Written and Directed by Cameron Crowe
Cinematography by John Toll

Patrick Fugit as William Miller Kate Hudson as Penny Lane Billy Crudup as Russell Hammond Frances McDormand as Elaine Miller Jason Lee as Jeff Bebe Zooey Deschanel as Anita Miller Michael Angarano as Young William Noah Taylor as Dick Roswell John Fedevich as Ed Vallencourt Mark Kozelek as Larry Fellows Philip Seymour Hoffman as Lester Bangs Fairuza Balk as Sapphire

Running Time: 122 min.
Release Date: Sep. '00

Overall Call:
Cameron Crowe seems to just keep turning out solid movie after solid movie. Almost Famous continues his run of writing directing success ( Singles, Jerry Maguire). The story rings true of all that it attempts to capture. The 70's, coming of age, behind the scenes of a touring rock band were all depicted in an unforced realistic way that kept you involved the whole time and upset there wasn't more when the credits finally rolled. Crowe has the ability to almost anonymously deliver a great movie. His pictures rarely utilize fancy camera angels or tricky maneuvering. He seems to lack any significant stamp that gives away that it's a Cameron Crowe film. This is a compliment to just allowing the story and characters to take over. When the story is solid and engaging there really isn't such a great need for fancy direction. Just get out of the way and let it happen all by itself. Oh yea, all the performances were great including a great fake band. If at all interested in the subject matter rent this one I have a difficult time seeing how anyone could be disappointed.

Reasons For Recommendation:
+ Well told story
+ Solid performances
+ Great soundtrack