaboration between a popular lyricist and a washed-up musician takes a decidedly personal turn as the pair gradually finds their relationship developing into something much deeper in a romantic comedy directed by Marc Lawrence and starring Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant. Alex… More A professional collaboration between a popular lyricist and a washed-up musician takes a decidedly personal turn as the pair gradually finds their relationship developing into something much deeper in a romantic comedy directed by Marc Lawrence and starring Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant. Alex Fletcher (Grant) may have been all the rage in the 1980s, but these days he's lucky to get a gig playing at the local county fair. Just when it seems as if things couldn't get any more bleak for the dejected has-been rocker, reigning pop diva Cora Corman (Haley Bennett) offers Alex the opportunity of a lifetime -- write and record a duet to be sung with her and watch his career receive a much-needed boost as the nostalgia-crazed public laps it up. Little does Cora realize that not only has it been years since Alex has written a song, but he's never actually written a single lyric. Now, if he hopes to make the comeback needed to save him from a life of complete and utter obscurity, Alex will have to craft a radio-friendly hit in a matter of mere days. Luckily for Alex, his quirky plant-keeper Sophie Fisher (Barrymore) has quite a way with words and may possess just the kind of songwriting talent needed to make such a hit happen. Unfortunately the beguiling Sophie is still reeling from a recent break-up with newly famous novelist Sloan Cates (Campbell Scott), and she isn't quite sure if she's ready for any kind of collaboration right now -- romantic or otherwise. Despite Alex's hesitation to commit and Sophie's reluctance to collaborate, the pair quickly discovers that a little chemistry can go a long way in healing the wounds of the past and laying the foundation for a much-deserved future of happiness and success. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 44 min.
Directed By: Marc Lawrence
Genres: Comedy, Romance

In Theaters: Feb 14, 2007 Wide
On DVD: May 8, 2007
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Critic Reviews

Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
It's more fun than a Spandau Ballet/Tears for Fears concert circa 1985, and I mean that in a good way.
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
Light, sweet and agreeably confident
Stephen Hunter, Washington Post
I don't think the ending is up to the rest of the movie, but Grant and Barrymore are great together, and the movie has both zing and song.
J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader
Drew Barrymore is that rare movie starlet who can handle the comedy end of romantic comedy, but she coasts through her underwritten role as a goofy plant sitter recruited by Grant to write his lyrics.
Peter Howell, Toronto Star
What Grant lacks in credibility as a lover he makes up for in eagerness to please. He wickedly skewers the music of the 1980s -- he sings! he dances! -- while at the same time reminding us of the cruel reality of disposable pop stardom.
Dana Stevens, Slate
[It] won my heart for what it didn't do: all the moments it could have strained for farce or confessional self-disclosure, and instead turned its attention back to the problem at hand.
Joshua Starnes, ComingSoon.net
Lawrence has a distinct lack of ability to write anything remotely resembling a real human. Maybe romantic comedies don't really need that sort of thing but if there's nothing else going for it - and there's nothing else going for it - it would help.
Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media
Sweet, predictable date movie. Teens OK.
Heather Huntington, ReelzChannel.com
It's a shame that the meat of the movie doesn't live up to the standard set by the PoP video with which it opens. But if it did--oh, what a rare pleasure that would have been.
Christopher Smith, Bangor Daily News (Maine)
Move beyond the lame title, and you'll find an unexpectedly good movie, with the inspired casting of Drew Berry and Hugh Grant possessing the necessary chemistry to lift this rote, manufactured story into something appealing.
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness
Far too little originality ... to make the film anything other than a disposable rom-com triviality.
Sean Axmaker, MSN.com
... they make beautiful music together. Well, catchy and cute music anyway, just like the movie.
Kam Williams, Mount Desert Islander
Between the pithy dialogue and the retro humor which comes at the expense of big hair bands, be prepared to laugh throughout the duration of this delightful romantic comedy.
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
An average romantic comedy. A great Drew Barrymore performance.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...only a middling entry in the field.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Music and Lyrics could have had more rhythm and a better beat...
Beverly Berning, culturevulture.net
Hugh Grant is a genius at romantic comedy. He has just the right blend of good looks, sex appeal, wit, sensitivity, self-awareness, and even more endearing, self-mockery.
Stephen Himes, Flak Magazine
"Music and Lyrics" argues that pop songs are poetry, and in the tradition of Walt Whitman, the film proceeds to celebrate itself.

Read all 18 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Jennifer X

The first five minutes were pure gold and the rest of the film an everlasting backslide. But the two leads are pretty charismatic, so it wasn't, like, a complete waste of time. The love song is nice in a poppy, catchy kind of way.
moon r

Certainly a brave romcom as Hugh Grant plays a has been 80's rock star (think: the other guy in Wham, no, not George Michael, the other guy) looking to not has been. That means a singing and dancing Hugh - that's where the bravery comes in, him to do it, and you to watch.… More
Certainly a brave romcom as Hugh Grant plays a has been 80's rock star (think: the other guy in Wham, no, not George Michael, the other guy) looking to not has been. That means a singing and dancing Hugh - that's where the bravery comes in, him to do it, and you to watch. Things look bleak for his career dreams (and this film unashamedly links success and romance - you can't have one w/o t'other) until romcom magic happens and in walks Drew Barrymore ... and now I've told you everything. Still not as offensive as one might think given my description.
Alice S

Sweet and silly. I actually rather like the one bit of melodrama when Alex claims Sophie is as broken and neurotic as her evil ex's novelization of her, and she pleads, "What are you saying?! Please take that back!"
Cassie H

