Almost Famous

There's famous, then there's normal (the greater, fame-adoring masses), and in between there's almost famous, which, also being the title of the film, pretty much covers the entire premise.

Whether it's the aspiring rock band on tour, or the 15-year-old wannabe music journalist, or the group of 'band aids' (groupies to the uninitiated), everyone in the film is seeking that elusive something that is fame.

The film is based upon director Cameron Crowe's own experiences as a rock music writer in his adventurous youth, and he brings the story to the screen with a glow of sentimentality that, thankfully, never sinks into the saccharine, but instead hails back to reminiscing about the free and easy days of the '70s, when anything felt possible… The 15-year-old wannabe in question (appropriately played by a newcomer himself; Patrick Fugit) is an aspiring music writer who is given a dream assignment (much to his disap-proving mother's annoyance) to go on the road as an on-the-spot reporter covering the band Stillwater. His assignment comes from no less a prestigious office than Rolling Stone itself. You just know that things will be cool.

As films go, it's fun, charmingly acted, and is a gentle step back into the past with a groovy soundtrack of seventies hits as it depicts that moment in time when rock'n'roll was becoming less of a movement and more of a business venture - a time before contracts and a huge corporate music industry.