Movie Review

Almost Famous is a film about a boy’s, and a band’s, fall from innocence into the world of rock and roll. It takes place in the 1970s when America is convinced rock and roll has died. William is a 15 year old journalist who follows a band around the country on a writing assignment from the Rolling Stone. He starts out starstruck, determined to glorify the musicians he rubs elbows with. During the journey, he grows up. William’s growing maturity is emphasized by the band’s loss of focus on the fans as they gain fame. Friendships bloom and wither, but the music pulls everyone through in the end. Kate Hudson plays Penny Lane, a “band-aid” or the new kind of groupie. She is adorable and jaded at the same time, giving the movie a softer feel that makes the viewer care for the characters. The soundtrack throughout the film is amazing, and the film makers do a good job bringing famous faces from the 70s into the movie to give it an edge of realism.