Rating: 
Summary: The Best!
Review: I viewed the film today for the first time and oh my I must say that this has to be one of the greatest films of last year and truly one of the best of all time. Cameron Crowe is really a genuis, the writing in this film is just phenomenal. I'm young and I must say I am now in awe of all music that came out of the late 60's early 70's. I plan on getting the soundtrak to this film. On to the film. Patrick Fugit is an incredible actor, he has such heart in this film especially when speaking with Penny Lane about how Russell really cares about her. Then Kate Hudson's performance in this film, can be described in one word; AMAZING! I have not seen such great acting for someone as young as Kate in a long time. You really forget that you are watching Kate Hudson on the screen and you think you are watching Penny Lane, and that is what great acting is all about and very few films and actors have the ability to do that anymore. But Kate can! As well as Patrick Fugit. While I was watching this movie, I didnt like of it as a movie, you completely forget while watching it, because the acting is so top notch. Frances McDormand as William Miller's over protective Mom is so great, I love how Cameron Crowe described her "You could have a whole movie just based on my Mom" And really you can. Frances gives one of the best performances of the movie, behind Kate and Patrick, who just hold the whole movie together. Patrick is the innocense and Kate is the heart. If Kate Hudson is not awarded the Best Supporting Actress Oscar this year, I have lost all hope in HollyWood! Billy Crudup who plays rock star Russell is also great, but he has this stigma about him, that just says JERK! Also the fact that he treats Penny Lane like a toy makes you want to hate him even more. Penny is in love with the music, she is there as a fan who is in awe of the music along with her other bandaids. And the fact that Russell and his other bandmates always say it is for the fans, Russell fails to see that Penny is their biggest fan and he treats her as though she is just a peice of trash. But then Russell also has a quality about him, saying please just like me. So I give him credit. The other members are not featured much, but play a prominent role in some scenes. This is really a movie about the love of music, finding your true self and just having a helluva time expeirencing and meeting new people. I encourage everyone to see this film and I promise you that will not regret it. Even if you hate Kate Hudson you will appreciate her just for giving you the pleasure of seeing her perofrmance. Also if there is nothing you find you like about this film, there will always be the music!
Rating: 
Summary: NOT the director's cut! Waaaaah!
Review: I just got my copy of "Almost Famous" today and it's NOT the director's cut, with 30 extra minutes of footage, as advertised! It seems, according to a press release issued Feb. 21, that Cameron Crowe is too busy filming "Vanilla Sky" to complete his personal cut right now, so Dreamworks decided to release the theatrical version instead. Too bad that I had already pre-ordered and didn't know about the switch until it came today! Aaargh! "Almost Famous" was my favorite movie of 2000, and I was really looking forward to seeing the entirety of Crowe's vision, but it looks like I'll have to keep waiting.
Rating:
Summary: Wish I learned to play guitar when I was young.
Review: It's almost unfair when Cameron Crowe simply shoots album covers from thirty years ago, and you suddenly are reminded how important the music was, and how much fun those days were. In other words, a nostalgia flick, but a very charming one. I know there's been much criticism of the lack of horror displayed dealing with drugs and free sex/groupies, but let that be somebody else's movie. This is a warm, fuzzy memory to dream on.
Rating:
Summary: The movie that alowed me pure plessure
Review: I could write pages after pages about this masterpeace,but what I want to share is not on the materiel level, but it comes from deep inside my sole. This move gave me the best feeling I had in years. It has everythig that could possible make me want to turn back time and become a rock star. The film made me walk in to LP stores again,looking for records of lost times. The film made me cry,smile,scream of happyness and call my best friends to make them go see the film and get the same groovy feeling I got at the time. It works on so many levels,but I enjoied it mostly becouse it rocked. Like the same god feeling I got after seeng,Val Kimler portraying Jim Morrison in The Doors. It gets all my five stars because of the realety level,I almoust thougt I was there.I felt the fame,the heartace,the love...just everything. I recomend this movie to everybody that has lost faith in ever succeding.
Rating:
Summary: That's the way, that's the way it ought to be...
