Rating: 
Summary: This was my life
Review: First, this is an excellent film. Second, it's an authentic portrayal of life in the early 70s, the rock band culture, and growing up during that period - at least for me. I was in a rock band, and I saw myself and the people I knew at every turn. My goodness. This was like looking into a mirror that shows the past. This film is a work of art.
Rating:
Summary: Boy, did I get lucky!
Review: Boy, did I get lucky when I found this in the video store! I'm a tough sell and a mean critic but this one brought out my good side. Script, cast, music = magic. I seldom buy movies because few are worth a second viewing, but I'm buying this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Great cast, great movie
Review: They really need to put a .5-spot in the scale, because this movie would be a 4.5. It's not quite perfect enough to receive a 5 star rank, but it's better than just plain 4 stars. Either way, this movie is awesome from star to finish.I look at a director like Cameron Crowe and wonder why more people have not heard of him. From his 1996 blockbuster hit "Jerry Maguire" to his newest movie: "Vanilla Sky", he seems to be on a role; or at least good at directing them. This movie tells the story of the 70's little-known rock band Stillwater. It's a brilliant story that at many points trys to include you in the movie. First time actor Patrick Fugit could not have played the part of a fan/writer any better. He's stellar, and you can't help but fall in love with him. Oh, that innocence. We also see appearances by the famous (or infamous, which ever you prefer) 'Penny Lane', played by the beautiful, yet cute, Kate Hudson. And if you know anything about the actual band, this movie strikes new hope into the based-on-a-true-stories era that never really amounts to much. The two main stars of the band, Russell Hammond (played by Billy Crudup) and Jeff Bebe (Jason Lee) work wonders with each other, even if they are just fighting throughout the movie. And as you see, the cast is just piling up with stars. Along with Crudup, Hudson, Fugit, and Lee (who, by the way, stars in Cameron Crowes mentioned film "Vanilla Sky") we have SNL star Jimmy Fallon and an underrated Philip Seymour Hoffman. Philip plays the part of "Lester Bangs"; rock and roll star by way of musical taste. All in all every part is covered, and covered well. I can't imagine why anyone who likes rock music, great movies, or a combination of both, wouldn't like this movie. It's an awesome storyline that is as dramatic as it is funny. Don't miss this movie; it is--hands down--the best movie of 2000.
Rating:
Summary: If I had to go away and couldn't pack more than one DVD ...
Review: 'Untitled' would be it. I liked 'Almost Famous' a lot when it came out in the theater. It's a coming-of-age/road movie about loving rock 'n' roll and trying to not grow up. Other reviews have been written about the film's plot, etc., so I'll focus on this specific DVD. After watching the long, unreleased version, it's clear that this is the labor of love Cameron Crowe intended to make. I like 'Singles', 'Jerry Maguire' and 'Say Anything' a lot, but I like this movie more. I would have paid full price twice to sit in the theater for the extra half-hour. Here's what you get in this DVD that you didn't get in the theatrical release: more continuity in the story line, deleted scenes that really add to the characters, a hilarious scene with the band and Tenacious D's KG as a mind-tripping DJ and enough extras to keep you entertained for an entire sick day - music, behind-the-scenes stuff, commentary (I ran it in subtitles, no extra audio, but I think you can actually listen to Cameron Crowe and his mother talk if you want to) and if you like to read on your television, Rolling Stone articles by Cameron Crowe, as well as the film script. The DVD also provides a new way to have fun with your copy of 'Stairway to Heaven.' If you like good '70s-era rock music (Allman Bros., Led Zep, The Who, Elton John), this is definitely worth checking out.
Rating: 
Summary: a strange movie
Review: Characters in it are delirious, at least for me (I am not addicted to the 70's); some of them even do not seem human (or humane), but I can probably understand why in the particular contxet of this movie.. You can find an excellent summary of the movie in the bonus tracks (DVD version), especially the first track which which shows the main characters all assembled to listen to Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to HEAVEN".
