ALMOST FAMOUS (2000) | FIRST TIME WATCHING | MOVIE REACTION 

Best part of this movie is that like 90% of it actually happened in some form to the writer/director Cameron Crowe. He actually wrote for Rolling Stone at age 15 and toured with bands like Led Zep, The Who and the Allman Brothers. Great movie!

It’s wild that Jason Lee - former professional skateboarder, star of multiple Kevin Smith movies, all around ultra hip young actor from my high school and college years - would one day be described as “The dad from Alvin and the Chipmunks.”

Fun fact: when William says “Ask me again” to Kate Hudson early in the movie, it was the actor asking Kate Hudson to ask him again because he thought he screwed up the line and wanted a new take. Cameron Crowe kept rolling and loved it so much he put it in the movie.

This movie is (sort of) a true story and the kid grew up, became a movie director and then made this movie about his youth. "Stillwater" is a fictional band but the experiences were all real things that happened to him when he went on tour with The Allman Brothers and Zeppelin. (It was Robert Plant who snuck out to a private party with him and jumped off the roof screaming "I AM A GOLDEN GOD!!!") A few years after first being published in Rolling Stone he wrote "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" as an article for them by going to back to high school undercover as a student. Hollywood bought the rights to turn it into a movie and he wrote the script. The first movie he directed was "Say Anything" and he also made "Singles""Jerry Maguire" and "Vanilla Sky." He married Nancy Wilson from the band Heart. His sister did NOT come home though until she saw this movie. (So he did bring her home, just 30 years later...)

“The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool.” Best line of the film

"Do you know who Black Sabbath is?" "I think I've heard of them." My god, that hurt... 😥 Great movie, great reaction 🙂

The bus sing along with "Tiny Dancer" is so iconic, and makes me sing along every time. Also, Kate Hudson apparently improvised Penny's "You ARE home" response to William.

Tangerine is an amazing song to end the movie with.

'Tommy' is a rock opera/album by The Who about a 'blind, deaf and dumb' kid who they called the Pinball Wizard. Black Sabbath was Ozzy Osbourne's band, check out 'Paranoid'. Stillwater is a made for movie band, although they're probably sort of an amalgamation of various bands (including Led Zeppelin, Yes, & the Allman Brothers Band) that Cameron Crowe went on tour with while in high school as a writer for Rolling Stone.

This is in my top 5 movies of all time. The scene where Penny's heart is breaking being told that she was sold for 50 bucks and a case of beer and then cracks a joke and smiles as she's wiping a tear away slays me every time.

I was 15 in 1973 too and I loved all the same bands and the same music. Saw this film in a theater and the entire audience sang along with “Tiny Dancer”. I’ll never forget that.

Cameron Bruce Crowe (born July 13, 1957)[1] is an American director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. Before moving into the film industry, Crowe was a contributing editor at Rolling Stone magazine, for which he still frequently writes. Crowe's first cover story was on the Allman Brothers Band. He went on the road with them for three weeks at the age of 16 and interviewed the band and the road crew.

One of the greatest movies of all time. Because of this movie and the movie "School of Rock" I chose to learn guitar and entered a life long career in the entertainment business. 20 years later and I've got to share the stage with 100s of my heroes like Slash, REO speedwagon, Zz top, lynyrd skynyrd, the black crowes, Willy Nelson, Journey, Foreigner, Skid Row, BTO, Alice Cooper and 100s of others. This film changed my life. Hold me close tiny dancer, count those headlights on the highway.

I love the phone call between Fairousa Balk's character Sapphire and his mom. There's something incredibly wholesome about it.

This is a perfect movie, a masterpiece. The story, the characters, the music. Every shot is perfectly lit and gorgeous. I love this movie.

The line about Mick Jagger not trying to be a rock star at 50 sailed right over their heads. Makes me feel really old.

Remember Cassie, reactors must be like rock journalists: honest and unmerciful!

Just wanted to say how much I enjoy watching movies with you. You have such a great personality that you really make it fun! Thank you!

I love that Cassie is talking about Lester Bangs.

The “Peggy Sue” song Russell sings on the plane is a Buddy Holley song. This is meant to be black humor, brought on by the turbulence they’re experiencing. Holley was killed in a plane crash, along with Ritchie Valens and J.R. “Big Bopper” Richardson, after finishing a concert.

This was an instant classic when it came out. It is a fantastic movie and I'm sure you're going to love it. Can't wait to watch along.

If you want another 70’s scene movie, “Dazed and Confused” is pretty good!

The scene where William runs next to the plane waving goodbye to Penny kills me every time. So beautiful, sad, sweet, and romantic. He’s jumping around and making a scene and acting uncool but he doesn’t care. He loves her. There’s a shot of Penny on the plane and William is running through her fingers. Wow. So moving.

