🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Marc Lawrence
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Music
- Release year: 2007
- Runtime (length): 1h 44min
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10 (109K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 62%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A has-been 80’s pop star and a neurotic plant lady write a hit song and fall in love, proving that even cheesy lyrics can lead to true romance.
🍿 Music and Lyrics: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Alex’s Comeback Opportunity
Alex Fletcher, a has-been pop star from the 80s band PoP!, is offered a chance to revive his career by writing a song for teen sensation Cora Corman. He excels at melodies but struggles with lyrics. With a tight deadline looming, Alex needs to find a lyricist fast to seize this opportunity.

The Accidental Lyricist
Sophie Fisher, who is temporarily watering Alex’s plants, demonstrates a knack for writing lyrics. Alex recognizes her talent and asks for her help. However, Sophie is hesitant due to past experiences that have shaken her confidence as a writer.

Writing and Romance
As Alex and Sophie collaborate, they develop a strong working relationship and a romantic connection. Sophie’s lyrics and Alex’s music blend perfectly, but their collaboration is threatened by their personal insecurities and external pressures from the music industry.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant): A washed-up 80s pop star seeking a comeback by writing a song for a popular teen idol.
- Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore): A talented but insecure lyricist who unexpectedly collaborates with Alex and rediscovers her confidence.
- Cora Corman (Haley Bennett): A popular teen sensation who commissions Alex to write a song, seeking a unique sound.
- Colin Thompson (Scott Porter): Alex’s former bandmate from PoP! who achieved solo success, creating a source of resentment for Alex.
- Chris Riley (Brad Garrett): Alex’s loyal manager and friend who encourages him to pursue a comeback.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Alex Fletcher: “It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just spit it out. They’re just lyrics.” – Alex tries to downplay the importance of lyrics to get Sophie to open up.
- Sophie Fisher: “A melody is like seeing someone for the first time. The physical attraction. Sex.” – Sophie explains her view on melodies and their connection to initial attraction.
- Alex Fletcher: “It doesn’t matter what they think of me. It matters what I think of myself.” – Alex, at the climax of his artistic comeback, shares his newfound insight regarding self-worth, inspiring Sophie.
- Alex Fletcher: “You know, there’s a reason why they call them guilty pleasures.” – Alex defends his more commercially-oriented musical endeavors.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $40,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $50,572,589
- Worldwide Gross: $145,896,422
💥 Music and Lyrics Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for rom-coms, and Music and Lyrics totally hit the spot. Hugh Grant is hilarious as the has-been pop star, and Drew Barrymore is just adorable. The music is so catchy, I found myself humming ‘Way Back Into Love’ for days after watching. I especially loved the scene where they’re writing the song together, it felt so genuine and sweet. Definitely a feel-good movie that I’ll watch again when I need a pick-me-up. It made me nostalgic for the 80’s!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of romantic comedies”
- “Viewers who enjoy music-themed movies”
- “Those who appreciate Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore’s performances”
- “People looking for a lighthearted and feel-good movie”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Some suggestive content and innuendo”
- “Mild language”
- “Brief scenes of alcohol consumption”
- “Thematic elements involving past relationships and personal insecurities”
Professional Reviews
- Rolling Stone: “Music and Lyrics is pure rom-com fluff, elevated by the undeniable chemistry between Grant and Barrymore. It won’t change your life, but it will provide a pleasant escape for a couple of hours. The soundtrack is surprisingly catchy, too!
- Entertainment Weekly: “While the plot is predictable, Music and Lyrics shines thanks to its self-aware humor and the actors’ commitment. Grant nails the washed-up pop star, and Barrymore is charmingly quirky. It’s the kind of movie you can watch again and again.
- IndieWire: “This film offers light entertainment with a familiar storyline, elevated by strong performances from Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. Its comedic moments are sharp, and its soundtrack pleasantly nostalgic, making it ideal for a cozy movie night.
