Almost Famous (2001, DVD)

Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous (2000) opened to rave reviews because it touched the hearts of geezers everywhere. Here was a film that ubiquitously classic-rocked out and made innocuous pot-shots at household names of all types. Hunter S. Thompson, Rolling Stone, and Mick Jagger are all wisecracked; the film's frequent elbow-nabs always resonate. Though it is a good film, Almost Famous's nostalgia blinded critics to an essential flaw.

It's the 1970s. William Miller (Patrick Fugit), a shoegazing fifteen-year-old amateur journalist who works his way into up-and-coming (fictional) rock band Stillwater. Through connections, Rolling Stone sees Miller's work, and proffers him a spot in their magazine.

Being fifteen, this will present obvious difficulties for Miller. His mother (Frances McDormand) is a socially inept martinet who, at one point, screams "Don't do drugs!" to him in front of tens of rebellious teenagers. Nonetheless, he's allowed (stipulated to make it home before graduation), and meets several eccentric (some might argue typical) characters along the way. Kate Hudson, who recently has degenerated into mass appeal, sports a far-out performance as Penny Lane, the free-spiriting "band-aid" who tags along "for the music, man." It's a natural role for her; she was far more destined to be the American Hippie than America's Sweetheart. Billy Crudup plays Russell Hammond, Stillwater's *mysterious* lead guitarist, who isolates himself from the band's banality and ends up resented for it. Crudup's ability to present Hammond as an intelligent, but psychedelic, individual is one the film's key strengths.

Amidst all the one-liners and Top 40 Singles, the film amounts to one mickle memorable climax where feelings are confessed and truths are revealed. The sequence works because it successfully brews humor and stark drama into one intense moment. Every character is saying the right things at the right time, and though the scenario can seem outlandish, the results can't be forgotten. It's here when Crowe's direction shines.

It's a shame that Almost Famous missteps in the last twenty seconds and surfaces the triviality of several previous moments. Penny Lane makes a decision that is supposed to mean something, but ultimately, what significance does that "meaning" hold? It contributes nothing to the film and feels contrived and vapid.

Almost Famous's tagline reads, "Experience it. Enjoy it. Just don't fall for it." There couldn't have been more perfect words for the film. While it is highly enjoyable, one "key" symbol amounts to nothing, and leaves the audience somewhat deserted.

Rating: B+