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Almost Famous is
the coming-of-age story of William Miller (Patrick Fugit) a 15-year-old high school senior who gets the chance to write about his favorite rock band, Stillwater, for Rolling Stones Magazine. He goes with the band on their Almost Famous Road Tour across America and befriends the band leader and lead guitarist Russel (Billy Crudup). Through it all, William's mother Elaine (Frances McDormand,
Wonder Boys) checks on her son ever so often with reminders not to take drugs. He experiences the seduction of rock and roll music, fame, sex, drugs and meets Penny
Lane (Kate Hudson, Gossip) whom he knows a relationship with Russel but falls in love with her anyway
The character and story is based on the life of writer/director Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire
) who was writer and associate editor of Rolling Stone. The screenplay is witty, the characters effective, and the soundtrack and costume design transport us to the
rock and roll '70s. Newcomer Patrick Fugit is ideally cast but Kate Hudson as Penny Lane and Frances McDormand as Elaine deliver the most moving scenes in the film.
This romantic presentation of the '70s depicts the heavy sexuality, alcohol and drug use,
violence, insecurity and ambivalence of the rock and roll era. But it also shows the resoluteness and dedication of a mother to hold her family together in the midst of all
the chaosin a changing world. And a son's sense of responsibility and maturity in choosing right from wrong, saving a life and standing up for journalistic integrity. Despite
the negative issues presented in this movie CINEMA finds it suitable for viewers 14 years old and above.
(Date reviewed: March 9, 2001)
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