Rating:
Summary: Crowe's best movie in my opinion
Review: I read Cameron Crowe's Fast Times at Ridgemont High when I was in High school, and this was at a time when I usually didn't read books. It flowed very easily and told a good story. This can also be said of Almost Famous. The Director's edition is worth the extra money. It has the theatrical version as well as an extended Director's cut, which I found worthwhile. They're both good movies, but the director's cut spends more character time and I like the characters enough that I will probably watch the longer version by default. This one lives up to the billing as a Special Edition. It not only has two versions, but great commentary by Crowe and his actual mother. Crowe's mother only had one criticism of the mother character in the movie, and it was surprising what she chose to dislike. Other extras include Cameron's picks as top of albums of 1973, some short vintage interviews with Lester Bangs, a CD of Stillwater music, some rehearsal footage and other tidbits.
Rating:
Summary: This Film is nearly a Golden God
Review: I guess it goes without saying that history is best told by those who lived and participated within it. It's never been more true than in Almost Famous, Cameron Crowe's film of a young journalist who gets sucked into the rock world, much like happened to Crowe in his teenage years. The film is a sentimental treat, even for those who didn't exist in the early '70s when it took place. William Miller (Patrick Fugit) is incredibly youthful looking for his class and soon learns why when he's told he's been skipped ahead a few times. His overprotective single mother (Frances McDormand) has finally driven his sister to leave home, but her one gift to William is the record collection she's been hiding from their mother. William's life is never the same as the likes of Bob Dylan and the Who navigate his life down a new, exciting path. While in high school William sends his writings out to various publications, gaining the attention of legendary critic Lester Bangs (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) of Creem Magazine. He schools William in the art of rock writing and reminds him that they are firstly not cool, secondly are to avoid becoming friends of the rock stars because it will destroy all sincerity of his writing, and lastly to watch out for big time magazines like Rollingstone who will end up editing up his stories. Rollingstone Magazine has taken notice of Mr. Miller and they offer to send him on the road with the band Stillwater if he'll get their story. Here's where all seems to go wrong. William quickly becomes friends of the lead guitarist of Stillwater, Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup), as well as Russell's mistress of the road, Penny Lane (Kate Hudson). The trouble William soon runs into not only trying to get his information and interviews but attempting to balance his journalist duties and his friendships is the bulk of the story and what ends up attaching us not only to William, but Penny and Russell as well. William knows he could make or break Stillwater but doesn't want to alienate the band or his magazine. Every sequence is filled with love, compassion, confusion of youth, and humanity. William is only 15 and he's trying to be this adult he's not ready to be yet. He's trying to make sure he doesn't get used by the band while trying to figure out why Penny can't see she's ultimately being used by Russell. William and Russell's relationship is one based on trust that they know when each is in their professional or friends mode and their actions and words jump around based on who is functioning as what. William and Penny's relationship is just as complex, they confide in each other all the things they can't with Russell and the band. As good as the central actors are, it's the supporting cast that steals the show. McDormand is flat out amazing as the worried mother who constantly is trying to keep track of her son a thousand miles away who she says has been kidnapped by rock stars. Hoffman is every bit the legendary Lester Bangs who is William's sole calming influence and his words are truer than William could have known as he sees all too well his protégé was suckered by the rock lifestyle. It's apparent Crowe would not have given up his experiences in the rock and roll world as a youngster up for anything. Throughout the film the one thing that everyone, no matter if they're on each other's side or not, can agree on is that music can make a difference and when they're having troubles music is the one thing that can bring them back together.
Rating:
Summary: Almost Famous - Absolutely Magnificent
Review: What a movie! I remember seeing this movie in the theatres when it came out and i just loved it...i was taken by the honesty of cameron crowe's script writing, the music, the actors, the theme...everything! and now this great special edition of the movie on DVD is released and i just couldn't help but purchase it and enjoy it over and over and over again. the video and audio quality are top notch...the special features which includes the bootleg version, the uncut original full length feature, and an audio CD of Stillwater's songs which appear in the film. Everybody who has seen the movie already knows what a great rock n roll movie it is, possibly the best. anyone who has not seen it yet should simply because this is a classic.
Rating:
Summary: what is the name of the title blues song that plays?
Review: What is the name of the title blues song that plays in the title screen of the dvd? I can't find the name anywhere. Thanks,
daryl
Rating:
Summary: Timeless Classic
Review: This movie has so many outstanding character portrayals. When you are finished watching you almost want to start it over again from the beginning. That's how powerful this movie can be. The soundtrack is also a must own for any lover of classic rock.
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