Review: When I was fifteen years old, I had a subscription to Rolling Stone magazine, and every notebook and backpack I owned bore the logo of Led Zeppelin and The Who. Which is probably why "Almost Famous" didn't resonant completely with me the first time I saw it. I wanted to fall in love with fictional band Stillwater just as I had Zep. But I didn't. On seeing the film a second time, it's not that surprising. By the its own admission, Stillwater is an average band making good on charisma and hard work and a touch of luck. But the music is merely a canvas. The passions of the individuals involved are the paint that makes this movie a great piece of art. The boys in the band are passionate about the music. The groupies (excuse me, "Band-Aids") are passionate about the music, and the bands who make it. The 15-year old rock journalist (and Cameron Crowe double) is passionate about the music and what it takes to write about it. His mom is passionate about her beliefs and instilling them in her kids. And everyone is passionate about finding something real to latch on to, to make them, in the end, "people of substance". And director Crowe is passionate about telling this autobiographical tale with energy and sincerity and dignity, but also about keeping it true, exposing the warts and all. He does so. Magnificently. It lives up its pedigree, being superbly written, honestly acted, and insightful to such a degree that it exposes bone. "The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool," says Lester Bangs (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) at one point. It is my favourite line in a script that, even though it lacks a "Show me the money" moment ("I am a golden god," pales in comparison), speaks deeply on a lot of personal issues in a pristine and economical way. A story that on first glance I found meandering and pointless, I appreciate now precisely because it is meandering and pointless. We follow a rock band on tour. What could be more meandering and pointless than that? On the other hand, when one sheds the veneer of cynicism that adulthood saddles us with, we have to realize that there is nothing more beautiful. To the people living it, it is Bohemia and Valhalla rolled into one. Beautiful life and beautiful death. Crowe's script lets these weighty concepts hang in the air, available for the passionate viewer to latch on to, and come along for the ride. The acting ensemble is led by four (and a half) wonderful performances. Patrick Fugit, in his first major role, is asked to carry the bulk of the film's innocence. And he does so with aplomb. It is an assured and strong performance. Kate Hudson deserves all the accolades she has received. However, on my first viewing, I had a tough time appreciating her work, because I was busy falling in love with her. But now I see that she gets things right most of the time, showing she is able to simultaneously play the spirited sprite and the broken old soul. I also suspect that she must have given the cinematographer fits, because she seems to be composed solely of a warm, bright light. She glows. Frances McDormand, on the other hand, plays the dowdy and domineering mom. The revelation here is that she manages to enliven her with an odd kind of cool. I adore everything she does here (and in her other movies), and whatever capacity for crushes I had leftover after my run-in with Ms. Hudson, I gave wholeheartedly to Miss McDormand. Billy Crudup, as Stillwater's mysterious guitarist, didn't have me convinced the first time around. But on the second pass, I realize that his is the best performance in the movie. There's a moment near the end that clinched this realization for me. He realizes he's been duped, and shows his appreciation for the person who got the better of him with a sheepish grin. It's the capper in a series of subtle suggestive glances that line his flawless performance. (N.B. The "half" performance noted above belongs to Phil Hoffman, who, in what amounts to an extended cameo, proves once again that he is incapalbe of giving an unrealistic performance) As for the film's insight, well, I'll leave that for you to discover. Needless to say it will be more beautiful that way. I know, I know, this all sounds like mindless hippie drivel, but when I encounter a Cameron Crowe film, I find it very easy to wear my heart on my sleeve. With pride. And passion.
Rating:
Summary: EASILY THE BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR!
