Almost Famous

Amazon.com

Almost Famous is the movie Cameron Crowe has been waiting a lifetime to tell. The fictionalization of Crowe's days as a teenage reporter for Creem and Rolling Stone has all the well-written characters and wonderful "movie moments" that we expect from Crowe (Jerry Maguire), but the film has an intangible something extra--an insider's touch that will turn the film into the ode to '70s rock & roll for years to come. We are introduced to Crowe's alter ego, William Miller (Patrick Fugit), at home, where his progressive mom (Frances McDormand, just superb) has outlawed rock music and sister Anita (Zooey Deschanel) has slipped him LPs that will "set his mind free." Following the wisdom of Creem's disheveled editor, Lester Bangs (Philip Seymour Hoffman in an instant-classic performance), Miller gets on the inside with the up-and-coming band Stillwater (a fictionalized mixture of the Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin, and others). A simple visit with the band turns into a three-week, life-altering odyssey into the heyday of American rock. Of the characters he meets on the road, the two most important are groupie extraordinaire Penny Lane (Kate Hudson in a star-making performance) and Stillwater's enigmatic lead guitarist (Billy Crudup), who keeps stringing Miller along for an interview. From the handwritten credits (done by Crowe) to the bittersweet finale, Crowe's comedic valentine is an indelible, heartbreaking romance of music, women, and the privilege of youth. --Doug Thomas

Description

Audiences and critics alike are raving about this larger-than-life rock'n 'roll favorite that Roger Ebert calls "one of the best movies of the year!" The guys of Stillwater have the sound, they have the look and Rolling Stone Magazine wants their story. For young reporter William Miller, it's the opportunity of a lifetime as he hits the road with his favorite band and discovers the price of fame, the value of family and the limits of friendship.

Customer Reviews:

More features.......2007-09-05

There is actually a lot of back story to this movie and I was hopping they would be on the DVD but no.

An unexpected insight into a female character.......2007-09-04

This is a well-done movie about an almost-famous rock
band touring in the seventies as seen through the eyes
of an almost-employed young journalist who's been hired
to follow them.
Most of the characters are expectable if not exactly pre-
dictable. The surprise-and for me, the delight-of this movie
is the depiction of the young, drifting groupie. Kate Hudson
pulls off the perfect combination of toughness, vulnerability
and romantic dreaminess.
In the very masculine world of rock movies, this depiction of
a young woman stands out not just for its rarity but for the
contrast of her many-layered humanity with the testosterone-
fueled excess of the rest of the cast.

In the very best sense, this is a superb chick flick about a
remarkable woman.

--Lynn Hoffman, author of THE NEW SHORT COURSE IN WINE and
the novel bang BANG. ISBN 9781601640005

Great Era,Music HORRIBLE Film!!.......2007-08-30

I went into this film with the highest expectations ever. I was aware of the backstory about Cameron Crowe and his travails with Led Zep circa 1973. This film disappoints horribly. Maybe those of us who appreciate Crowes contributions to film and print expect anything the man poops out to be worthwhile, MAYBE the true story wasn't so interesting after all.

The pluses are few- the soundtrack is a collection of gems we don't hear at all on FM radio-Iggy Pop,Free,Deep Purple, Neil Young.
Minor plus is the appearance of late comedian Mitch Hedberg,though just on a walk-on role.

The minuses are many-

The implausibly crappy "hit" band "Stillwater" the film is based around.Even Spinal Tap could grind out some sounds we could see selling. Stillwater is a weak caricature of a 70's era rock group, with a bland hard rock/blues sound. You've got to hear their song "Fever Dog" to apperciate how uninspired it is.

This is a wasted role for Fairuza Balk who usually plays an interesting wildeyed psycho chickie.There's a stupid non-sequiter line from her -"Does anyone remember laughter?" a quote from a live Led Zep album that is perhaps intended as a "shoutout" to Zep fans.

