Music and Lyrics (PG-13, 2007)

Aging former pop star Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) is content to recycle his '80s hits at state fairs, high school reunions, and amusement parks. But after even those venues start losing interest, he has only one last chance: Create a love song for singing sensation Cora Corman (Haley Bennett playing a Britney Spears-Christina Aguilera hybrid). The problem? Alex only writes music, not lyrics. So after an ill-begotten pairing with a doom-and-gloom lyricist, Alex sets his sights on his temporary houseplant minder, Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), who spouts sweetly romantic lyrics with little urging. After briefly hesitating, Sophie agrees to help. But can they get the song done in time to get it to Cora? And will she like it?

Good date movies are like good first dates: They're charming, reasonably interesting, inoffensive, and smart, and you get a little smooching at the end. Music and Lyrics is all of those things at different points -- but unlike a lot of dates, there are no surprises.

While there's a moment during a dinner with Sophie's sister, Rhonda (Kristen Johnston, who steals every scene), when Sophie and Alex banter flirtatiously and share what seems like a genuine kiss, for the most part, the two actors don't click. Blame the writers: Barrymore has little to do than play the ditzy free spirit and utter dreadful lines like, "That song was dinner!" But overall, Music and Lyrics is pleasant and is sure to please diehard romantic comedy fans. Everyone else should stay away -- unless your date is making you go.

Studio: Warner Bros.
Director: Marc Lawrence
Cast: Brad Garrett, Drew Barrymore, Hugh Grant
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 100 minutes
Theatrical release: February 14, 2007
DVD release: May 8, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: some sexual content.