Almost Famous

Rating:
Summary: For Serious Collectors
Review: The bonus material is not essential, but it does give the film an edge that was missing from the theatrical release. The deleted footage of William losing his virginity and the silent "Stairway to Heaven" makes the pace of the movie completely different. Commentary by Crowe and his mother reveals where a few scenes came from with additional details. Overall, I think "The Bootleg Cut" is one of the best extended edition DVDs with both versions of the film and the Stillwater CD.

Rating:
Summary: A Second Glance at an Enigmatic Theme
Review: At first impression, the story of a young boy coming of age. on second thought, much more than this. Who is he? A young writer. Does he seem like the young, naive type? No, he seems grounded solidly-- if trecherously-- in reality. He absorbs the impact of his new experiences in the wild world of rock and roll-- including loosing his virginity-- as if something else is on his mind. Or someone.

We are not concerned whether the young boy will suffer as his inner naivete clashes with his reality. Rather, we are concerned whether what he chooses to write about will reflect accurately the world as it is-- the conflicted lives of his hero rock musicians. We are concerned with which world he chooses, not which world he is capable of dealing with. He is a writer; a lens of reality. And he chooses truth.

It is fitting that he should love a woman who represents the opposite -- a woman who lives in a self-conscious fantasy world, in love with a rock star. She walks as if an apparition. She is a temptress; a muse. The rock and roll band sings to her. It is through her eyes that the lead guitarist sees himself as genuine and talented.

But we see that same guitarist on the roof of the house of a fan, yelling that he is a "golden god" while tripping on acid. The band wonders whether he wants them. He wonders whether he wants the band-- but he stays with them because it makes him look cool. He accepts popularity with his band as an alternative to developing his full talent.

His band is becoming popular, taking the leap from small-time to big-time. The musicians are quarreling, adulterating, and it is not until they are almost killed in a plane crash that the truth comes out.

The question facing these characters is what is real? Will the woman step out of her fantasy world? Will the rock musician verify the story that the boy gives Rolling Stone, and expose the unmerciful truth that accompanies it? Will he stay with the band? Seen this way, the movie becomes a stunningly integrated masterpiece.

The boy's face has an innocence that stems from truth-- not naivete. And that is why everyone is unusually honest with him; that is why everyone loves him. But what will they say to him, how will they treat him? After all, he is a rock journalist. He is the enemy.

Rating:
Summary: A MASTERPIECE.....
Review: With over 400 reviews here,I doubt that I can add much...But this is such an uncommonly good film,I'm going to throw my two cents worth in anyway...There are people in this world for whom the phrase "First Love" will not evoke memories of a person,but rather a song.For whom music would become not something they simply enjoyed,but more something that they lived for...A song is not something they listen to,But something they live in.Some will go on to write and record,others to write about those that do.Others still, will find any way to involve themselves in the magic,And almost all of them will amass large record collections as a consequence.Not because they are "record collectors",but because they need to have every song that ever meant anything to them at close reach.It makes no difference whether it's Josey and The Pussycats or John Mellencamp,if it speaks to you-It's all good!This film is about those people, and that music. Cameron Crowe's brilliance lies in his ability to,in this film give the music a face. thus,making it the central character while the principal characters all play out their own individual relationships with it.--Think "Something About Mary" with Rock'n'Roll in the Cameron Diaz role,and you'll get a handle on this film.Crudup,Fugit,Lee,McDormand,and Hoffman are all flawless in their roles,but it is Ms.Hudson who will knock you off of your feet.One scene in particular that stands as a testimony to both Her skills as an actress and Crowe's as a Director is when her character boards the plane..Hudson is able to convey so much and so many emotions just through Her face, that you are simply blown away.I've watched a great many films in my life,but I've never,ever seen anything that I would consider PERFECT--Until now.If you're expecting SPINAL TAP,look elsewhere.A tell-all expose on this band or that,Not here.If you are looking for an example of filmaking at it's absolute finest, buy this and make it a permanent and prominent part of your collection.Just be sure to get the Director's Cut,as waaayyy too much landed on the cutting room floor in the theatrical version.(which IS included in this set)...Hey,have I ever steered you wrong?

Rating:
Summary: That's the way it ought to be...
Review: Don't you know now... Well this is how it was, and full marks to Cam Crowe and his insanely talented team for blessing us with this dead-on insight into the world of a touring Rock band and the role of the journalistic 'Enemy'.

Cameron and wife Nancy Wilson of Heart even wrote many of the songs, including the superb Fever Dog, with some additional contributions from music guru and Rock God, Peter Frampton. There is also a delightful cameo by Peter as the Humble Pie manager, Reg. Peter was the Pie's lead guitarist, along with the sadly late Stevie Marriott.

Not only is this a flawless piece of casting, including the always excellent Frances McDormand as Pat's Mom, but the band are totally believable, even though Billy Crudup and the brilliant Jason Lee weren't even musicians at the outset. You don't get a piece of this quality without a great deal of hard work, research, and attention to detail, and between Peter Frampton and Cameron himself, they have ensured that the finished product is a work of Art.

The Bootleg Cut is absurd value, featuring the extended version of the movie, plus the original and an excellent 6 track CD, which includes the Wilson-Crowe classics Fever Dog, Love Thing and Love Comes And Goes.

Stillwater are totally believable as a band, musically and visually, and the Cleveland Concert (one of the numerous Special features) looks 100% genuine. Jason's Paul Rogers of Bad Company look is perfect, and his lip-synching is flawless. Likewise Billy's guitar playing.

Kate Hudson absolutely shines, as does newcomer Patrick Fugit, who plays 'Cameron'. Naturally, to quote Jason, "the chicks are good", as you might expect with a collection of stunning and talented actresses that includes Kate, Fairuza Balk, Anna Paquin, Olivia Rosewood and Bijou Phillips. Yes, it's a BabeFest.

Easily one of the best movies I have ever seen, with a simply stunning soundtrack. Aaaaaah The Rain Song...

Take me now, Fairuza...


Rating:
Summary: Almost positive my all-time favorite movie
Review: Basically this movie is about a young man who gets the chance to go on tour and write about an up-and-coming rock band for "Rolling Stone" magazine. Loosely based on the director, Cameron Crowe's life.

I am an 18 year old girl who loves the 1960's-1970's and appreciates the movies, clothes and especially music of that era. However for me it was incredibly difficult to find a movie made very well of the rock music scene until i rented "Almost Famous." From the beginning of the movie with the main actor Patrick Fugit writing the credits on a piece of notebook paper, to Kate Hudson's Oscar deserving performance, you are taken by this movie, at least I am.
This movie is appealing (at least to me) because its about a young man who travels with a band and experiences it all. It's literally a dream come true for most people. Who hasn't wanted to travel with their favorite band and learn all their secrets and how they were inspired to write each of their songs? I certainly would love to know what makes Pete Townshend write the songs he does, because he is one of the greatest lyricist's alive.
This movie is timeless. You will laugh and love & appreicate all the characters you come across in this movie. With amazing performances by Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, Jason Lee, Patrick Fugit and Zooey Deschanel I'm sure you'll enjoy this movie. It certainly is the best movie of 2000. If you don't watch the movie for the performances and the plot, just watch it because it has the one of the best movie soundtracks out there.