Overrated Kate Hudson, not as cute as mama Goldie, Kate has had her career gift-wrapped for her and she turns up in this "chick-flick" in disguise. Her free-spirit hippie role is predictable and lifeless.Even from the eyes of the naive 16 year old protaganist just figuring life and her out,her role is bad, her acting mediocre.

The band, roadies and hangers-on all singing "Tiny Dancer" together on a tour bus. Cloying and unenjoyable, even by those who tolerate Elton John. WHY??

I completely do not understand the film press and it's fascination with this weak film.I am a major fan of 70's era rock and would have been happy to have almost anything served up. Instead the viewer is subjected to an estrogen-shot with a dirty needle. This is a ROMANTIC COMEDY/COMING-OF-AGE flick with a side story of rock-n-roll tours.

Worth it in spades.......2007-08-22

If you love this film, you'll love the unedited version...deepens the experience. The VO commentary with Crowe and his mom rocks.

Original, believable characters. Good Stuff........2007-08-10

There aren't many movies that truly sell the characters. To be quiet honest most characters in movies are either one dimensional or a characature of real people. I love it that the lead guitar player of StillWater is egocentric and self-centered yet is still a pretty good guy. All the characters on this movie have that real, flawed, and multidimensional quality.
The story is also original and doesn't try to be anything more than what it is. The plot is solid but still loose enough for the characters to drive the movie. Really brings the 70's alive without parodying it. Great movie, great soundtrack.
This movie is the antidote to the big budget summer blockbuster crap that has choked the movie industry particularly in the last 10 years. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves character driven movies.

Almost Famous - The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

More features
An unexpected insight into a female character
Great Era,Music HORRIBLE Film!!
Worth it in spades
Original, believable characters. Good Stuff.

Almost Famous - The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Billy Crudup , Frances McDormand , Kate Hudson , Jason Lee , and Patrick Fugit
Director: Cameron Crowe
Manufacturer: Dreamworks Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DTS | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00005OM4Q
Release Date: 2001-12-04

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

More features.......2007-09-05

There is actually a lot of back story to this movie and I was hopping they would be on the DVD but no.

An unexpected insight into a female character.......2007-09-04

Great Era,Music HORRIBLE Film!!.......2007-08-30

Worth it in spades.......2007-08-22

If you love this film, you'll love the unedited version...deepens the experience. The VO commentary with Crowe and his mom rocks.

Original, believable characters. Good Stuff........2007-08-10

Average customer rating:

A Great Collection of Films!

Almost Famous Film Festival 2007

Manufacturer: CustomFlix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

amazon.com

The Almost Famous Film Festival 48 Hour Short Film Challenge (A3F) presents the Top 20 Films from 2007. 100 minutes of independent film for your viewing pleasure! *The winning film from this year's event went on to screen at the 2007 Cannes Short Film Corner! The A3F takes place each year in Phoenix, Arizona during the third weekend of February. The largest 48 hour festival in the southwest, the A3F brings together teams of filmmakers ranging from amateurs to students to semi-professionals. The result? Creative and outstanding independent short films made during an exciting but exhausting 2 days! How does it work? Teams follow certain rules during the challenge by incorporating a Theme, a Prop and a Line of Dialogue into their films. These guidelines are not revealed to the filmmakers until the night of the kickoff party -- then it's a 48 hour countdown to write a script, find actors and locations, shoot, edit and turn in your film before the deadline passes. The films are then scored by a panel of judges who compose a Best of List which are screened before a public audience at the infamous premier night! Cash prizes, awards and certificates are handed out to the winning teams and bragging rights ensue! The A3F is committed to always putting the filmmaker first. We accomplish this by making sure the people who participate in the festival receive a first-class experience. The A3F is the only short film challenge to host filmmaking workshops for particpating teams, distribute educational books and manuals, include free t-shirts with each entry, take-home posters of the Top 20 films and provide national exposure through DVD duplication, media and promotion. All proceeds from the sales of this DVD set will go directly back into the A3F and used for the 2007 challenge. So thank you for supporting independent film and the talented and well-deserving filmmakers. Now go order your copy of the best films from A3F 2007 -- so you too can be Almost Famous! Suitable for ages 13 and up. For more information, www.theA3F.net

