Well meaning but ultimately shallow rock and roll dramatics from the ex-journalist who lived it. Cameron Crowe clearly infuses a personal flavor into the film which makes it's classic rock scenarios seem that much more authentic. Shot through the memory of a fond heart looking back, Crowe's warm memories of the days he tagged along with famous musicians before he was of any age to be doing so is an enjoyable, consistent homage to the classic days of rock music, but fails to truly pay homage to that spirit with a myriad of stereotypes and self-conscious film-making making the movie less engaging.
Though the movie boasts an adept cast, spirited musical reverence, and seems to remain consistently entertaining throughout, I am almost shocked at the outpouring of perfect reviews given to Almost Famous at the time of it's release. It is not bad by any stretch of the imagination, but cannot live up to it's reputation by far, as perhaps a current viewing will affirm.
Though the movie boasts an adept cast, spirited musical reverence, and seems to remain consistently entertaining throughout, I am almost shocked at the outpouring of perfect reviews given to Almost Famous at the time of it's release. It is not bad by any stretch of the imagination, but cannot live up to it's reputation by far, as perhaps a current viewing will affirm.