If the ridiculous hair, tight pants, and checkered backdrop don’t draw your attention to the movie, perhaps Hugh Grant’s timeless hip swaying will.

[THIS IS A BEGINNING JOURNALISM EXERCISE]

Having previously worked with director Marc Lawrence in Two Weeks’ Notice, Grant plays a loveable, charming character with a British accent to top it all off, likewise in Love Actually. Drew Barrymore plays a similarly sweet, down-to-earth girl as in Fever Pitch, and 50 First Dates.

Taking place in New York City, Grant plays Alex Fletcher, an “’80’s has-been” who falls for a quirky, girl, Sophie Fisher, played by Barrymore. Sure the plot of this movie is predictable, but the catchy tunes in this cute movie distinguish it from other romantic comedies.

At the start of the film, Alex is invited onto the show “Battle of the ’80s Has-Beens.” Clearly, his fame has dwindled since his band Pop’s biggest hit called “Pop Goes My Heart” topped the charts in the ’80s.

In her debut film, Haley Bennett plays the role of pop princess Cora Corman, who gives Alex an opportunity to reclaim his fame by writing a song for Cora’s new single titled “Way Back Into Love.” According to Alex’s manager, Chris Riley, played by Brad Garrett, Cora is “bigger than Britney and Christina put together.” Almost all of Alex’s performances have been canceled, leaving Alex with no other choice but to accept Cora’s offer.

Throughout the film, Alex sings “Pop Goes My Heart” to crowds of middle-aged menopausal women at several locations including a theme park and a 20th high school reunion. With his voluptuous hip swings and figure-hugging pants, Alex’s audiences act feverishly, crowding around the stage, all within reach of Alex’s behind.

Barrymore’s character Sophie stumbles across Alex’s front door as a proxy for the girl who waters Alex’s plants. While at his apartment, Sophie overhears him trying to compose a melody and lyrics with the help of a lyricist. She mutters her own brilliant lyrics.

Instantly, Alex recognizes Sophie’s natural talent as a lyricist. He begs her to help him write Cora’s song before Friday, but is rejected. Sophie denies her talent and walks away, leaving Alex desperate for help.

As every romantic comedy goes, it is inevitable that Sophie finds a way into Alex’s life by succumbing to his enchantingly desperate charm. The cliché of opposite attraction applies to the two characters. A careless, messy Sophie leaves her stuff all around Alex’s apartment he reorganizes her belongings and his moved furniture.

While working with Alex, Sophie comes up with a cunning metaphor for writing lyrics. “A melody is like sex,” Sophie says. “But then as you get to know the person, that’s the lyrics; their story, who they are underneath.”

After hours of pen clicking and cups of coffee, Alex and Sophie score an appealing melody and catchy lyrics for “Way Back Into Love.”

Altogether, this movie’s addictive soundtrack and admittedly adorable duo adds up to a worthwhile romantic comedy. Arguably, Lawrence has hit the right notes in this production.

Release Date: February 14, 2007

Run Time: 1 hour 36 minutes

Rating: PG-13

Cast: Hugh Grant, Drew Barrymore, Brad Garrett

Director: Marc Lawrence

Genre: Comedy, Romance