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Great 70's spoof about a rock band "Stillwater" who is on the verge of breaking through to headliner status barring all the obsticles that come with fame. First hand account told by an ameature journalist hired to cover their rise to the cover of the "Rolling Stone". Funny with a great cast including Kate Hudson! A must see for anyone who went to concerts in the seventies, lots of "behind the stage antics" 4 of 5 Rating ****
One of the most poignant and enjoyable films about the thriving rock music scene of the 1970's and a young writer's coming-of-age in that roller-coaster environment. This movie is really a "love letter" from writer/director Cameron Crowe (director/writer of Say Anything, Jerry Maguire, Vanilla Sky & screenwriter of Fast Times at Ridgemount High), to that historical period when he cut his teeth as a teenager writing for Rolling Stone magazine, making inroads with some of the biggest names in music from that period, from Joni Mitchell to Led Zeppelin to Fleetwood Mac. Names have been changed to protect the hedonistic lifestyle leading, colorful characters of great musicians and hangers on that defined the period :) Look for cameos from some of the major figured of the time like Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner, 70's rock icon Peter Frampton & Eliott Roberts, long-time manager of Neil Young. Young William Miller, Crowe's alter-ego in the film (this is a loosely biographical tale)is a promising music writer and devotee of legendary rock critic Lester Bangs, gets noticed by the editors of Rolling Stone magazine and leaves his over-protective mother to write an in-depth article for up & coming rockers, Stillwater (a composite band that will remind some of Zeppelin and the Allman Brothers) as they make their way across the country on thier first major tour. Along the way, William learns important life lessons, both good and bad, and gets his eyes opened to some of the harsh realities of life and love. The movie features an exceptionally moving and thoughtful soundtrack of 70's gems (not the standard hits, but songs that give the movie a really emotional connection to the period) and a score by Nancy Wilson, Crowe's wife and founding member/guitarist/songwriter of 70's sister duo Heart. Exceptional performances from Kate Hudson (in a role that earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 1999) as legendary groupie (or as she describes herself in the movie, "band-aid") Penny Lane, Oscar winner Frances Macdormand (Fargo) as William Miller's worried mother and Billy Crudup (MI:3, Big Fish) as the moody guitar virtuoso/budding Rock God, Russell Hammond. Also of note is the performance of young Patrick Fugit, who was only 14 at the time of filming, playing, essentially, Crowe as a young man in rock & roll circus. Highly recommended - the "Bootleg" version is almost 40 minutes longer than the theatrical release and every extra second is a highly enjoyable one to take in. This is a great movie, not only for the Classic Rock fan, but for youngsters who want to know about a time before rock became a corporate entity and big business - told by someone who was in the thick of it.Read full review
Now my new favorite movie. Engaging sweet coming of age story set with unruly rock bands, great 1970s music, and with believable and compassionate acting. You just loved all the characters and the ending was perfect. I think it was all the more wonderful because it was based on Cameron Crowe's beginning journey into rock journalism. It was my era and I loved it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Luv my movies I've seen a LOT To say this movie is in my Top 20! collection of All - Time speaks for itself -// yet Instead of critiquing it I'd rather you experience it Not JUST another 5 star Movie .,Like Woodstock to me ,? ITs Genuimely a cultural phenomenon a bonafide classic you need to Experience for yourself - especially if you luv music .
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
i love this movie. definitely kate hudson's absolute best playing penny lane, (yes like the song). phillip seymour huffman is fabulous as always along with a talented slew of big stars. this is honest look at the life of a "almost famous"rock band, their groupies (or as penny says"band aids") and their fans while on the road. all told from the perspective of a 15 year old mega rock fan who has convinced everyone he is journalist. he was even able to convince rolling stone magazine to hire and pay for him write an article on the band he admires. not all that glitters is gold and some of the harsh realities of this bohemian lifestyle creeps into the "real" world that penny so desperately insists cant linger over her quest to be the ultimate band aid to russell of said band. one of my top 20 faves. #rockfans #groupies #fantasticsoundtrack #mynameisearl #katehudsonRead full review
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