This movie has a special place in my heart. Saw this movie way back when it first played in the theaters. Saw Kate Hudson and fell in love. Maybe it's nostalgia for a time and youth long past. The music is, like the sound of my mother's voice, long past and slowly fading and deeply missed.

The “Bootleg” extended version is definitely best, but you can’t go wrong with Almost Famous, either way. Consistently this ranks as my favorite movie of all time. No movie better captures the love of music.

Okay. This is an almost true story about Cameron Crowe. Except the band was the Allman Brothers. Wasn't Kate's first movie but her breakout role. Still don't understand how Jimmy Fallon got in.

This film is a thinly disguised autobiography of Cameron Crowe. He started out just this way, a fifteen-year-old fan who corresponded with Lester Bangs and started selling articles before he could drive. Penny is a combination of girls he knew during that first tour (there were _so many_ of them) and their stories. The movie is surprisingly authentic - the only quibble I have is "do you remember laughter?" which Plant wouldn't say until later that year. It's such an affectionate movie, though, that little things like that become jokes instead of annoyances.

The plane's in trouble. Cassie: I would be freaking out. Carly: Yes, you would. You guys make me laugh and I love your reactions!

"This is Spinal Tap" is another road trip band movie - of a different kind, but entertaining. It's the ONLY movie on IMDB that has a 11 rating scale.

Russell is a composite character but much of the relationship was based on Crowe’s with Glenn Frey of the Eagles down to his look.

You guys should start listening to some of these classic bands. You will be moved. A time when writing a song meant something.

One of the things I love most about this movie is the depiction of 1970s Rolling Stone magazine. I used to be a huge fan of Rolling Stone and many of its iconic writers, including Cameron Crowe who wrote this movie and who very much *is* William Miller. And seeing real Rolling Stone people like Ben Fong-Torres and Jann Wenner portrayed probably pretty well here by actors is so fun. The whole Rolling Stone vibe is so appealing. At the time they were very much still considered young, hippy-outsiders, but at the same time very professional and serious about their work … which you really see here. Oh, and Lester Bangs was a real rock writer too, who was also edgier and more “out there” than even Rolling Stone … which you also see here.

Tommy is a 1969 album by "The Who". It was also a film released in 1975 (Saw it at the drive-in). Quaaludes are a sedative and hypnotic medication.

The closing credits are worth a review in itself.

Hey there Pop-Girls .... I am a 57 year old fella that had so much I wanted to tell you as I lived not far from that time period. I enjoyed your reaction video as you guys did a good job at actually paying attention. There is so much of this period that is presented in this all time masterpiece; and did you know that the "cute 15 year old boy" (as you described him) was actually CAMERON CROW? Yup....anyway, this was a magical time, and I was a bit younger...but this soundtrack was the fabric that was the backdrop of my youth as these songs played continuously on the radio. I was blessed to live thru these times... every day and night was like a continuous music video. Thank you for taking the time to go back and visit us.

*Ben Fong-Torres: You're not out there to join party. We've already got one Hunter Thompson.* 🎶

Oh wow, Legends of the Fall... yeah... get your tissue boxes ready. You won't be forgetting that one any time soon.

My favorite movie along with the Lord of the Rings trilogy! Cameron Crowe is an amazing director. Almost Famous, Singles, Jerry Maguire, Say Anything, Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Elizabethtown are super rewatchable.

Almost Famous, 1 of my fav movies, glad you guys liked it...really fun review...thanks as aways...enjoyed it..

LOL, zero laughs at the Mick Jagger at 50 joke.

The Stillwater band in the movie was actually The Allman Brothers band Cameron did the original story on. There was an actual Stillwater band that disappeared from the music world. They were the opening act at Woodstock. There’s a movie about them. They came to an end after Woodstock.

More background on this film: Penny Lane was inspired from actual 1970s groupies that Cameron Crowe crossed paths with. Yes, there was an actual Pennie Lane, but supposedly some of the character also came from blonde bombshell Bebe Buell, probably the most famous groupie ever. She was a Playboy centerfold in 1974 and at various times reportedly hooked up with stars such as Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Jimmy Page, among others. She was shacking up with Todd Rundgren in 1976 when she had a fling with Steven Tyler, resulting in her having daughter Liv Tyler in 1977. Liv was originally listed as Liv Rundgren and Liv says she was 9 years old before she found out Steven Tyler was her actual father.

Love this movie, rewatched it over and over, whenever I've felt down or uninspired it can bring a smile to my face.

This is in my top ten movies alltime!!! Soooo good. The fact that it's based on director Cameron Crowe's real-life experience makes it that much better.

Cameron Crowe almost always makes good movies, and music is always an important part of them.

Frances Louise McDormand, plays Elaine Miller. She is the officer in "Fargo". She is great in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri".