Customer Reviews:

A Great Collection of Films!.......2007-07-12

These are some truly talented and gifted filmmakers and their movies will absolutely entertain you. I purchased this DVD as I am a huge fan of independent film and was not disappointed at all. Some of these films just blew me away. I saw that the winning film from this year went on to play at Cannes. That's amazing right there!

Highly recommend this title!

Average customer rating:

Almost Famous, Vol. 2
Starring: Almost Famous
Manufacturer: Warren Jamez
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Adrenalin Crew, Vol. 2: Awaiting Trial

ASIN: B000JU8HLA
Release Date: 2006-12-05

Average customer rating:

Catch Me If You Can/Almost Famous
Starring: Billy Crudup , Frances McDormand , Kate Hudson , Jason Lee , and Patrick Fugit
Director: Cameron Crowe , and Steven Spielberg
Manufacturer: Dreamworks Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0000DZ3I8
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Average customer rating:

You should deffinently check out both these films.
Rock and Roll Heaven And A Suburban Reality Check
ALMOST FAMOUS,ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS

Almost Famous/American Beauty
Starring: Billy Crudup , Frances McDormand , Kate Hudson , Jason Lee , and Patrick Fugit
Director: Cameron Crowe , and Sam Mendes
Manufacturer: Dreamworks Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00009IB45
Release Date: 2003-07-01

Amazon.com

Almost Famous
Almost Famous is the movie Cameron Crowe has been waiting a lifetime to tell. The fictionalization of Crowe's days as a teenage reporter for Creem and Rolling Stone has all the well-written characters and wonderful "movie moments" that we expect from Crowe (Jerry Maguire), but the film has an intangible something extra--an insider's touch that will turn the film into the ode to '70s rock & roll for years to come. We are introduced to Crowe's alter ego, William Miller (Patrick Fugit), at home, where his progressive mom (Frances McDormand, just superb) has outlawed rock music and sister Anita (Zooey Deschanel) has slipped him LPs that will "set his mind free." Following the wisdom of Creem's disheveled editor, Lester Bangs (Philip Seymour Hoffman in an instant-classic performance), Miller gets on the inside with the up-and-coming band Stillwater (a fictionalized mixture of the Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin, and others). A simple visit with the band turns into a three-week, life-altering odyssey into the heyday of American rock. Of the characters he meets on the road, the two most important are groupie extraordinaire Penny Lane (Kate Hudson in a star-making performance) and Stillwater's enigmatic lead guitarist (Billy Crudup), who keeps stringing Miller along for an interview. From the handwritten credits (done by Crowe) to the bittersweet finale, Crowe's comedic valentine is an indelible, heartbreaking romance of music, women, and the privilege of youth. --Doug Thomas

American Beauty
From its first gliding aerial shot of a generic suburban street, American Beauty moves with a mesmerizing confidence and acuity epitomized by Kevin Spacey's calm narration. Spacey is Lester Burnham, a harried Everyman whose midlife awakening is the spine of the story, and his very first lines hook us with their teasing fatalism. It's an audacious start for a film that justifies that audacity. Weaving social satire, domestic tragedy, and whodunit into a single package, Alan Ball's first theatrical script dares to blur generic lines and keep us off balance, winking seamlessly from dark, scabrous comedy to deeply moving drama. The Burnham family joins the cinematic short list of great dysfunctional American families, as Lester is pitted against his manic, materialistic realtor wife, Carolyn (Annette Bening, making the most of a mostly unsympathetic role) and his sullen, contemptuous teenaged daughter, Jane (Thora Birch, utterly convincing in her edgy balance of self-absorption and wistful longing). Into their lives come two catalytic outsiders. A young cheerleader (Mena Suvari) jolts Lester into a sexual epiphany that blooms into a second adolescence. And an eerily calm young neighbor (Wes Bentley) transforms both Lester and Jane with his canny influence. Credit another big-screen newcomer, English theatrical director Sam Mendes, with expertly juggling these potentially disjunctive elements into a superb ensemble piece that achieves a stylized pace without lapsing into transparent self-indulgence. Mendes has shrewdly insured his success with a solid crew of stage veterans, yet he's also made an inspired discovery in Bentley, whose Ricky Fitts becomes a fulcrum for both plot and theme. Cinematographer Conrad Hall's sumptuous visual design further elevates the film, infusing the beige interiors of the Burnhams' lives with vivid bursts of deep crimson, the color of roses--and of blood. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

