topic image

Almost Famous

2000 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Cameron Crowe, and starring Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, and Patrick Fugit Website

Approval Rate: 86%

86%Approval ratio

Reviews 43

Sort by:
  • by

    genghisthehun

    Fri Jul 22 2011

    This was not a stupendous flop but it lost money. "They" should have contacted GTH. A story about a fifteen year old music critic is about as interesting as a Barbara Boxer speech on the theory of relativity.

  • by

    darkpalace

    Sat Feb 20 2010

    I have to say that I didn't think it was very good or entertaining and that was what I was afraid of. I don't think it is just the fault of Kate Hudson, but she is not the best in it. I found it to be kind of annoying and like a kid's movie. I do like the era since it is when I was growing up. It followed the teen boy who was not at all interesting in it. I didn't find it very believable that he would just get in the concert and then get an interview and then get employed by Rolling Stone mag. I was really so put off that I didn't watch the whole thing but enough. It just did not seem to be giving a realistic portrait of the music biz but TV and the movies don't really. I don't think being a groupie is really that fun to do. Those girls are very desperate and it is not all that easy to really even get their attention. There was nothing in it to say it wasn't the best idea but also seemed to encourage it. Besides that it was dull at it mainly. It was trying to get the middle class to b... Read more

  • by

    jake_armitage

    Sun Feb 07 2010

    Almost Famous is a great movie. Contains a lot of cliche characters but that's why it works, it's a semi-auto biographical movie talking about things that didn't happen but sort of did with people who are kind of like other real life people. You have met these people in your life before,.. just not exactly like this. Really captures specific angles of rock sub-cultures.

  • by

    chalky

    Tue Nov 10 2009

    I actually really hated 'Almost Famous.' Can't quite put my finger on it but I think it was very corny. Penny Lane? Oh, yeah...that's not cliche. Probably as corny as the real 'Rolling Stone' magazine. Coincidentally, 'Rolling Stone' reads like 'People' magazine....it just sucks.

  • by

    canadasucks

    Thu Jul 16 2009

    An ode to 70's rock. . .an ode to rock journalism (when there was such a thing). . .and an ode to growing up in the 70's - when experimentation or a beer didn't necessarily result in a police raid or mandatory sessions with the school guidance counselor. It's a good cast with good performances from even below-average actors (stunningly- kate hudson isn't bad) and the references to great rock bands are so prevalent I couldn't list them all. It almost has a sense of being a musical - with different scenes being nothing more than a set of funny and uncomfortable interludes that (pretty much) make up most of adolescent experiences. It's a damn good film with heart. A must-watch for fans of 70's rock.

  • by

    kegrun

    Mon Mar 16 2009

    It's 1973 and William Miller (Patrick Fugit) is about to have one of the craziest adventures of his lifetime. He's writing a piece on the new up and coming rock band Stillwater for the magazine Rolling Stones. He's going to get to go on tour with them and write about anything he wants about them for the next month or so. First though he has to get permission from him mom (Frances McDormand)... because he's only 15. Before he gets this little gig, he's trying to get an interview with Black Sabbath when he meets Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), who's not just a groupie, but a Band-Aid. The difference being, she's in it for the music and not the sex with someone popular. Penny is definitely one of those `out of this world' types of girls. Not just in looks, but in her actions as well. She's a legend to the rock bands because she's just so much fun to have around, and she can always light up a room when she steps into it. She tugs on the tendrils of every heart of every man who comes into con... Read more

  • by

    jforbes

    Fri Mar 06 2009

    Almost Famous is definitely on my top 5. I just love everything about it. Buy the DVD, buy the soundtrack, and prepare to enjoy it over and over again. Without this movie, Kate Hudson would be completely unredeemable. She shows that she has completely inherited her mother's unexplainable charisma, although I haven't seen it since in the average romantic comedies she's done since. And Patrick Fugit? Perfect. I can't imagine anyone else in that part.

  • by

    dunwoodysemino_le

    Mon Jan 12 2009

    One of the most entertaining movies I have ever seen. The soundtrack is incredible, also.

  • by

    heavymeister

    Sat Jan 10 2009

    This movie is about people who love music. People who experience music as a liberation. This movie is touching. And this DVD offers additional footage. Great package of the best movie ever about rock music.

  • by

    blaue_augen18

    Thu Oct 30 2008

    I just recently bought this DVD after years of seeing it on the shelf and never having picked it up. I am sorry I didn't after watching it. The extra scenes make the movie even better after having seen it a few times over the last few years. The cd containing 6 Stillwater tracks is also a bonus. If you love this movie, this edition is worth picking up.

  • by

    frankswildyear_s

    Thu Jan 19 2006

    Well acted and a great story. Made me very nostalgic for the early '70's just before the music business became too corporate. Phillip Seymour Hoffman was absolutely brilliant.

  • by

    lady_macca88

    Fri Jul 15 2005

    I have probably seen this movie easily 50 times as I would consider it my favorite movie of all time. I would agree with an earlier comment that it does leave you with a rather empty feeling, as it has a bittersweet ending, but I think with a title like Almost Famous I didn't view the movie expecting to see the feel-good movie of the year. I thought it was real, and a very deep look at human nature and emotions, and is not just a movie about what life was like for rock stars in the 70's, but for all people in any time period. I thought Kate Hudson was amazing. She was the perfect actress for this movie. The rest of the cast was absolutly perfect as well. There was just enough humour, executed perfectly, to make Almost Famous fairly light hearted without taking away from the drama. The soundtrack is fantastic as well, I just paused through the credits and wrote down every song, as they are all fantastic, and the actual soundtrack should have been about 4 disks, 1 doesn't do it ju... Read more

  • by

    sabasimba

    Tue Jun 21 2005

    News flash, Kate Hudson: You're not as good as you seem to think you are.

  • by

    freebird_0128

    Mon Apr 19 2004

    One of my favorite films, this is based on the life of director Cameron Crowe during his days as a teenaged journalist for Rolling Stone. Patrick Fugit plays the main character with fresh-faced youth and vulnerability. His journey to adulthood as he travels with a rock band is compelling and wildly entertaining. Kate Hudson plays the groupie with a heart charmingly and the rest of the cast is terrific. A huge plus of this film is its wonderful soundtrack filled with great, classic rock. I just can't stop raving about this movie.

  • by

    forgotten_hero

    Mon Nov 17 2003

    It just didn't live up to the hype. It had a few laughs but that's about it.

  • by

    andyinamerica

    Sun Mar 10 2002

    Really loved this movie, was very well made and Billy Crudup made for a great depiction of a 70's guitarist.

  • by

    jbiscuit1

    Thu Jan 10 2002

    One of the best coming of age films I've ever seen. I was highly impressed, and this film makes my A list. I was unfortunatly unable to see this film until after it came to cable. However, this film does not require the big screen to come through. The film is beautifully set, and extremely funny. This film is somewhat autobiographical, and the circumstances of the characters as well as their depth allow that to come through. If you enjoy 70's period pieces, or even if you just like a good comedy, I recommend that you see this flick.

  • by

    skip811

    Mon Dec 17 2001

    patrick fugit was soo real. you could not help but like him. Mr. FUGIT MADE THIS MOVIE FOR ME.I look forward to seeing him in his next film.

  • by

    marlee

    Tue Oct 02 2001

    His mother was me! I loved the innocence of that time. Beautifully done. Kate Hudson was the essence of the era.

  • by

    daisie_bfa

    Thu Jul 26 2001

    I love this movie it was everything i ever wanted out of a movie, it had comedy,romance,drama, and a light sence to it that made you want to be in it. Kate Hudson i though never could act, but in this movie her smile and inocence made me think wow. I loved everyone on this movie, even if yo werent supose to, it was just so amazing.

  • by

    boskodude

    Sun Jul 15 2001

    I really got into 'Almost Fanous'. This movie really took me back..! Tells it like it is in the music scene even today. I was there in Hollywood during the Jim Morrison and DOORS episode is my point. As well as I was there in person when Grace Slick and The Jefferson Airplane performed their first public performance at the Long Shoreman's Hall in S.F. (The Greatful Dead appeared on the same night, later) Really an enjoyable flick..!

  • by

    avalon

    Sat Jul 14 2001

    I admired the inception of this movie where it shows a flashback of the main charcter's past. However, I was expecting more of a significant ending where the guy actully exposed the band's many flaws so they too, would face life as it is. However, it shows great thought and origionality, and music.

