There are two screen relationships that don’t work here, and both involve stars Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. He’s a washed-up pop star looking to make a comeback and she’s a wounded writer who reluctantly agrees to work with him as a lyricist. Sparks fail to fly between them – both professionally and romantically. Maybe it’s an age thing (there’s a 15-year difference), but more likely the problem is that the pair is too busy fighting off tired, romantic-comedy conventions to establish any sort of rapport. The only real fun comes when the movie spoofs its music-business setting, including an opening scene featuring a Wham-like music video from the pop star’s former band.