Audience Reactions
The chemistry between Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore is amazing and makes the movie work so well.: The performances of the lead actors are highly praised, as they have great chemistry and comedic timing, making the movie enjoyable.
The soundtrack is awesome and makes you want to sing along to every song.: Viewers love the catchy and fun soundtrack, particularly the original songs written for the film, making the movie memorable and uplifting.
Overall Consensus: Music and Lyrics is a charming and feel-good romantic comedy that benefits from the strong chemistry between Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore and a catchy soundtrack.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Hugh Grant took piano lessons as a child but had forgotten everything. He had to learn how to play the piano again for the movie, focusing on the parts where his hands were visible.”
- “The opening video ‘Pop Goes My Heart’ is a parody of 1980s pop music videos, with Hugh Grant’s character in a Wham!-like band.”
- “Haley Bennett, who plays Cora Corman, made her film debut in ‘Music and Lyrics’. The soundtrack features songs performed by both Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore.”
🖥️ How to Watch Music and Lyrics?
Music and Lyrics is available to rent or purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other major digital retailers. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray may also be available through online retailers like Amazon and at local stores that sell movies.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Music and Lyrics, you might like these similar films:
- The Wedding Singer (1998): Both films feature a musician finding love and rediscovering their passion for music through an unexpected relationship.
- Yesterday (2019): Features a musician in a unique situation, where music plays a central role in a romantic and career journey.
- Sing Street (2016): Captures the spirit of creating music and finding love amidst personal challenges.
- Begin Again (2013): Explores the creative collaboration between two musicians and their emotional connection, much like Alex and Sophie.
- That Thing You Do! (1996): This movie shows the rise and fall of a one-hit wonder band with lots of catchy pop tunes and funny, over-the-top characters.
🛒 Music and Lyrics Related Products
- Music and Lyrics (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the movie magic with the complete soundtrack! Features all the catchy original songs performed by Hugh Grant and Haley Bennett, perfect for any fan of the film.
- Funko Pop! Rocks: Hugh Grant as Alex Fletcher (Music and Lyrics): Add a touch of pop nostalgia to your collection with this Funko Pop figure of Hugh Grant as Alex Fletcher. A must-have for any fan of the movie and the 80’s!
- Music and Lyrics Movie Poster (24×36): Decorate your space with this vibrant poster of Music and Lyrics. A high-quality print perfect for any movie lover’s home theater or bedroom.
- Way Back Into Love: Music and Lyrics Inspired Throw Pillow: Add a touch of romance to your living room with throw pillow, and share the music with your partner.
🎧 Soundtrack
Music and Lyrics features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Way Back Into Love” – performed by Hugh Grant & Haley Bennett
- “Pop! Goes My Heart” – performed by Hugh Grant
- “Buddha’s Delight” – performed by Haley Bennett
- “Entering Bootytown” – performed by Haley Bennett
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Music and Lyrics was primarily filmed in New York City, showcasing various locations in Manhattan, including apartments and event venues. Some interior scenes were also shot in studio settings.
Yes, both Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore performed their own singing in Music and Lyrics. Hugh Grant’s performance was particularly praised, showcasing a previously unknown musical talent.
‘Way Back Into Love’ is about finding love again after experiencing heartbreak and loss. It emphasizes vulnerability, honesty, and the courage to open oneself up to new possibilities.
No, Music and Lyrics is not based on a true story. It is a fictional romantic comedy that explores themes of artistic collaboration, overcoming personal obstacles, and finding love in unexpected places.
🔥 Bonus Content
Song of Songs Summary: A Complete Animated Overview
Looking for some extra context before diving into ‘Music and Lyrics’? Check out this video for a quick and engaging summary of the Song of Songs, the biblical text that loosely inspired the movie.
“The Sound of Silence” Is VERY Deep | Simon & Garfunkel Lyrics Explained
Ever wondered what ‘The Sound of Silence’ is really about? This video analyzes the lyrics to give you a fresh perspective on this classic song.
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