  • by

    sley8057

    Fri Jul 06 2001

    Really really really good movie... i am not gonna say anything but you gotta see it if you are into lots of music

  • by

    thorne

    Mon Jun 25 2001

    As much as I wanted to like this movie, I couldn't. Yea, it was funny and yeah it had its dratic moments but over all it didn't feel like it left me with any true moral message. What? Don't go on the road with a band? Do go on the road with a band? Don't do drugs? Do use drugs? Don't use women? Do use women? I don't know. This film didn't do much for me. It left me kind of empty. Its performances however were great. The entire cast was incredible which is the only reason I gave this movie a two. It was done very well. It just lacked in the heart department. I rate movies on the overall feel I get when I leave the theater depending on the genre. With this genre and this type of film, I just didn't feel moved in the least! All I can say is that it was masterfully made. Beyond that, it was an empty shell of a movie.I really wanted to love Almost Famous. Too bad.

  • by

    medgarevers

    Wed May 09 2001

    Impressive- makes me wish that I was alive way back when. Very nice acting, minus a star because I often lost track of what the plot was circling around and what was going on, but I really liked this one.

  • by

    kyesbd0c

    Wed May 02 2001

    this movie is so endearingly honest that you can tell cameron crowe is truly trying to get it all out and really express himself. i could really feel the amount of emotion he put into it, including his love of the rock and roll classics. it has an understated tone to it which is probably what i liked most about it.

  • by

    becregwimittll_er

    Mon Mar 26 2001

    I really just loved this movie. I think it explains a lot! Also i luv Kate Hudson and i think she is an excellent actress and only more room to get better!

  • by

    norascool

    Tue Mar 20 2001

    stupid picture. stupid actrees.

  • by

    john_loves_chud

    Sun Mar 18 2001

    best movie ever, really. it makes you actually FEEL GOOD, it showcases a bunch of actors (except for Frances McDormand) that you really didn't think had such great performances in them, but they truly do. Kate Hudson is a guaranteed oscar winner, her face that graces the cover and steals every scene is priceless.

  • by

    dirkmc

    Sat Jan 13 2001

    In league with Erin Brokovich and Hurricane - great character detail and plot- flows throuout the movie. I would give it 4 1/2 stars.

  • by

    strella

    Sat Nov 18 2000

    great plot great acting great characters great music great ending. i truly enjoyed this movie, and i think i could see it again and find it equally entertaining... the plot is well developed and many-layered, and the actors do wonders with it. even if that weren't the case, it would be worth seeing just for the great soundtrack. 5 stars.

  • by

    beatlesfan81

    Thu Nov 02 2000

    I was really impressed by this movie. The story line was great with a lot of emotion.

  • by

    skyeblue

    Fri Oct 27 2000

    A very sweet film. No violence, no real sex to speak of, no dazzling special effects. A well written script with great performances all around, especially by Kate Hudson and Frances McDormand. This is a feel good movie for everyone, even if you didn't live through that era I think most can relate to the film in some aspect. I myself hate most of the music featured in the film but despite that fact I found it tolerable because I enjoyed the movie so much.

  • by

    jblank

    Sat Oct 14 2000

    bad movie. Honestly the only person in this film,no,movie who was believable or likable for that matter was Francis Mcdormand.What do you expect?She steals every movie shes in. Not for one second did i believethese guys were rock stars.this is an extrememly watered down pasturized version of rock and roll so it can reach a broader audience and not offend anyone. there is nothing rock and roll about this film. You do hear Elton John,but we all know that doesnt count.i changed my rating from a two to a one because the hype for this terrible movie makes me ILL.

  • by

    wiggum

    Fri Oct 13 2000

    This movie is so harmless and good-spirited that it's hard for me to imagine someone hating it. At the same time it's hard for me to imagine someone loving it. Sure the soundtrack is great, and the movie has a warm nostalgic feel (for those of us who can remember the 70s), but "Almost Famous" is not deep, it's not complex, and it's not powerful. It's just a nice little movie with a good story and good acting. Kate Hudson is really cute as the "band-aid" (her character, like any other groupie, hates the word "groupie") who latches on to the band "Stillwater" and serves as a kind of touchstone for the movie's main character - a young kid (Patrick Fugit) writing a story for "Rolling Stone" magazine. The fact that "Almost Famous" is in many ways a true story (it's based on the experiences of Cameron Crowe) makes the movie even better. But keep your expectations in check - "Almost Famous" is good but definitely not great.

