TAKE A RIDE ON THE TOUR BUS OF 73 (Almost Famous (DVD))

Member Name: ellie963

Product:	Almost Famous (DVD)
Date:	25/08/02 (59 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: evokes a forgotten era, a very human film, fantastic music

Disadvantages: wish you were on the bus and experience the era of ROCK N' ROLL

As a fan of Cameron Crowe's classic 'Jerry Maguire', this is another original movie equalling it, but evolving from a more personel viewpoint. As, the 15-year-old music fanatic, William, is partially based on Cameron himself, as he too wrote for 'Rolling Stone magazine' and as Cameron admitted this was abit like a fictional autobiography, inserting alot of himself in the film. For example, he said "The songs are a souvenir of that time for me".

Essentially the film chronicles a poignant coming of age, 15-year-old music fan, William played by Patrick Fugit (a new discovery). Guided by his mentor and famous rock critic Lester Bangs (Philip Seymoor Hoffman), William is signed by 'Rolling Stone Magazine' to interview the "up and coming band" Stillwater, headed by the talented, infamous lead guitarist, Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup). Thus, with the help and friendship of the beautiful miss Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), William gets adopted into the band's inner circle, despite his mothers (Frances McDormand) worries. William gradually evolves from an observer to a participant in the bands journey on the road, but learns crucial lessons along the way.

The cast is terrific, with the outstanding characters being, the annoying but loveable Russell Hammond, the innocent William, the godess-like but vulnerable Penny Lane, the insanely uncool Lester Bangs, and William's unconventional and interfering mother.

When i first rented this film i wasn't sure what to expect, but through William and the band members of Stillwater it took me on a dramatic emotional journey more than i ever could have expected. For, i was transported back into the era of 1973, yearning for such rock bands as 'Stillwater'. Yet, the story was not about idealisation, but as the cover urges "experience it. enjoy it. just don't fall for it".

This film had everything, friendship, unrequited love, c
omedy, treachery and above all passion, not to mention music. For there are moments i'll never forget, such as the poignant and blackly humurous plane scene, William's wide eyes absorbing everything he sees and when they well with tears. Above all though, the bus scene, when Elton John's song "Tiny Dancer" is played re-exerting music and happiness into the dejected group, shines out.

All this made possible by the 'humanely' believable characters like Russell Hammond, William, his overprotective mother, the band aids, and the elevated larger than life band aid, Penny Lane. This film is striking as it is born out of experience, thus has soul and strong foundation built out of the exhuberation music bring.

The DVD features aren't bad either containing:
-Making of featurette's
- Rolling Stines articles written by Cameron Crow
- Stillwater's music video
- Filmographies
- Production notes
- Trailer
Therefore, a well produced DVD well worth purchasing.

Thus, a movie not to miss, especially for rock fans. It truly deserves it's Oscar for Best Screenplay!

Summary: