Random Thoughts: Almost Famous (2000)

-          I have to admit, I was surprised by how much I liked this movie. I knew I would most likely enjoy it, given the great cast and awesome soundtrack, but I was afraid it would be to one noted and perhaps rely too heavily on 1970’s nostalgia. Lucky for me, and for all of us I suppose, the film exceeded my expectations.

-          While Will (Patrick Fugit) is the main character, I found myself much more fascinated by Billy Crudup’s character Russell and his struggle with fame, friendship, and self-realization.

-          As much as I loathe saying it, I actually liked Kate Hudson in this movie. No, it doesn’t make-up for the terrible string of movies that followed, but it’s nice to think that deep down, every actor is capable of a good performance.

We're still wating...



-          The movie reminded me of Dazed and Confused, not just because of they both take place in the 70’s, but because they both feature young stars before, or just as, they hit it big. There’s the obvious- the aforementioned Ms. Hudson as well as Zooey Deshanel; to the not so obvious- Anna Paquin, Jimmy Falon, and Jay Baruchel as the number one Led Zeppelin fan; to the obscure- Fairuza Balk (the girl from Waterboy), Michael Angarano (the kid from Sky High), and even a small shot of a young Nick Swardson (he of various terrible Adam Sandler movies fame) as an insane David Bowie fan.

You mean you don't remember Sky High?

-          It’s a shame Cameron Crowe hasn’t made a better movie since this one. After starting off with pretty good run of movies, starting with Say Anything… and ending with Almost Famous, Crowe’s directed the underwhelming Vanilla Sky followed by the ridiculous Elizabethtown. Here’s hoping his next film, We Bought a Zoo, is a return to form for him.