Music and Lyrics (2007)

O Lord, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly, and do
what is right,
and speak the truth from their heart…
Psalm 15:1-2

No room in the Lord’s tent for Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant). He will say almost anything to pop diva Cora Corman (Haley Bennett) to insure that she will use the song he has co-wrote for her new act, even though her rendition totally destroys its tender mood. Alex has co-wrote the song with the young woman who cares for his apartment plants Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore) after he has discovered that she had a talent for writing song lyrics. Once a member of a band called PoP(back in the 80s), Alex was dropped from the group and now has been reduced to singing at class reunions, amusement parks, and fairs. His hapless status is accented in the scene in which he is being interviewed for a guest spot on the TV show Battle of the Has Beens.”

Alex begins to see his lyricist as more than a writing partner, but their relationship is set back when he practically grovels before Cora’s gross despoliation of the song “Way Back to Love,” which actually is a charming piece. Sophie tries to voice her objections, but each time Alex manages to intervene, the result being that Cora is left thinking that they both approve of her rendering of the song.. I will leave it to you to see how the “boy loses girl, boy wins girl back” part of the formula is worked out. This gentle little romantic comedy demonstrates that with good writing, acting, and music, the old romantic formula can still charm. A nice film for those who want something light in between more meaningful film fare.