"'Almost' There"
by Scott Mantz

"Almost Famous"
Patrick Fugit,
Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson
Directed by Cameron Crowe

"Band on the run: Patrick Fugit (second from left) learns what it's like to be 'Almost Famous'"

There's an old saying that goes "those who cannot create, write reviews." For William Miller (Patrick Fugit), the central figure in writer/director Cameron Crowe's latest film, writing reviews turns out to be his ticket to ride when he's given the job of a lifetime. While "Almost Famous" certainly stands on its own as a fine coming-of-age story that blends charm, sensitivity, and nostalgia with some breakout performances, it is still missing the emotional hook that defined Crowe's earlier efforts, especially "Say Anything..." and "Jerry Maguire."

Growing up in San Diego circa 1973 can be a real drag, but at least William Miller has his passion for music to keep him busy. At the tender age of 15, he is hired by "Rolling Stone Magazine" to write a feature article about an obscure rock'n'roll band called Stillwater. At first it seems like a dream come true--traveling with the band, hanging out backstage, and girls, girls, girls--but then William learns the hard way that the sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll lifestyle is not all it's cracked up to be. Between incessant fighting within the group, more drugs than anybody knows what to do with, and a destructive relationship between the band's egotistical leader (Billy Crudup) and a kind-hearted groupie (Kate Hudson), William has his work cut out for him if he is going to focus on his assignment and meet his deadline.

There's another saying that goes "write what you know," and Cameron Crowe certainly knows of what he writes. Since he was a rock journalist before he became an Oscar-nominated writer/director, "Almost Famous" is basically his labor of love. From his own experiences, he is able to capture time in a bottle by focusing on rock's most groundbreaking and revolutionary era. Despite the fact that Pink Floyd, David Bowie, and Led Zeppelin just released some of the greatest albums of all time, it was really the end of an era. Wit h the Vietnam War recently over, rock'n'roll lost its most powerful voice and would never again have the rebellious influence that it had during this time.

In "Say Anything...," John Cusack and Ione Skye experienced true love while facing a serious family crisis and an unknown future. The lonely twentysomethings of the Seattle apartment complex in "Singles" tried to balance their careers with finding love in all the wrong places, while in "Jerry Maguire," Tom Cruise grew a conscience and had to start his life all over again. The themes of self-discovery and loss of innocence that signified those films are just as prevalent in "Almost Famous," and once again the characters blend just the right amount of humor and strength with sensitivity and vulnerability to make them immensely appealing.

Unfortunately, the main problem with "Almost Famous" lies with the casting of its lead character. Newcomer Patrick Fugit, while charming in light of his surroundings, lacks the intensity and on-screen charisma needed to carry the film and give it its focus and strength. His eyes are opened by life on the road, but his naÔve charm is offset by his lack of dramatic range. His passive role gives way to the film's more defined performances, particularly when it comes to Kate Hudson (Goldie Hawn's daughter), who is a revelation as the sexy, spiritual, and kind-hearted groupie who doesn't know better than to get abused by the band.

As for the band members, Billy Crudup puts in a star-making turn as Russell Hammond, Stillwater's leader/guitarist, who is torn between doing what he loves most (playing music) and living the life of a rock'n'roll star. Jason Lee finally breaks out of his Kevin Smith repertoire with a range-revealing turn as the Stillwater's lead singer, while the incredible Philip Seymour Hoffman steals the show as the passionate and opinionated music critic Lester Bangs. Finally, Frances McDormand gives "Almost Famous" its heart as Fugit's loving-but-overbearing mother.

There's one final saying, and it goes "to thine own self be true." Comparatively speaking, "Almost Famous" may not be Crowe's strongest film to date, but it is definitely his most personal. At a time when most would-be rock stars were taking their chances by trying to break into the music business, Cameron Crowe realized that it would be more fun to simply write about it. Now he's an Oscar-nominated film director. Not bad for a rock journalist!

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