My best friend Tom ,was tour manager for a bunch of big rock groups ,Peter Frampton , Pat Benatar,Joe Cocker ,and Kiss among them . He had a lot of great rock and Roll stories .

What a joy it was watching my favorite movie through the eyes of you two wonderful ladies. No matter how many times I watch this movie I still just love it. It is nice to see the nice guys finish first.

Carly has a beautiful smile. I love that her eyes become so little when she smiles they almost disappear.

When they're onstage the actors are actually playing those songs. They were taught by some well known rock musicians like Peter Frampton. This film is so nostalgic for me.

My goodness, I really enjoy watching movies with you two! One of my favorite movies too. Did anyone catch Russell singing Peggy Sue when the plane ride turned awful?

This is such a great movie, can't wait for your reaction!

One of my all time fave films! Anna Paquin looks so cute in this! ♥ Now I cannot hear Tiny Dancer without thinking bout that scene on the bus

Best scene was when Penny sent Russell to William's house so funny and poetic I've never met a person that has seen this movie and didn't like it

Easily one of my top five movies of all time. Could watch this over and over. Perfectly made.

Oh I'm so glad to see y'all reacting to this. One of the best movies portraying the 70s in the eyes of this septuagenarian. I absolutely love it! 😉♥

it been few years since seen this all love this one

If you liked this movie you should watch "Dazed and Confused " another coming of age movie also set in the 70's with lots of familiar faces

So happy you watched this movie. One of the best ever made. Loved your reaction Made my night

I have been waiting forever for you to watch "Almost Famous." It's one of my favorite movies ever... so feel-good

Love this reaction. This movie holds a special place in my heart. Glad you liked it!

This movie means so much to me. I filmed touring musicians for the better part of ten years and it really is hard not to get emotionally attached to the lifestyle, even though you’re always only just visiting.

Great review. One of my favorite movies!!!! Tiny Dancer singing on the bus is the best scene. Great song.

When you were talking about it being a chick flick I was afraid you were going to be disappointed, but I'm so glad you went with it and enjoyed it. Such a perfect movie! A lot of people have reacted to this recently but your reaction was the best . Cassie and Carli - the best!

It tells the story of a teenage journalist writing for Rolling Stone magazine in the early 1970s, his touring with the fictitious rock band Stillwater, and his efforts to get his first cover story published. The film is semi-autobiographical, as [Cameron] Crowe himself was a teenage writer for "Rolling Stone.'" (Wikipedia)

One of my favorites!!! Glad you guys enjoyed it!

Funny that manager played by Jimmy Fallon stated that Mick Jagger would not strutting around at the age of 50. But fact is that the age of 78, Mick still strutting around.

Another great music movie is _High Fidelity._ I hope you can get to it sometime.

Fantastic film! Written and directed by Cameron Crowe. William Miller is loosely based on him. Cameron Crowe also wrote and directed "Jerry Maguire"

RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman. One of the best ever and he's terrific in this as usual.

For the rest of your life, any time you hear Tiny Dancer, I promise that you will think of this movie. It's been happening to me for 22 years.

OMG, Cassie, you seriously need to start reacting to music after this.

You guys didn't quite catch the irony of the Jimmy Fallon character's speech about Mick Jagger being out there trying to be a rock star at 50... meanwhile Jagger is 80 and STILL touring with the Rolling Stones. They even had a new album out last year! And this film came out in 2000.

"Legends of the Fall" is a spectacular work of art. It is the kind of movie that movies were invented to be. Each performance--EACH performance--by an amazing ensemble cast is stunning. The script, the story, the cinematography--everything about it is pitch-perfect. But it is NOT a happy movie. You should know that you will not 'walk out of the theater' with a smile on your face. It is a movie you should see. Maybe not for PiB.

It was a great time to be alive. So many great artists producing amazing music....great reaction gals

"It's a genre on it's own." Good description.

This film has one of the best soundtracks ever I would place it in my top 20 soundtracks

One of my all time favorite movies. I saw this when it came out in the theatre and have watched it at least 10x since. It has everything. Great music, great characters, wonderful acting, life lessons and is heart warming throughout. So glad you ladies enjoyed it! I love watching your reactions and hearing your comments. Both of you are gems. 😃

The movie has some of the most epic songs ever written - Monalisas & Madhatters, Tiny Dancer all those LedZep tunes - masterfully written & melodic yet no mention of this, throughout the commentary. Stunning. Ps "who's black sabbath', I spilt my tea.

Looooove this movie! It's like a warm sunshine feeling. 😊

The character giving William advice was an actual "Rolling Stone" writer.