Really Funny!!!!!!!! Love Drew & Hugh (:
Bethany M

One of my favourite rom coms. A must see!
Conner R

I've got to say that this is a really likable movie. Hugh Grant is usually always funny and this was no exception. Drew Barrymore also tends to work well in romantic comedies and make them more than just cheap laughs and heart felt stories. This has a music video in the beginning… More
I've got to say that this is a really likable movie. Hugh Grant is usually always funny and this was no exception. Drew Barrymore also tends to work well in romantic comedies and make them more than just cheap laughs and heart felt stories. This has a music video in the beginning that is maybe one of the greatest mock of an 80s style band i've seen. While it's outrageously great, it's very fun if you're in the mood.
Matt G

It was really cute. Incredibly cliched though. Worth a watch. Grade: C
Richard C

B-
Jeremy S

At the centre of this romantic comedy are two performances that win you over with their charm, namely two fantastic actors Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant veterns of the romantic comedy genre. Nowhere near as lame as the trailer suggests, Music and Lyrics is very entertaining. Romantic,… More
At the centre of this romantic comedy are two performances that win you over with their charm, namely two fantastic actors Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant veterns of the romantic comedy genre. Nowhere near as lame as the trailer suggests, Music and Lyrics is very entertaining. Romantic, witty, satirical and with a really catchy song to boot only harden cynics wouldn't in some shape or form enjoy this film. One of the funniest parts of the film is the satire of the hottest teenage pop icon Cora who is a walking contradiction at once a Buddist and a total scank. If you want a light, enjoyable romantic comedy for a rainy afternoon than this is the one for you.
Candy R

Good original rom com. Very catchy music and execellent take on Wham duo. Hugh Grant plays a 80s pop star who has lost his glory. He teams up with a hip new songstress who wants him to write a song for them but he gets wrtier's block. A girl (Drew) who waters his plants helps him… More
Good original rom com. Very catchy music and execellent take on Wham duo. Hugh Grant plays a 80s pop star who has lost his glory. He teams up with a hip new songstress who wants him to write a song for them but he gets wrtier's block. A girl (Drew) who waters his plants helps him out.
Drew S

This isn't going to rock any worlds, but it's a fun little movie to have on in the background while you play cards or do something substantial. You can tune out the actual plot, get vaguely involved in Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore's generalized flirting, and listen to… More
This isn't going to rock any worlds, but it's a fun little movie to have on in the background while you play cards or do something substantial. You can tune out the actual plot, get vaguely involved in Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore's generalized flirting, and listen to a joke or two in passing. Also, I found Barrymore's constant sneaking around highly amusing; my friends and I eventually started joking that she's actually hiding from invisible monsters through the course of the movie. That's her character arc. Someone needs to make a Youtube edit of the movie reflecting this. Anyway, it's entirely a serviceable chick flick, but fun enough for anyone to get caught up in without being TOO embarrassed. Not worth going out and renting, but maybe for catching on television.
KJ P

Music & Lyrics has heart and never let's you down. The only flaw I had it that the end is left open the way I hoped it wouldn't, but other than that, it was a great turnout.
Anthony L

Started off really well with a washed up 80's pop star trying to kick start his career. Starting with a funny fake video I thought I was in for a happy surprise but alas, it didn't last and it soon descended into a cliché ridden mess.
Thomas B

a film which hangs its hopes on a good song. no song is that good.
Film C

i liked this movie its i nice romcom and hugh grant is hot in it i like the storyline it sort of states the meaning you dont know what you loved and wanted the most unitll you lose it!
Manu G

I have always like this movie and seen it again since the last time it was just like seeing it for the first time, its still very funny and clever. Alex Fletcher, a washed-up '80s pop star, has been reduced to working the nostalgia circuit at county fairs and amusement parks. The… More
I have always like this movie and seen it again since the last time it was just like seeing it for the first time, its still very funny and clever. Alex Fletcher, a washed-up '80s pop star, has been reduced to working the nostalgia circuit at county fairs and amusement parks. The charismatic and talented musician gets a chance at a comeback when reigning diva Cora Corman invites him to write and record a duet with her, but there's a problem, Alex hasn't written a song in years, he's never written lyrics, and he has to come up with a hit in a matter of days. Enter Sophie Fisher, Alex's beguilingly quirky plant lady, whose flair for words strikes a chord with the struggling songwriter. On the rebound from a bad relationship, Sophie is reluctant to collaborate with anyone, especially commitment-phobe Alex. As their chemistry heats up at the piano and under it, Alex and Sophie will have to face their fears and the music if they want to find the love and success they both deserve.
Jani H

Starting with one of the best opening scenes I've seen in past years. It's easy for me to like this, cuz I've been growing up listening (forced by my mother...) to Abba, A-ha and different 80's pop bands. Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore act good together and they… More
Starting with one of the best opening scenes I've seen in past years. It's easy for me to like this, cuz I've been growing up listening (forced by my mother...) to Abba, A-ha and different 80's pop bands. Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore act good together and they have a good on-screen chemistry. Does Grant do any other roles than romcoms? Is he so badly typecast? It's totally predictable, has a great 80's soundtrack (Grant sings his songs by himself!) but a terrible modern soundtrack with these awful Britney-like pop songs. Still I enjoyed it cuz there's a lot of dialogue in it that's really good and funny.
Leigh R

Cute.
Red L

Movie about a washed-up pop star (Grant) and a young writer (Barrymore) who figure out a way to write a successful song and learn a bit about love.
Lenny M

Should get three stars because Drew Barrymore nearly ruins the film, but Hugh Grant is perfect for his role. The music video that starts the movie is probably one of the best things a comedy could offer.