Review: Teenage rock journalist William Miller has just been given the opportunity of a lifetime, follow up-and-coming band Stillwater on tour, and put together a cover story for Rolling Stone magazine. William quickly makes friends with a "band-aide" Penny Lane (Kate Hudson in a star making, Oscar nominated role), who will introduce him to the fast paced world of rock stars. Guitarist Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup in a perfomance that definitely deserved an Oscar nomination), is the first to take a liking to William, and the two will form a bond that is held together by Penny. While traveling with the band, city after city, William is no closer to the angle of his story, but with the help of legendary writer Lester Bangs (Philip Seymour Hoffman), he may come up with the story of a lifetime, and learn some important lesson's on life. "Almost Famous" is the best movie of the year, it is PACKED with superb performances; Kate Hudson is so good that you can't take your eyes off her. Billy Crudup is nothing less than spectacular in a role that proves he is one of the most talented actors working today. Newcomer Patrick Fugit lights up the screen in the lead role of William (based on writer/director Cameron crowe). Frances McDormand, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jason Lee, Fairuza Balk, and Anna Paquin are top-notch in supporting roles. Look for 70's rock star Peter Frampton in a small role. Cameron Crowe (director of "Jerry Maguire") scores a direct HIT with this coming of age comedy, set in the rock-and-roll world of the 1970's, Funny, touching, and totally entertaining, "Almost Famous" is a MUST see! Nick Gonnella
Rating:
Summary: Almost Famous Rocks
Review: The DVD edition of Almost Famous comes out in exactly 6 days. I've been counting down for over a month. Infact, I bought my DVD player basically so that I could see the director's cut. I've read the original script and it seems that some of the best parts were left out of the theatrical release. The character of Penny Lane is like no other. She is the most strong willed yet vulnerable and naive person I've ever seen. Cameron Crowe has the gift to make you fall in love with every character in every one of his films. It is amazing how much you actually feel William's love for Penny. It reminds me of another Crowe film, "Say Anything..." That is just as sincere. Anyway,I will write a full review of the DVD on March 13. For those of you who have not seen this movie yet, consider yourselves deprived. It joins the top of my "favorites" list, along with The Sound of Music and A League of Their Own. This is definately a movie worth spending a little money on!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: The Best Movie Ever
Review: I've never been more moved, touched or blown away by a movie before. I didn't know what to expect going into the movie but two minutes into the movie I knew I loved it. It has everything: sex, drugs, rock and roll. But most of all it's about growing up, and I think that it will amaze anyone at any age, any race, anything! Everyone will love this film. I found myself crying at scenes that weren't even sad. I was pulled in through Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) and I cried as I watched her grow. I have seen this in the theater 4 times, pre-ordered it from Amazon.com, bought the screenplay book by Crowe and found a rare theater mylar I hope to keep forever. Please don't miss this movie. You won't be disappointed. It will make you laugh, make you cry, make you happy, but most of all make you live.
Rating:
Summary: A great tribute to the spirit of rock and roll
Review: As Lester Bangs says to the main character, William Miller, "too bad you missed rock and roll." The year is 1973. The Beatles are no longer speaking, the Rolling Stones are making the first of their many bad albums, Hendrix and Morrison have kicked the can and Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and The Who are almost over. The dust is settling and a decade of great music is quickly fading. "Almost Famous" is equally about the love of music as about the story of a band. The characters and plot are well crafted and it's even more interesting to watch because it's Crowe's autobiography. Anyone who has a deep love of music will probably enjoy this movie, especially the many references to (what I consider to be) good music ("Pet Sounds", "Raw Power", "White Light/White Heat", etc). Whether you're just looking for good entertainment or furthur proof that you're not crazy for loving music as much as you do, you will like it.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Perfect
Review: Was there a greater moment in any movie released last year(2000) than in Almost Famous when the band members of Stillwater and their groupies sing, in unison, Elton John's Tiny Dancer as their tour bus travels down the sunny highway? I recall having a smile from ear to ear when watching that moment, and I cannot wait to see it again. The film, taken from director Cameron Crowe's own experience as a teen journalist for Rolling Stone, centers around the day to day events on the road of a fictitious(?)rock band called Stillwater as seen through eyes of a budding 15 year old writer. Almost Famous documents, in hearwarming detail, the crazy, almost surreal, aspects of the rock and roll lifestyle in the early 70's. The parties. The drugs. The egos. What I found most interesting was how the movie explored the relationship between journalist and celebrity and how one feeds off of and uses the other and vice versa. Crowe, however, is too good of a writer/director to let his film fall into cynicism which it never does. The performance are all excellent but the standouts are Philip Seymour Hoffman as rock critic Lester Banks and the beautiful Kate Hudson as a groupie named Penny Lane. The fact that this movie did not get nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars proves, again, that the truly great films are all beyond reach.
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