Movie Review: ALMOST FAMOUS (2000)
Almost Famous (2000)–****
Let’s face it, 2000 hasn’t been the greatest year for movies. With the exceptions of The Cell and High Fidelity, it’s been a really lackluster year. Now, as the end of 2000 starts to sneak up on us, I have finally seen the crowning achievement, and it is Almost Famous.
Director Cameron Crowe tells us the story of William Miller (Patrick Fugit), a music fan and aspiring writer, who is given the chance to write for Rolling Stone. His assignment is to follow the up-and-coming band Stillwater on their 1973 tour. On the tour, however, he faces a few problems. He can’t get an interview with Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup), the lead guitarist, because the band is constantly on the verge of a breakup. He also has trouble with the deadline set by Rolling Stone. His biggest problem, however, is when he falls for Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), who is in love with Russell.
There are many ways to describe Almost Famous. Wonderful, uplifting, and sincere are all fine examples, but this movie can easily be described with one word: Oscar. Several more Oscar contenders are awaiting release, but if this movie doesn’t take home at least one Academy Award, it will be a crime. Cameron Crowe took a bunch of relative unknowns and made one of the most heart-warming films I have ever had the chance to see. You can actually sense the emotions in the glances exchanged by Penny and Russell and feel the enlightenment and awe in the talks between William and his mentor (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman). But the movie never gets over sentimental. Very few cheerful movies can make that claim. Almost Famous may make you feel better no matter what is going on in your life, but it’s the acting that sells this movie.
This is definitely star making film. Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, and Jason Lee are sure to make big names for themselves because of this movie, and Frances McDormand is perfect in the role of the over protective mother. However, the movie is completely stolen by Patrick Fugit and Philip Seymour Hoffman. If any of the actors in the movie deserve praise, it is these two. When these two are conversing, you get a personal understanding of what Fugit’s character all about. The talks between their characters simply make Almost Famous.
Remember the name Almost Famous. If you don’t remember it next March when we find out who the Oscars are going home with, then at least be to remember the name the next time you are at the box office. This movie is well worth the price of admission.
Get Email Updates
