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Almost Famous - The KingLove Movie Guide Review 10/00
Starring Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson & Patrick Fugit. Written and directed by Cameron Crowe. Rated R.
Attractiveness & Chemistry
It's Rock and Roll in 1973, and it's big, messy and tasty! Billy Crudup (Russell), lead guitarist for Stillwater, has a Johnny Depp 'Don Juan De Marco' look, but it works for him. He's brooding, mysterious, and talented. The guitarist with the 'incendiary' licks and the hot looks falls for an uber groupie, Kate Hudson (Penny). Goldie Hawn's daughter in real-life, Hudson shows that she's poised to be a star. A sexy star with plenty of charm.
Does Penny love Russell or the music? Or is it the fame? And what about his wife? And what about Patrick Fugit (William), the cute and innocent 15 year old who's in love with Penny? Cameron Crowe has once again nailed it, perfectly recreating a time (and a mildly autobiographical story). His sexy stars may be dealing with the pressures of fame, money and rivalry, but love will certainly play a major role.
Story Line
A fifteen year old gets the chance of a lifetime, the chance to write a feature article for Rolling Stone magazine. Can he fool the magazine? Has he ever written an article of that length? Will he survive the sex, drugs and rock and roll of seventies touring? Will he get the musicians to talk &trust him without crossing the line by befriending the band? There are several great questions and a few near death experiences. Can the band survive fame? Will he be in a love triangle, or merely deflowered by a gaggle of groupies? The biggest threat to survival may just be surviving a subtly nervous mother.
Nookie Factor
Most of the action between Penny and Russell takes place behind closed doors. Whatever closed doors are available. There's one scene with a flash or two of rollicking topless nudity between the lovers. Otherwise, viewers merely soak in the aura of the reckless sexual activity of the pre-AIDS world of Rock and Roll.
Comments from the People!
"Where did they find wide-eyed Patrick Fugit - an amazing performance!"
"...Billy Crudup can pick my strings anytime"
"Kate Hudson is a little bombshell in the making"
"Jason Lee had a perfect role for his loud mouth cocky antics"
"The music was really good. Of course they got good stuff from the era, but kudos to Nancy Wilson (Crowe's wife) for the tunes that made Stillwater rock!
"Philip Seymour Hoffman (Cream magazine publisher) had the best supporting role, and the movie's best lines!"
"The Band Aid girls can deflower me anytime they want..."
"Frances McDormand is always terrific. 'No Drugs!'"
KingLove's Overall Rating
Almost Famous sparkles! It deserves consideration as one of the best films of the year. A combination of a great story and terrific performances in an insane, passionate world. What's more powerful than rock & roll - besides love?
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