You should deffinently check out both these films........2006-04-18

Almost famous and American beauty were both films I had ordered from Amazon ages ago, both films on their own are unique and wondrefull and both have great performances from their cast especialy Kevin Spacey's oscar winning performace which is a very memerobale role he definnently deserved to win.
Almost famous tells the story of a rock band in the 70's and all the people involved it also gives us a glimpse of the life of a young reporter William Miller played by Patrick Fugit when he turns fifteen he manages to get a writing assignment with Creem and then with rolling stone magazine for the rising band called sillwater.

Despite having a discouraging and overprotective mother (Frances McDormand who was fantastic) he gets the assignment and packs his bags to leave home, William soon observes the behaviour of this particular band from everything they go through like drugs, sex and basicly the whole rock and roll lifestyle he also meets up with the groupies or "band aids" including Penny Lane excellently played by Kate Hudson she also shows the downsides of this lifestyle when she attempts to kill her self but soon gets her stomach pumped after consuming alot of alchohol, there is sort of a romance developing between Penny Lane and William but its more sweet and innocent as they both have two completely different lives. The film is somewhat based on director Cameron Crowe's life as a teen and it was wonderfully directed by him and I also think its one of his best films and no I'm not a big fan of his. This film deserves 5/5 stars and I highly recomend this especialy if your looking for a coming of age drama/comedy.

American Beauty was directed by Sam Mendes, the film is a realistic look at the darker side of the American suburban life ofcourse not all suburban life is like this duh! but in this film it tells us how realy dysfuntional this family can get under the circumstances, each family member is cold and distant with each other. Lester (Kevin Spacey) has to deal with his manic materialistic realtor wife, Carolyn (Annette Bening) who is rather unsympathetic and kind of annoying and his daughter (Thora Birch) is the typical teenager always moody, depressed and full of angst and is constantly irratated by her parents.
Lester is going through a midlife crisis but soon everything changes when he meets his daughters friend a young cheerleader from school (Mena Suvari) he emidiately changes his life by quiting his job, working out more, smocking pot ect. both his wife and daughter are not phased by this sudden change infact his wife only gets worse by having an affair, the daughter gets involved with the wierd teen that lives next door (Wes Bentley) who has a cam-corder and likes taking pictures and has a millitary father that might be gay or in the closet nobody knows. Lester also begins to lust after his daughter's friend and starts having fantasies including the famous scene with the red rose petals, this great film has many layers to it and you begin to see that maybe there might be some inner beauty in all of us, the film is a great example of a very dark comedy and drama its good but I didn't like it that much I would give it 4/5 stars although it doesn't show an extremely dysfunctional family like in Todd Solondz Happiness or Takashi Miikes Visitor Q which I also recomend but only if you have a strong stomach.

Rock and Roll Heaven And A Suburban Reality Check.......2006-04-16

"Almost Famous" ...5 stars
Watching this film is like being in Rock and Roll Heaven! It is filled with young bright shining stars, under the superb direction of Cameron Crowe(Jerry Maguire). The music is like a trip down memory lane, and is very much a part of this great ensemble.

