way back into love

Hugh Grant plays Alex Fletcher of the defunct 80's group "POP". After being left by his partner after scores of hits (bringing with him the last three songs they wrote together, all of which have sold 8 million copies since), he is now reduced to singing in amusement parks, homecomings, and other events where his audience composed mostly of middle-aged women who used to adore him during his "POP" days. The only person who stood by his side is his manager who has lately been contacted by music industry's new sweetheart Cora Corman. Cora was supposedly addicted to Alex's music before, and she claims it has helped her get through her parents' divorce. Now she has a proposition to Alex: She wants him to write her a song in three days with the theme "finding your way back to love" for she said she wants to share to her fans the feelings she had before. If she likes the song, Alex will be performing with her on stage and the song will be included in her latest album.

Alex decided to accept the challenge since that's exactly what he needs right now – A HUGE BREAK. Problem is, he hasn't written a song in 10 years. His manager then hired a lyricist for them to work together. However, Alex found the said lyricist's words to be rather too morbid for a love song.

Enter, Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), Alex's new plant attendant (whatever that is!). As she waters the plants, Alex heard her singing some words to Alex's piano melody. And to cut the story short, Alex convinced Sophie to join him and he dumped his first lyricist.

At first, words were flowing easily from Sophie. But when she ran out of rhymes, she asked Alex for a walk nearby. As they passed a bookstore, Alex noticed Sophie's agitated actions. Finally, as they were having their breakfast, Sophie opened up to Alex. She said that the bestseller featured on the bookstore's window actually tells her story, rather in a negative way. The author, a professor of hers in college where she majored in literature, portrays her as a woman who'll do everything to ruin someone's reputation, even wreck a family. The truth is, the said author actually has a fiancee, which he failed to tell Sophie, even though they have began a romantic relationship. When the book came out, Sophie was convinced that the main character was indeed her, especially since it describes her physical appearance vividly. From then on, Sophie was unable to move on. She now works at a family-owned weight reduction company managed by her sister, and occasionally contributes to an online poetry journal.

After almost finishing the song, they handed it over to Cora. And despite the song's mushy approach (in contrast to Cora's eccentric style), Cora liked it. But when she presented it to both Alex and Sophie (after incorporating some Buddhist beats and very sexy dance steps), Sophie was somehow offended. Alex, on the other hand, was okay with it since he just wants to be a part of the album.

At Cora's place (during a pre-concert party) Sophie decided to tell Cora of her views. Cora said she appreciates Sophie's honesty. After that, Alex and Sophie had a misunderstanding. Sophie backed out, leaving Alex to finish the song by himself, which he had difficulty in doing so. When he told Cora about it, she said she already have the ending of the song for Sophie faxed it to her earlier that morning.

At the concert, Sophie was a bit reluctant. Yet her sister convinced her for she said her kids were looking forward to hear the song their aunt wrote with Alex. But when Cora announced that the next performance will be by Alex Fletcher (that he wrote by himself), Sophie was taken aback. As she left the scene, she heard that the song was in fact a new one. It tells of how they met and how sorry he was for letting her go. Sophie was deeply touched she decided to meet Alex backstage. The two kissed (what else can you expect?). Afterwards, Cora called Alex on stage for their duet. This time announcing the words MUSIC AND LYRICS BY SOPHIE FISHER AND ALEX FLETCHER.

This film makes you fall in love all over again. It's a perfect date movie; a true chick-flick indeed. I love it when Sophie said that the music is the part you actually see, like the meeting of two people, and even the sex part. She added, however, that the lyrics part is when you get to know someone by heart. For me, it's like the comparison of something tangible and intangible. Music is something you could readily provide, as in humming a tune in your mind instantly. However, the lyrics don't just come out. You need inspiration to let the words from your heart flow from the pen to the paper.

This is a must-see. Go get a copy and let love spark in your heart.

P.S. Here's the actual lyrics that Alex and Sophie wrote. Enjoy!

Way Back Into Love

I've been living with a shadow overhead
I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed
I've been lonely for so long
Trapped in the past, I just can't seem to move on

I've been hiding all my hopes and dreams away
Just in case I ever need 'em again someday
I've been setting aside time
To clear a little space in the corners of my mind

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love
Oh oh oh

I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine
I've been searching but I just don't see the signs
I know that it's out there
There's got to be something for my soul somewhere

I've been looking for someone to shed some light
Not just somebody just to get me through the night
I could use some direction
And I'm open to your suggestions

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love

And if I open my heart again
I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end
There are moments when I don't know if it's real
Or if anybody feels the way I feel
I need inspiration
Not just another negotiation

All I want to do is find a way back into love
I can't make it through without a way back into love

And if I open my heart to you
I'm hoping you'll show me what to do
And if you help me to start again
You know that I'll be there for you in the end