Ever dreamed of being a rock star? A hippie? A journalist? Some combination of all three? If so, or even if not, “Almost Famous” is an awesome film. Cameron Crowe’s screenplay lends hope to young success without becoming unrealistic. The movie follows the young and ambitious 15-year-old William Miller (Patrick Fugit) who has a passion for journalism. Unbeknownst of his age, Rolling Stone picks up on some of William’s underground work and asks him to follow the rising band Stillwater on tour.
After finally convincing his loving but overbearing mother, William leaves to follow the band and his dream career. On the road he not only gets to hang out with Stillwater 24/7, but also gets to know other people on the tour. One of these is “Band-Aide” (groupie) leader Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), who is kind to the youngster from the get go, therefore inspiring his love. However, Stillwater front man Russell Hammond has hers, despite his girlfriend at home.
Success and fame eventually begin to tear at the band, however William helps the men reunite as a family. He also inspires Penny Lane to follow her personal dreams. A near-death plane crash causes drama and tumult hindering William’s attempt to publish the article. The immaturity of all characters eventually becomes apparent. However, right prevails in the end (both in an unpredictable and un-clichéd manner).
Both seemingly unreachable and wholly relatable, the film’s characters all have an “it factor” that make “Almost Famous” impossible not to love from beginning to end. Kate Hudson shines in the breakout role for which she won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress. Virtually ignored at the box office “Almost Famous” went on to win an Academy Award for Best Screenplay, a Golden Globe for Best Film and a Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack all in 2001.
Film watchers will be in left in awe of Kate Hudson’s carefree glamour as Penny Lane all while pulling for William’s success without realizing that he pulls on the heartstrings of all. Perfect to watch after a bad day, or a good one, “Almost Famous” leaves viewers feeling happy and inspired, yet surprisingly content and grounded.