This semi-autobiographical coming of age story, takes a young journalist on the journey of a lifetime. Based on actual events from Cameron Crowe's life, 15 year old William Miller lands a job with "Rolling Stone" magazine. He must go on the road with rockers "Stillwater"(a group actually put together by the filmmakers and stars),and write their story. He hangs out everywhere with them, hotels, backstage, rides with them on their bus(this poor guy, a rotten job.. but somebody had to...)and eventually becomes very close with them and the "Band-Aids"(not groupies!) that are their entourage.All this to the constant worry of his over-protective mother, who besides rock and roll is another huge influence on his life.

Follow William, the band, and the girls on a tour of a lifetime, in this deliciously funny and sometimes poignant story of learning what's important in life.All filmed beautifully, with those great outfits of the 60's and 70's and of course one killer soundtrack. All the great rock legends of this era are heard throughout the film, including Elton John, The Who, and Peter Frampton whose instruction in music makes "Stillwater" great!The film also includes original music written especially for "Stillwater" that is fabulous as well.

The casting is impeccable...William is played by newcomer Patrick Fugit with an intuitiveness that is uncanny. Billy Crudup and Jason Lee are the leads for the band and totally have that rocker image down pat. Kate Hudson is irresistible as "Penny Lane" and the other "Band-Aids", including Anna Paquin and Fairza Balk also contribute greatly. Two outstanding performances are Frances McDormand as William's mother and Phillip Seymour Hoffman as his mentor.

This outstanding film is put together in an outstanding package. The DVD(although not the more expensive edition) is a beautiful transfer in every way. The picture in widescreen, is clear, colors are vivid, and shows off the great film work. The dialogue and music both come through brilliantly.

A film to be enjoyed by anyone who loves good movies and good music!

"American Beauty"...3 stars

This film has won so many awards(nationally and internationally), Best Director, Cinematography and Actor from Oscar among them, but I would use my allotted amount of review words if I were to list them all. A much adored film by the critics and viewing audiences as well. Sooooo....I'm really going out on a limb, when I say I just didn't love this film as much as everyone else(I really wanted to). But here goes....

I did like the film and found it definitely worth the view. I found it to be beautifully photographed and very much enjoyed the immaculate performances of these well seasoned actors. Kevin Spacey, Annette Benning and Thora Birch are the very dysfunctional Burnham family. They have grown so far apart from each other that their relationships seem beyond repair. I was actually very touched by a scene with Spacey and Birch, where he is trying to make things right with his daughter. The brilliant Chris Cooper and wonderful Allison Janey are the neighbors, also with major problems, and Wes Bently is outstanding as the son who is just a bit different from everyone else. Their everyday lives begin to intertwine and their problems begin to unfold. There are some funny as well as dramatic moments.

The story just didn't grab me enough to make me want to watch it over and over. As a suburban housewife who has already been through the mid-life thing, I could not identify with any of these "suburban" characters. Almost everyone on the block was dysfunctional and seemed to have some kind of crisis or phobia going on in their lives. The only functionally normal people on the block was the gay couple portrayed wonderfully by Scott Bakula and Sam Robards.

Although entertaining, I just didn't feel like I was seeing a fresh take on a "life in suburbia" film. Maybe you will see something in it I didn't. Everyone else seems to. It should be seen at least once.

If you have not seen it you may want to rent it first and check it out. If you have seen it, you will be happy with the quality of the DVD. It is superb. It is a top-notch transfer of this 1999 Best Picture Oscar Winner. The picture clarity and colors are outstanding and whatever sound system you are set up for you'll be happy with the results.

Amazon is out of stock of this package deal at this time, and looking at the seller prices,(if you are reading this much later then the date of my review, prices may have changed, or Ammy might have it in stock), but for now the better deal seems to be to purchase these editions individually from Amazon.