The scene where Russell collapses onstage was particularly ‘nostalgic’ for me. I’ve been electrocuted myself in exactly the same way. It’s not fun. In fact it can be deadly in the right circumstances. If you’re the lead singer, you’re fine. You’re just making contact with the microphone (which is connected to a very powerful amplification system). If you’re holding a guitar however, you run the risk of completing a circuit between two different amplification systems. Given enough wattage, the electricity passing through your body can stop your heart. Moreover, the electricity freezes your muscles so you’re unable to let go, making it even more deadly. This same scenario happened to Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley once. He said he saw his life pass before his eyes.

Get your hands on the extended "Untitled" cut of the movie if you ever want a rewatch. It features about 30 minutes of extra footage that really adds to the story and makes the journey feel even more epic.

Cameron Crowe is a huge Billy Wilder fan (Wilder nearly played Jerry Maguire’s mentor). The scene with Penny on Quaaludes and having her stomach pumped is an homage to Jack Lemmon saving Shirley MacLaine in Wilder’s The Apartment.

"The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool." Maybe my favorite movie, period.

I saw this by myself in theaters and left with this profound feeling I've never felt before. It's my favorite movie.. followed by the little mermaid and raiders of the lost ark

Loosely based auto-biography of Cameron Crowe when he covered Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers, Poco and The Eagles tours. I always love the "sistahs" together! Cute! You'll love this movie....

Cameron Crowe also wrote "Fast Times at Ridgemont High".

Stillwater is a made for movie band but the actors learned to play the original music by Nancy Wilson who was married to Cameron Crowe at the time. Nancy Wilson of the band HEART

Cameron Crowe, who the movie is based on, ended up marring one of the Wilson sisters from “Heart” and went on to write and direct “Jerry Maguire”.

This is such a great movie, and a "Love Letter" to the 'rock scene' of the 1970s

This is written by Cameron Crowe and was semi-biographical. He was a teenage writer for rolling stone. Cameron Crowe also did Jerry MacGuire. Highly recommend

I AM A GOLDEN GOD :)

Almost Famous is my favorite film of all time and my favorite soundtrack. I was 15 the first time I saw this film. Same age as William and I was already a big music fan and a fan of the music in the film. It spoke to me and expanded my mind in a big way. It’s not easy to fully express what the film Almost Famous means to me or why I love it as much as much as I do. But I am thankful to Cameron Crowe for making it. And for creating something so deeply personal, heartfelt, warm, honest, funny, sincere, and joyful. And for creating something that aches in a sad, human, and beautiful way. I find it comforting that a film like this, or any work of art like it, exists. The film made me look at the passion, impact, and beauty of music in a different and more powerful way. And it’s stuck with me ever since. The characters, the time, the place, the music, the passion, and the feeling of the film is something very near and dear to my heart. The film depicts and captures a world I want to be a part of. So I’ll always be happy to revisit it. I also think that it captures ideas and feelings that I have carried with me and always will carry with me. Do you ever listen to music or something like that and I think: “That sounds like me? Or that feels like me?” Or is there something that you connect with in a profound and personal way? Like every once in a while you come across something that is so...you? I feel that way about Almost Famous. For me, it captures the passion, the spirit, the heart, and the sweet and sour of who I am and what it feels like to see and feel the world the way that I do. Or the way I want to see it and feel it. The characters, the time and the world and feeling the film contains and offers...makes me feel happy and like I belong. Like I’m home. That’s a big reason why I love the film as much as I do.

A couple things: Crowe has done several movies, other than this most notably maybe Jerry Maguire? He was recently on the Bill Simmons podcast; you may not care about Bill Simmons (he's a mostly sports... used to be writer, he no longer writes, just runs his own sports/pop culture website and does podcasts) but in a recent episode he had Cameron Crowe on and they talked about his career, focusing quite a bit on Almost Famous. Crowe told some great stories about Billy Crudup learning how to play guitar, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman (who is so fucking good, in this and everything else). ALSO, the article William writes was actually written in its entirety, by Crowe and others on the movie; it was apparently a group effort. They loved the headline so much they ended up writing the whole article. I'm not sure where it is but I'm sure you can find it online somewhere.

Great movie! Another great role from Jason Lee is of the character Banky Edwards, from the 1996 romantic comedy Chasing Amy with Ben Affleck. But, please, if you decide to put on a poll then begin with the 1994 comedy, Clerks. Followed by 95’s Mallrats. They are considered to be the Jersey Trilogy. They are also a part of a bigger cinematic universe, known as The View Askewniverse. Sorry for the lengthy comment.

I was the same age as William in those days. They pretty much nailed the ethos. Back then the music was more than entertainment . The musicians had a lot more power in the business but that was coming to an end as the money got bigger (as shown by Jimmy Fallon's character in this movie).

A great film. The 'Tiny Dancer' sequence on the bus is one of THE great moments in cinema.

"Stillwater" wasnt a real band in the 70s. But they did write and play songs written for the band, for the movie

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