  • by

    fifergirl15

    Thu Oct 12 2000

    I loved this movie! It was such a good plot. The soundtrack is amazing too. It wasn't too serious, or too funny. i would defanitly recomend that you see this movie.( i would go see it again, and again and again.)

  • by

    jklien9

    Mon Oct 09 2000

    Almost Famous is the best movie I have seen in the last six months. This movie is strong in every element. The casting was amazing. The film gives a great view of the 70s rock and roll scene through the eyes of a young writer. I found the script very unmanipulated, and I never felt as though I was hit over the head with any point or emotion. I found myself in tears at one point in the movie and I was not sure why. I believe it was the sincerity of the story and the telling of it that moved me to tears. The most memorable moments were not words at all, but instead visual images that contained much power and emotion. I would recomend this film to anyone who can appriate a good story, a good cast, and a heartfelt experience.

  • by

    shafty

    Mon Oct 09 2000

    I took the bait and went to check out 'Almost Famous' and came out of it thinking that it is a really solid movie. I would recommend it to a wide range of people - frineds, parents and so on. It definitely appeals to the masses and I think that says a lot about a movie that can be classified as a movie about rock 'n' roll in the early 70s. Great music throught the movie. I am not sure what this can be classified as - a coming of age movie (for each and every character in the movie)? A music movie? A romantic comedy? Drama? Hhmmm.. maybe it is a little bit of all of these I cannot inagine what would have been more fun than being in a rock band back in those days. Check out the movie, you'll like it a lot.

  • by

    chessdiva

    Sun Oct 08 2000

    I'm in the minority I know, but this movie was not what I expected. It was pure cheese.

  • by

    ruby9916

    Sun Oct 08 2000

    'Almost Famous' is the best "rock" movie that I've ever seen --- by which I mean that to say that the whole movie FEELS the way that great 70s rock records SOUND. You know what I'm talking about if you own a well-worn vinyl copy of "Every Picture Tells a Story" and you just love the sound of the vinyl popping behind the opening guitar. There's still a great outlaw feeling in those records if you have the will to lose yourself in them, and this movie puts you in that mood. But I guess I can't give the movie a 5-star rating because, by the end, I'm also struck that there's not much to talk about here. It's a wonderful nostalgia trip, well-directed, good acting performances, funny bits, and an honest look at the naivety of so many music figures, but....like most rock journalism, there's not really a point beyond pure music fandom. So anyway, if you want an interesting, feel good movie, I'd highly recommend 'Almost Famous' -- but I'd hesitate to put this one in the "great" categor... Read more

  • by

    blufairy19

    Sat Sep 30 2000

    This movie was AWESOME! The movie was very well-directed, the actors did a great job, even though I expected a little less from some of the new-comers, and the writing was great. Patrick Fugit did a great job portraying a naive and caring boy who learns a life lesson, not to mention that he has a lot of talent and will be a big star. This movie gets two of my thumbs up!

  • by

    alicat

    Mon Sep 25 2000

    I was really impressed with 'Almost Famous'. It had a lot of starting out actors but they were all fantastic. The story is about a high school guy who is a really good writer. He gets a job with Rolling Stone (RS has no idea he is so young) to write a story about an up and coming band. He goes on tour with them but along the way a story that is sad, funny, exciting, adventerous, and romantic develops. This movie had it all. One thing I look for in a good movie whether it is a horror, romantic comedy, or an action adventure movie is if I get attacthed to the characters. 'Almost Famous' did the job. I was into all the characters. It has so many different messages intertwined in the movie. The music is amazing with a lot of Led Zeppelin. It is a really good date movie. I have just heard some breaking news this weekend about 'Almost Famous' that I had to come back and share. This news makes me like the movie ten times more now. This movie is based upon the directors life. He... Read more

  • by

    munson

    Fri Sep 22 2000

    I've been going back and forth trying to figure out whether this movie deserved a four or a five. Well, the more time that has passed since I saw it, the more I have liked it and, hence, the five rating. First, it is really funny and not in the way that American Pie and Something About Mary is funny. It is brilliantly written dialogue which makes you laugh. Second, the cast is tremendous. Frances McDormand, in particular, as the protective mother is great. Third, the soundtrack kicks ass. It relies on hard rock favorites from the era (70s). And, fourth, as a I referred to previously, the dialogue is tremendous. Cameron Crowe has written a script that makes you care deeply about the characters, even the ones with many obvious faults. I definitely recommend this movie.