Lynn.b of California, one of our "Hollywood Preview Crew", got to go to a screening of a new film! Here are Lynn's thoughts on ALMOST FAMOUS

In ALMOST FAMOUS, 15-year-old rock fan William Miller (Patrick Fugit)mistaken by Rolling Stone Magazine editors as someone much older, goes backstage and on tour with "Stillwater", one of his favorite rock bands in the early 1970's. He's assigned to write an important story on the band and the musicians would usually be guarded, but they really like him and let him in on all their secrets.

William is constantly trying to get an official interview with lead band member Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) but Hammond keeps putting him off. Having band members like and accept him as a friend is as important to William as his story so he stays on the tour despite constant worried phone calls from his mom (Frances McDormand).

On the tour, Russell is hanging with pretty groupie Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) and William falls in love with her. When Russell dumps Penny, she takes an overdose of drugs and almost dies but William comes to her rescue and sends her home. Upset, and still unable to get his official interview with Russell, William writes an article that betrays all the band's secrets. When Rolling Stone editors call the band for verification, they say William made it all up and his story is dumped! Defeated, William goes home. When Penny intervenes, Russell ends up at William's house and finally gives him the interview. It's a Rolling Stone cover story for the young reporter.



ALMOST FAMOUS is based on Director Cameron Crowe's early life adventures. It's fun to put yourself in William's shoes. How cool would it be to be a reporter at 15, assigned to tour with your favorite band, especially if you were classed as a dorky nerd at school? The retro-rock of the '70's is great to listen to although the lifestyle on tour was pretty wild and dangerous. Newcomer Patrick Fugit plays William as really sweet and naïve but with integrity and honor. He's also a cutie! This movie is rated "R" but there are just a few brief flashes of nudity and some objectionable words. If your parents say okay, go see AMOST FAMOUS. It's a great story with good acting and fun retro music.



WARNING: This film is rated "R". Parents might want to see the film first and decide if it's acceptable for their kids to see it.

Official Website

Back to Movie Review Central for More Reviews