1 of 2 customers found the following review helpful:
 A fine film, 2000-09-17
"Almost Famous" has all the right ingredients to be a success; a nostalgic coming of age story about a young man who comes to terms with himself and the world, an utterly appealing cast of actors, and a writer/director who has already earned respect and praise through his previous work. The movie is impossible to dislike it, mainly because it is crafted with such heart-felt sincerity, and it helps greatly when the array of performances shine from beginning to end. In terms of touching upon issues such as growing up and realizing your own identity, "Almost Famous" does a fairly effective job using the 70's rock-era as a backdrop and a naive 15 year old as the emotional centre. It is evident that Cameron Crowe is infusing the film with his own experiences, and it generates a feel of affection (a bit TOO much at times) for the story and it's characters. He has a great eye for detail, with both the physical and emotional dynamics. I was genuinely impressed with Kate Hudson's performance as Penny Lane, she helps build the most poignant moments, and plays her role with beguiling nuance. The only real fault in "Almost Famous" is how it meanders at times, losing focus on themes at hand, plus there's a plane scene towards the end that feels like a total contrivance. But overall, this is still a good movie that will definitely be remembered as one of 2000's few cinematic highlights. Oh yeah, and the soundtrack is an all-around winner too.
23 of 25 customers found the following review helpful:
 Totally blown away by this!, 2000-09-16
Cameron Crowe's latest, "Almost Famous" is hands-down the best picture of 2000. It is a funny, dramatic, romantic, and stunning auto-biographical love letter to 70s rock. The acting is immpecable, with Billy Crudup, Jason Lee and Kate Hudson giving the strongest performances of their careers. Newcomer Patrick Fugit holds his own in high company with a performance that ties together every aspect of the film, and Philip Seymour Hoffman steals his scenes in slight subtlety. The direction, the acting, the cinematography, the script, the soundtrack - they are all masterfully executed and combined by Cameron Crowe, who with every picture gets better and better. I wasn't alive in the 70s, nor do I have an especially strong affinity for the music of the period, but anybody who loves character and story-driven movies will love this. Mr. Crowe and I share a favorite director, Mr. Billy Wilder, and I must say that with every picture he gets closer and closer to attaining a diverse and consistently brilliant filmography to rival that of the master Wilder's. And, if you're a Wilder fan, look for a slightly twisted homage to the stomach pump scene from "The Apartment" in "Almost Famous". I strongly recommend that everyone who enjoys movies of a deep and profoundly entertaining nature see this. With "Almost Famous", nobody can honestly say that contemporary cinema produces nothing of value, because Cameron Crowe and co. have. I saw this just a few hours ago and I still feel it. I think it will be on of those films that sticks inside for a long time.
2 of 2 customers found the following review helpful:
Touching, funny, and honest: a joy to watch, 2000-09-11
I saw an advance screening of this film and I just can't say enough good things about it. It is close to flawless. As usual, Crowe's gotten a superb ensemble cast together. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jason Lee, and Billy Crudup are predictably great, but the real joy is newcomer Patrick Fugit, whose winsome, innocent portrayal of a teen coming of age is pitch perfect. The plot is gripping and unpredictable. The subject matter is intimately familiar for anyone over the age of 25 or so, but younger folks will also identify with the characters' love for music. But the real strength, as with all of Crowe's work, is the *writing*. Good writing is rare in movies of any sort, particularly this summer's blockbuster sludge, but Crowe nails all the details of dialogue, characterization, and pacing with unparalleled skill. You will laugh out loud, repeatedly, and cry too, many times simultaneously. Every time he makes a film he renews my faith in the medium. I'm not one to gush over films, usually, but this touching, honest gem is worth losing the cynicism for a while. I consider it a life preserver thrown to save me from the Perfect Storm that rages over Hollywood.
A great movie. I think it should be famous!, 2000-09-08
I saw an advanced screening of "Almost Famous" with a friend. When I auditioned for the part of Young William Miller I expected this character to be exactly as I thought it should be when I saw it: interested and strange. It was cool seeing the character I almost was set to get. As you probably think, I was Almost Famous! Anyway, see this movie because it is totally worth seeing!
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Amazon Sales Rank:#960