Music and Lyrics

Generally this does the job. As the category of film suggests, Music And Lyrics is a mass-market standard-issue classic romantic comedy. And as such it does this extremely well, judged by the fact that the ladies love Grant's affable and restrained character, whereas Barrymore's slightly incongruous and non-conformist (I bet she had some fun with the wardrobe guys) plant-cleaner is, once we get past the first scene, perfectly plausible - at least for this sort of cinema.

Grant's pedigree in this genre is almost peerless; 4 Weddings, Notting Hill, About a Boy and plenty more besides, and Barrymore's presence in 50 First Dates shows she's no mug at this sort of thing either. So generally the front two do what you'd expect and the film from that point of view is almost frighteningly predictable, in a good way.

The development of the story is a fairly carefree romp, which has little to say for it, apart from a few peripheral supporting elements:

First, the support role (as Barrymore's matriarchal older sister) by Kirsten Johnson (sp?), very nearly steals the show [somewhat curiously reminiscent of Simon Callow in 4 Weddings, perhaps], who plays a deliciously domineering yet sensuous Rhonda. This adds colour, charm and a certain credibility to Barrymore's rather more submissive or timid character. The sibling relationship is very plausible, and Rhonda's reaction to, well let's just say some of the circumstances, is bang on the money each time, and probably the highlight of the show.

Second, the fact that Grant is, to coin their phrase, an 80's has-been, is hilarious. An artist with little clear future direction who continues to squeeze limited success out of past glories? Surely the irony was not lost on Grant himself, who in fairness hams the role up very nicely and is quite strong in his usual foppish style, usually involving a stutter and rather too much time looking at the floor.

Finally, the shot across the bows of the music industry is quite nicely done, and the introduction of Haley Bennett as superstar diva/dancer "Cora", is both keenly observed and very amusing, and highlights the vacuous, pre-packaged, talentless dross that is thrust down our throats as music these days, and indeed what it has to look like (rather than sound like) before it is deemed good enough.

So there's enough stuff buried under the pretty standard-issue 'plot' to keep even the cynics from tutting too much, and for the sort of person who likes this sort of thing anyway, there's certainly nothing wrong with it, if you accept that it is meant to be a bit cheesy.

All good wholesome fun to give the old weary brain a night off.