Enjoy....Laurie

ALMOST FAMOUS,ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS.......2003-09-01

CAMERON CROWE TAKES HIS BIGGEST STEP FROM GOOD MOTION PICTURE DIRETOR TO SUBLIME CINEMATIC ARTIST IN THIS TRULY ENTERTAINING FILM.
EVERY CHARACTER,BE IT THE MEMBERS OF THE BAND STILLWATER,THE ROCK&ROLL GROUPIES KNOWN AS THE BANDAIDS,OR CROWES OWN ALTER EGO
WILLIAM MILLER,ARE ALL SUPERBLY WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY ALL INVOLVED.
ALMOST FAMOUS BLENDS A SPECTRUM OF EMOTIONS,FROM COMEDY,TO BITTERSWEET LONGING ,AND A SUPERIOR CLASSIC ROCK SOUNDTRACK
EFFORTLESSLY.

Average customer rating:

Very worthwhile!

Almost Famous Film Festival 2005-06

Manufacturer: CustomFlix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000FTJ65G
Release Date: 2006-05-19

Customer Reviews:

Very worthwhile!.......2006-12-17

A truly worthwhile collection of short films that both amused and entertained me. 30 different shorts too all for under $20 which is a really good price. Definitely worth it!

Average customer rating:

Gonna Buy Five Copies For My Mother

Almost Famous [Region 2]
Starring: Billy Crudup , Frances McDormand , Kate Hudson , Jason Lee , and Patrick Fugit
Director: Cameron Crowe
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00005KFU0

Customer Reviews:

Gonna Buy Five Copies For My Mother.......2006-05-06

Watching this film is like being in Rock and Roll Heaven! It is filled with young bright shining stars, under the superb direction of Cameron Crowe(Jerry Maguire). The music is like a trip down memory lane, and is very much a part of this great ensemble.

This semi-autobiographical coming of age story, takes a young journalist on the journey of a lifetime. Based on actual events from Cameron Crowe's life, 15 year old William Miller lands a job with "Rolling Stone" magazine. He must go on the road with rockers "Stillwater"(a group actually put together by the filmmakers and stars),and write their story. He hangs out everywhere with them, hotels, backstage, rides with them on their bus(this poor guy, a rotten job.. but somebody had to...)and eventually becomes very close with them and the "Band-Aids"(not groupies!) that are their entourage.All this to the constant worry of his over-protective mother, who besides rock and roll is another huge influence on his life.

Follow William, the band, and the girls on a tour of a lifetime, in this deliciously funny and sometimes poignant story of learning what's important in life.All filmed beautifully, with those great outfits of the 60's and 70's and of course one killer soundtrack. All the great rock legends of this era are heard throughout the film, including Elton John, The Who, and Peter Frampton whose instruction in music makes "Stillwater" great!The film also includes original music written especially for "Stillwater" that is fabulous as well.

The casting is impeccable...William is played by newcomer Patrick Fugit with an intuitiveness that is uncanny. Billy Crudup and Jason Lee are the leads for the band and totally have that rocker image down pat. Kate Hudson is irresistible as "Penny Lane" and the other "Band-Aids", including Anna Paquin and Fairza Balk also contribute greatly. Two outstanding performances are Frances McDormand as William's mother and Phillip Seymour Hoffman as his mentor.

There are other editions of this film. Check the buying info on first page for availability and prices.(For both DVD and VHS)

A film to be enjoyed by anyone who loves good movies and good music!
Enjoy....Laurie

Average customer rating:

Almost Famous [Region 2]
Starring: Billy Crudup , Frances McDormand , Kate Hudson , Jason Lee , and Patrick Fugit
Director: Cameron Crowe
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000089ARH

Average customer rating:

Gonna Buy Five Copies For My Mother

Almost Famous [Region 2]
Starring: Billy Crudup , Frances McDormand , Kate Hudson , Jason Lee , and Patrick Fugit
Director: Cameron Crowe
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

DTS | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Customer Reviews:

Gonna Buy Five Copies For My Mother.......2006-05-06

DVD:

DVD

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