Almost Famous

An aspiring rock journalist, 15 year-old William unexpectedly finds himself going on tour with the band Stillwater, after being hired to write an article for Rolling Stone magazine. Life on the road is challenging, with the band facing multiple tensions, especially since some members refuse to trust William, viewing him as the enemy (“He writes what he sees!”). The teen is thrown into an entirely new world of the infamous music industry, travelling with the band as he learns all about them but, more importantly, about himself. It’s a wonderfully exciting portrayal of adolescence and coming-of-age, filled with the best of 70s pop culture, and I am forever frustrated that Stillwater isn’t a real band.

Sonia Naorozy

This coming-of-age comedy-drama from the writer / director of Jerry Maguire takes a nostalgic look at the 1970s rock scene.

William is the kind of boy that the other kids at school all make fun of, but he has two passions – music and writing. And now they’re going to pay off! He’s spent the last few years sending his articles from the school newspaper to Rolling Stone - the hottest music magazine of all time – and out of the blue, they call him up and want him to interview the biggest up-and-coming band, Stillwater! He’s going to be paid a grand to join them on their tour, hang out and get to know them – this is his dream! A 15-year-boy on a rock tour with girls, drugs and rock and roll? Of course his mom’s having kittens! Although smitten by the vivacious Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), he’s going to lose more than just his heart to the band’s groupies…

With cameos from a young Zooey Deschanel (New Girl, Elf) as his older sister, Frances McDormand (Three billboards outside Epping, Missouri) as his mother, and Philip Seymour Hoffman (Capote) as fellow journalist looking out for him, this film boasts a stellar cast and a rocking soundtrack.

Gail Marshall