The Movie Guys: ‘Famous’ an exemplary coming-of-age tale

Friday, Sept. 22, 2000 | 9:06 a.m.

The Movie Guys, starring Jeff Howard and Dave Neil, appears Fridays in the Sun. They can also be seen on the 11 a.m. Friday newscast on KVVU Channel 5. Plus, check them out online at lasvegassun.com/sun/sunlife/ visual and themovieguys.com.

Grade: Jeff A, Dave A-

Starring: Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson and Patrick Fugit.

Screenplay: Cameron Crowe.

Director: Cameron Crowe.

Rated: R for mature themes, drug use, brief nudity and profanity.

Running time: 122 minutes

Playing at: UA Green Valley Cinemas, UA Showcase 8, UA Rainbow Promenade 10, Century Orleans, Rancho Santa Fe 16, Regal Cinemas Boulder Station, Regal Cinemas Colonnade 14, Regal Cinemas Texas Station 18.

Synopsis: A fledgling teenage reporter (Patrick Fugit) gets his big break by landing an assignment for Rolling Stone magazine to interview the band Stillwater in 1973. Yet he becomes less an observer and more a participant in the band's dynamics, and discovers what it is like to be "Almost Famous."

Dave: The early 1970s proved to be a pivotal era for many defining issues: The civil rights movement was at its height, Watergate tainted politics, Vietnam finally ended and rock 'n' roll was expanding in new directions. In the middle of it all was a young teen named Cameron Crowe, who found inspiration in the seminal bands of that time. At age 16 he landed a position at the revolutionary Rolling Stone magazine, where he got his start as a serious rock journalist, and later as an associate editor. Crowe's experiences with numerous rock personas and groups not only impacted his life, but gave him the material for his latest film, "Almost Famous." This personal venture exposes the interesting past of a major talent who has recently become one of the hottest topics in Hollywood.

Jeff: "Almost Famous" is a gem of a movie that renews your faith in motion pictures and the art of storytelling. It faithfully captures the essence of the early '70s in style and mood, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery that one can only wish for. It is with no doubt that Crowe writes from his heart and soul by creating a character based upon himself, William Miller. William (played with ease by newcomer Fugit) lives a sheltered life with his mother, Elaine (Frances McDormand), a college professor who has concerns about her young, impressionable son touring with a rock band. Being a naturalist, rock music to her carries a message of sex and drugs and will be the downfall of society. McDormand portrays Elaine with a firm hand and a warm heart, and you can't help but adore her. William is a mama's boy, but soon he has the chance of a lifetime after g etting his first writing assignment. He gets to tour and chronicle the events of an up-and-coming band called Stillwater, a! nd little did he know what was in store. It would be a month he would never forget.

Dave: The dysfunctional foursome is fronted by lead singer Jeff Bebe (Jason Lee) and guitarist Russell Hammonds (Billy Crudup) who, despite their friendship, are constantly at odds as the tour rolls on and their popularity grows. Jeff wants the fame and fortune that accompany a successful rock band, while Russell struggles to keep his appreciation for its music in perspective. While on stage the band is at peace as it cranks out original songs such as "Fever Dog" (written for the screen by Crowe and his composer-wife, Nancy Wilson of Heart) and "Hour of Need" (contributed by Peter Frampton).

However, a different story is told behind the scenes, as Russell begins to receive the most attention. Crudup, who garnered critical acclaim in this summer's "Jesus' Son," continues to impress as a misunderstood rocker, encompassing the pose of a lead guitarist on stage. As William interviews each member -- who constantly refer to him as "Enemy" -- he finds himself more in tune with Russell and his equal affinity for the music. Yet the beautiful and charismatic "band aid" groupie Penny Lane (Kate Hudson in a dazzling performance) becomes the focus of both and draws William further into the band's inner circle.

Jeff: William falls in love with Penny and soon becomes her champion, even saving her life at a crucial moment. But her heart belongs to Russell -- one of many life lessons William learns on his journey. The band travels from town to town in a bus that looks as though it's on its last legs, but when the band's record becomes a hit, it covers more cities by switching to an airplane. All the while William gets a front-row seat to the band's drug use, womanizing, creative moments and fights about who should be prominent on Stillwater's T-shirt. William is only 15 and a true writing novice -- and he is in over his head. When he needs advice, he calls Lester Bangs (Philip Seymour Hoffman), editor of Creem magazine. Bangs trusts his tenacity, respects his knowledge of rock 'n' roll and sees himself as a mentor to William. Hoffman is remarkable, completely submer ging himself into a character that truly becomes his own.

Dave: Once again Crowe had the good fortune of assembling a stupendous cast. He created leads that may shape the careers of Crudup and Hudson, while supplying some of the best supportive roles this year to McDormand and Hoffman. Lest we forget to mention the astounding soundtrack that, in more ways than one, encouraged the making of this labor of love. In one scene, the tension is so thick on the bus that everyone has slipped into their own distant moods until someone begins to sing Elton John's "Tiny Dancer." Suddenly, everyone smiles and chimes in, giving the sense that everything is truly all right within their family of friends.

Jeff: "Almost Famous" is a coming-of-age story that bridges the gap between childhood and becoming a man. William's hopes and dreams are challenged and dashed, his heart pried open and promptly shattered, but in the end he remains optimistic and hopeful, still a kid at heart. Crowe has created a very special movie, one of the best of the year, and through his experiences, maybe you can relive that one special moment in your life, where you left childhood behind and crossed the threshold into the real world.