You should know what you´re getting into from the cast and genre of Music and Lyrics, and film follows expectations to the hilt.
Hugh Grant stars as Alex Fletcher, a has-been member of a once-popular 80´s band (film begins and ends with a funny parody of a cheesy 80´s music vid, and Hugh couldn´t possibly look more out of place), who is given a chance at a comeback by current pop star who is looking to do a duet with a retro artist.
Only problem: she needs a song in x amount of days, and Fletcher hasn´t been able to write anything worthwhile since the breakup of his band. Enter Drew Barrymore as a replacement flower-waterer who just might have a penchant for lyrics; you know where it goes from here.
Grant and Barrymore have a wonderful, natural comedic rapport, though sexual chemistry between the two is muted. Supporting cast mostly flounders; newcomer Haley Bennett, in particular, is a total dud in the choice role of the Shakira-like pop singer.
But you pays your money, and you gets what you expects; anyone inclined to see romantic comedy starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore in the first place shouldn´t be disappointed.
Add half a star if you fit said description, and the film is still surprisingly tolerable for those averse to the rom-com genre. Plentiful 80´s references and some disturbingly catchy tunes help.
