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Summary: Almost Famous 'Cameron Crowe's crowning achievement
Review: In the year 2000 a number of fabulous films were made. 'Traffic, Gladiator, and the film that came from nowhere; 'Almost Famous'. The film is a slightly autobiographical tale of Cameron Crowe's teenage life. As he went around the U.S writing reviews for 'Rolling Stone' magazine. As our young protagonist William ventures around the country with a up, and coming rock band 'Stillwater' The film is essentially a comedy, but has moments of drama and romance ribboned through it's highly lucid and entertaining storyline. The performances in 'Almost Famous' are flawless leading the charge with brilliant performances by Billy Crudup and Kate Hudson the film can appeal to a variety of age levels and lovers of the era. Through Crowe's masterful directing the audience are subjected to a wild ride of sex, drugs and rock and roll. The viewer can experience what life is like in the late 60's and how each of us deals with fame. A tour de force soundtrack again allows the audience to feel this lifestyle. Overall the film is an utter triumph, one that is unsurpassed in scope and vision. In a year that was dominated by 'Gladiator' which was a genre peice it was great to see a big film with a 'small film' feel. It's multiplicity of genres to allow the film to convey this feeling.
Rating: 
Summary: famous forever
Review: THIS MOVIE WAS AWESOME! Its my favorite. I don't know how anyone connot like it. The casting was great. Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, Patrick Fugit, Zooey Deschanel and Philip Seymour Hoffman were made for their characters. Crowe brought inspiration throughout this movie. This is a must buy. Don't miss out. Great Job Crowe!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: all hype
Review: this movie is hardly what i expected, i enjoyed it but it did not deserve any oscar nominations or such critical acclaim. cameron crowe is going down in the quality of his films (vanilla sky is a terribly messy movie and the ending is totally dumbed down.) i would suggest fast times at ridgemont high and jerry maguire over this flick any day.
Rating:
Summary: A Really Great Film
Review: The music sets the mood for the entire film, very well acted, written and directed. I don't know how someone can say they didn't add the deleted scenes when it was obvious that they did? Putting them in the movie versus leaving them out to me is better, I know I have several DVD movies that do that and I never end up watch the deleted scenes. Why when you already watched the movie? I especially like the way the played the music as if it was played on a vinyl record versus CD. This is definetly a must buy movie.
Rating:
Summary: In this case, "Bootleg" is better!
Review: Seeing as how I liked "Almost Famous" when it was in theaters, the idea of a longer version was at the very least a concern. While I was sure it would add more to the experience in general, I did in fact fear that it would have material that would have been better off on the cutting room floor. Luckily, this "Untitled" version was great, and improved on an already good movie. The commentary with writer/director Cameron Crowe and others (including his own mother, no less) is worth a listen, if only to hear some of the details Crowe gives into the making of this film and stories from his experiences on the road in the 70's. While the extras are sparse, this is of little consequence to my viewing experience. The skeleton of this DVD set (the bootleg and theatrical version) is more than enough to keep me satisfied.
Rating:
Summary: Almost Famous is reborn!!!
Review: I consider myself a movie fan, not a buff or an expert. Some of my favorite movies are Tootsie, Casablanca, Broadcast News, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Say Anything. So you can tell that I'm not a cult movie freak (I like Chasing Amy, Fletch, Slapshot, etc.) or a classics junkie (Citizen Kane and Gone with the Wind are overrated.), but a true believer in good cinema. That being said, I'm a Cameron Crowe fan. You know where I place Say Anything. I loved the cast of Singles and thought it was hilarious (Xavier McDaniel's line is my favorite.). I saw Jerry Maguire with my wife at the movies when we were dating and I don't think I've ever left the theater feeling better. Almost Famous, however, didn't quite measure up to my expectations. It seemed too choppy, the characters underdeveloped, and when it was over, I didn't feel like I wanted to hang out with the people I'd just spent about 90 minutes getting to know. But I'd heard good things about the fresh cut on the Untitled DVD, that it was the version CC wanted us to see, but the studio wouldn't let him release it. Something about a 2 hour and 45 minute comedy being too long. Anyway, I bought the disc and let me say that it is his best work. Right up there with Say Anything. The extra 45 minutes add the chocolate chips to the bland cookie that was Almost Famous. Now you will feel as if you are on tour with the band, why William feels like his school hates him, and how much he cares about Penny Lane. See this version. Then watch it again while listening to the hilarious mother/son commentary by Cameron Crowe and his MOTHER. If you're like me, you were disappointed in Almost Famous after Jerry Maguire. Give Untitled a chance and you won't be.
Rating:
Summary: It's all happening
Review: This movie to me, was a masterpiece. It was true genius in it's message, the way it was told, the way it was lovingly made and so on. This particular edition celebrates and extends an understanding about the creative process necessary to bring this artistic work about. It was just great. Since watching it several times I have been totally inspired. Thank you for this wonderful movie and edition.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant movie, but no director commentary
Review: Almost Famous is a brilliant movie that tells the story of the rise (and implied fall) of the fictional 70s band Stillwater. Crowe has said that Stillwater was inspired by the Eagles and he perfectly captures the heady 70s rock scene. The cast is uniformly excellent, but Frances McDormand as the mother and Kate Hudson as Penny Lane are especially good. The movie is sentimental whithout being too sticky and several scenes are instant classic. In particular, I love the bus scene where the actors all sing Tiny Dancer. Unfortunately, as good as this movie is, it lacks a director commentary from Cameron Crowe. Worse yet, he subsequently released the "bootleg" version...that does include his commentary. What a gyp!
Rating:
Summary: Coming of Age Story, w Great Music
Review: Crowe does a great job here combining a coming of age story of kid wanna be rock music reporter with great classic 60's and 70's songs, travelling with up and coming band. Here he creates a compelling story, and his choice of music just reinforces the feelings and emotions of the movie. It's like you're really there, backstage with the band, hanging out with the groupies, riding the band bus/plane, etc. Crowe puts everything together, pieces it with great classic songs/music that reinforces the power of the moment. It's just a great movie, letting you hang out with the band, and most of all, taking in all the great music from that era. Highly recommended!!
Rating:
Summary: Simply The Best
Review: Crowe hits all the right chords in this movie. And why not, it's all about him. Yet his life as a young (very young) Rolling Stone reporter is impossible to turn away from for even a moment. From the viewer's perspective, you'll walk away from this movie with that wonderful longing that makes you wish for more, and yet you don't want to spoil the magic that the uncut movie gives you. This movie is all the more enjoyable if you know the music of the era, and get the extensive, but obscure, references that Crowe works into the movie. Finally, Crowe's director commentary is quite interesting, and his mom is quite funny as well. It's interesting to hear that many of the props are actual relics from his days on the road with the bands. Simply put, this DVD belongs in your collection.
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