This movie is my favorite movie. It came out when I was 21 and when I saw it I didn’t know anything about the times, music or life-experiences it portrayed. However I knew the movie was magical and re-visited it
This movie is my favorite movie. It came out when I was 21 and
when I saw it I didn’t know anything about the times, music or
life-experiences it portrayed. However I knew the movie was magical
and re-visited it 2-3 times in the theater. I of course, had a
crush on Kate Hudson after this movie, enjoyed the soundtrack that
includes great tunes from Elton John, The Allman Brothers band and
David Bowie.
Parental Warning: Film contains adult themes, minor drug use.
This movie is my favorite movie. It came out when I was 21 and when I saw it I didn’t know anything about the times, music or life-experiences it portrayed. However I knew the movie was magical and re-visited it 2-3 times in the theater. I of course, had a crush on Kate Hudson after this movie, enjoyed the soundtrack that includes great tunes from Elton John, The Allman Brothers band and David Bowie.
My review will be of the theatrical release, but if you can find the 2-disc DVD “Bootleg” Director’s cut; I highly suggest it. This film without being sappy, sentimental or indulgent is a love poem to rock and roll. The film was penned by Cameron Crowe (“Jerry Maguire”) about his own experiences as rock journalist for Rolling Stone magazine (at age 16). Crowe toured with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin and many others.
At the heart of this multi-layered screenplay (the exact reasons it won the Oscar) is a wonderful gambit of life moments. This movie makes you remember all the things that rock and roll are about. To name a few; your first time with the opposite sex, the first time you became friends with a girl, your first TRUE heart-break and the first time you heard a song that is always with you. I re-watched the movie today and through the eyes of a 32-year old I see the director was baring his soul. These moments are priceless and this film reminds us it’s OK to acknowledge the utter beauty of the pain of an experience; or the joy.
The film has numerous wonderful performances, but Kate Hudson (in an Oscar nominated role) steals the show. This movie brought myself and my best female friend back together upon the release of the DVD. It’s that special. If I spoke of the plot it would spoil it. This film is a journey of the little things in life that matter most. Like Steven Tyler of Aerosmith says “it’s about kissing your girlfriend, going to a good show and having your friends tell you, you suck”. This film has no definition, but means everything. It is a music movie, a life-story, a drama, a comedy and most importantly a slice of life.
I like this movie, because I’ve never met anyone who didn’t enjoy it. As I watch the movie now, having studied rock and roll, the Blues and the ‘70s in detail; the film is even more special and I believe what Jason Lee (“Vanilla Sky”) says in one the scenes “that our music is going to change someone and that person may change the world.” I have visual references in this film to cling to. I can find peace over my first heart-break and the film has some of my favorite songs. It’s a nice package of love, peace and life. Which is what rock and roll is.
On the director’s commentary track Cameron Crowe said “society, people and the world said musicians did this all for the sex, drugs and rock and roll theory.
They never really acknowledged that so many bands just LOVED music and carried records wherever they went.”
Year: 2000
Director: Cameron Crowe
Starring: Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Jason Lee
Oscars: Best Screenplay (Cameron Crowe)
1. How to Lose a guy in 10 Days
2. Bride Wars
3. My Best Friends Girl
4. You Me and Dupree
5. Raising Helen
6. Dr. T and the Women
7. The Skeleton Key
8. Alex and Emma
9. The Four Feathers
10. Fool’s Gold
