Music and Lyrics

Hugh Grant retreads familiar territory in this opposites-attract romantic comedy about a jaded old cynic in need of a touchy-feely girlfriend. Former ’80s pop star Alex Fletcher is trying to revive his career by writing a hit single, but he’s struggling with the lyrics: bring on Sophie (Drew Barrymore), the girl who waters his plants and might just revive his songs – and his love-life. There are troubling shades of ‘Be Cool’ in the music industry-obsessed plot, which spends far too long on the processes of composition, deal-making and recording (both leads sing for real, just bearably). But the banter between the pair is fitfully enjoyable, and Grant’s dark asides still amuse.
While Barrymore’s clumsy-kooky turn feels equally familiar, there are enough relatively subtle details in her performance to avoid complete stereotype. The characterisation is far from thorough, however, and the potentially funny supporting characters – Sophie’s sister, Alex’s agent – are neglected. Particularly wasteful is newcomer Haley Bennett’s humourless performance of faux-spiritual blonde pop diva Cora, a character potentially ripe for satire. A routine romcom.