it's never too late

You If life was a song, what kind of song would yours be? Have you ever felt stuck in the chorus of your life, waiting for the bridge to something better? That's what Music & Lyrics (2007), one of my fave films, is about. It’s a tale of two persons who feel stuck and, when their paths meet, realize that it’s never too late to rewrite your song.

Maybe it won't be the song you once expected it to be. However, you don't have to settle for it to be an echo of a past you miss, nor let the fear of what may lay ahead keep you from taking chances. Easy-going Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) is a washed-up pop star from the fictional 1980s band PoP!, who is content to get by doing nostalgia gigs at county fairs and high school alumni reunions.

Until one day an unexpected opportunity shakes him awake. A pop diva commissions him to compose a duet for her. It’s a chance at a comeback, but Alex hasn’t composed a song in years, and lyrics were never his forte. And then, by utter chance, he meets Sophie (Drew Barrymore), a quirky young woman with a surprising gift for words.

However, when he asks her to team up with him, he realizes he will have to help her overcome her lack of self-confidence due to a past betrayal. The film opens with the faux music video of PoP's biggest hit, which is absolutely hilarious. Sort of Wham! meets Duran Duran, complete with big hair, hip thrusts, and neon-tinged absurdity.

Alex and Sophie are an unlikely pair. Alex, a witty, jaded cynic, is a man trapped in his past, performing the same old hits while life moves on without him. Sophie, both fragile and fiercely alive, needs to find the courage to step out of the shadow of her past to embrace her talent. This is a scene that I find deeply moving. Sophie accompanies Alex to a gig at an amusement park, where Alex clearly feels uncomfortable, as it's very far from his old glory days. Sophie encourages him to take pride in those old songs that "make people happy" and enjoy what he is doing. (This video has hardsubs.)

It’s a wonderful story about the thrill of creation, the ache of regret, the joy of being seen, and taking second chances. The last scene, a concert at Madison Square Garden is where the film’s emotional threads tie together. This song is so tender, beautiful and heartfelt... It also has some nice humorous lines. [⚠️*spoiler warning* Don't watch this clip if you haven't seen the film⚠️]

You can buy the DVD of this film on Amazon.

Or you can watch it on Prime Video with a 30-Day free trial clicking on this link.