What It's About:
Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical film about his young beginnings as a rock music journalist and critic is a love letter to the joy that musical fandom brings to its devotees as well as a funny and touching look into the insane lifestyle of a traveling band. William, a high school prodigy, loves music and writes stories on spec for Creem magazine. He talks his way backstage for a Black Sabbath concert but gets pulled into the orbit of their opening act, and up-and-coming band called Stillwater. William attracts the attention of Rolling Stone magazine, who pays him to go on the road with Stillwater, where his eyes are opened to the sad truth that musicians are as messed-up, problematic, and fallible as the rest of us. Along the way, he falls in love with groupie Penny Lane, the leader of the "Band Aides," a group of women who accompany the band across the country.
Why It's Worth Watching:
Crowe is at his best as a director in this film because the subject is so personal to him and his own experience, and the love shows in every scene. Patrick Fugit (William Miller), acting at 15 years old, brings a warmth and charm to the lead role. Outstanding supporting performances from Billy Crudup (Russell Hammond), Jason Lee (Jeff Bebe), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Lester Bangs), Frances McDormand (Elaine Miller), Zooey Deschanel (Anita Miller), and Kate Hudson (Penny Lane) make Almost Famous not only a sure-fire must-see Valentine's movie but also a modern classic that appeals to both music lovers and romantics-at-heart alike.
What's in it for Her:
It helps if she's a music fan, but if she is, the appeal of the band, especially lead singer Jason Lee and lead guitarist Billy Crudup is likely to stir up a few groupie fantasies (or might it be memories, hmmm?) of her own. The love triangle between Fugit, Hudson, and Crudup is complicated in the real-life sense that these things always are, and the genuineness of William's affection for Penny is at the heart of the romantic hook of this movie.
What's in it for Him:
Any guy who's ever picked up a guitar, a microphone, or a pair of drumsticks has likely dreamed about playing music live in front of an audience. A few of us have found the opportunity to do so. Even fewer have reached the heights depicted in this film, but the vicarious fantasy—which is what William experiences on the road with the band—is a major part of the film's appeal. In addition, any guy who's ever had a crush on a woman who's been a close friend but not quite a romantic reality will also identify with the dynamics of the movie's characters.
Why I Love this Movie:
Every time I watch this movie, I think about how awesome it would have been at age 18 to, instead of having gone to college, been part of a band traveling the country trying to make stars of ourselves. Then reality sets in, and I remember who I was at 18 (and 20, and 22), and I realize that had this happened, I most likely would have been the drummer found dead in the hotel room having choked on his own vomit. Sometimes God blesses us by not making our dreams come true.
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