Romantic comedies just aren't what they used to be. Gone are the days of fluid, funny and first-rate romantic comedies where the far-fetched and seemingly improbable plot lines, while not entirely believable, were camouflaged by the brilliantly convincing chemistry between the leading lady and her male counterpart. Music and Lyrics, in all its fruitless though formidable attempts, falls prey to the second-rate epidemic that has befallen the cinematic genre of romantic comedy.
Alex Fletcher (masterfully portrayed by a relentlessly witty and cunning Hugh Grant) is a washed-up `80s pop star who has waved bye-bye to the lavish world of fame and stardom and has been demoted to performing at high school reunions and county fairs. Fletcher, once a member of an `80s pop group called Pop!, has just been confronted by a VH1-esque television network to appear on a new show called `Battle of the `80s Has-Beens.' However, Fletcher's slow sleigh ride into oblivion is halted when his manager (played by the dry and comical Brad Garrett) approaches him with a life-changing offer. The newest pop sensation Cora -- think Britney Spears in her glory days (before K-Fed and shaved head; you know, when she used to be hot)--is a fan of Fletcher's old work and wants him to write a song and perform it with her at her concert in Madison Square Garden in three days' time.
Impossible? Not for a romantic comedy. However, Fletcher, a gifted composer who is not much of a lyricist, is obstructed in his journey back to fame and recognition. How will he ever write a song in three days without a lyricist? Enter Sophie Fisher, unexceptionally played by a mediocre Drew Barrymore. Fisher's character, temporarily watering Fletcher's plants, spontaneously rattles off some cheesy lyrics that convince Fletcher that she is the only person that can help him finish the song for Cora in time. Needless to say, in true romantic comedy fashion, Fletcher and Fisher's relationship whimsically develops over the three-day period in efforts to produce a bona-fide hit for the clichéd pop megastar Cora while still managing to fall in love at the same time. Aww.
The chemistry between Grant and Barrymore in Music and Lyrics doesn't really materialize or reach full potential. Both are accomplished actors, prince and princess of the romantic comedy genre. Although Grant is typecast as the quick-witted and sarcastic British charmer (almost identical to his celebrated roles as Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones's Diary, William Thacker in Notting Hill, or Will in About A Boy), he shines in the role of Alex Fletcher. On the other hand, Barrymore seems unchallenged and detached from both Sophie's character and playing the quirky love-interest that she has perfected in such films as The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates. Regrettably, Grant is no Sandler to her Barrymore. At best, Barrymore and Grant are highly convincing as friends and creative partners; but as romantic interests, they can't seem to hit the right notes.
Compensating for the lack of chemistry between Barrymore and Grant, there are some laugh- out-loud moments in the film, including the opening video of Pop!'s hit single "Pop Goes My Heart." The ridiculous, over-dramatized video brings back the glorious days of leggings and teased bangs. Music and Lyrics also includes a scathing commentary on the music industry or "the business" as Alex Fletcher's been-there, failed-that character bitterly explains to Fisher.
The idea of disposable pop artists and music genres is the most fascinating part of the movie, and for those who are fans of VH1 shows like "I Love The [insert any decade here]," this movie can be enjoyable and a refreshing plot for a film. Music and Lyrics at best is E! True Hollywood Story meets Pop-Up Video, but without the salaciously depressing parts where the artist tragically uses cocaine or alcohol as a substitute for love, fame or any other perk he or she grew accustomed to before entering the world of retired, old `has been'. You know, the land where Vanilla Ice is currently residing, right next-door to Donnie Wahlberg and Molly Ringwald. All in all, Music and Lyrics has its moments of enjoyable entertainment, but only on a Friday night when there is nothing else on television.
