Music and Lyrics (2007) User Reviews

Cheesy and proud of it

[Chris_Docker · 8/10 · 12 February 2007]

Let's face it, often we go to the cinema for a bit of inconsequential fun. In case you were in any doubt, Music and Lyrics kicks off with an 80s-style Wham-like video of a band called as 'PoP'. Firmly tongue in retro-chic, Hugh Grant is Alex Fletcher, the washed-up has-been now playing the nostalgia circuit for middle-aged housewives. He meets bubbly Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore) who waters the plants in his apartment but has a knack for writing lyrics. This saves his day when current pop-diva princess Cora asks him to write and record a duet with her.

Chances are you are now reaching for the vomit bag or saying that maybe sounds like quite a giggle. If you can stomach the idea of Hugh Grant singing his own songs and staging a come back then rest assured, this is a very polished and unsubstantial rom-com. He and Drew Barrymore propel the movie with energy, wit and a warm, lovable enthusiasm. While perhaps doing little more than playing new aspects of themselves, it is a delightful performance, and one backed up with catchy songs, a fabulous debut by Haley Bennett (Cora) and a heartfelt, realistic script.

Cora is a sort of teenage megastar, somewhere between Shakira, Britney Spears and a youthful Madonna. Her elaborate stage-shows have a 'Buddhism & thong'(mysticism and sex) philosophy. Here, as with Alex and Sophie, the echelons of the music world seem realistically portrayed. While the matches seem unbelievable at first, by the end of the film we want Hugh and Drew to continue their romance offstage, just as with classic romance films of the 30s, so by any mainstream yardstick, Music and Lyrics is a success. The film is as unpretentious as its two lead actors, makes no great claims, and satisfies Valentine's Day release requirements with a sincerity that takes it a notch above the average cheese. Casting is spot-on, even down to Sophie's older (and much larger) sister, who has similar characteristics and mannerisms. It's easy viewing, and even contains nothing unsuitable for older children. If you want more sophisticated and substantial fare, you probably don't need film reviews to find your way to the nearest art-house cinema or Oscar blockbuster. But for straight enjoyment, Music and Lyrics slides down like a very reasonable glass of rich chardonnay. Silly, formulaic, but rather well done.

Lightweight but uplifting comedy

[toncasgirl · 8/10 · 10 February 2007]

I'll admit it, I love this film! OK, the plot line is thinner than paint stripper, the lines more mildly amusing than witty, and the acting isn't going to win any Oscars, BUT...

it's one of those movies that just makes you feel good.

Right from the hilarious opening, showing Hugh's make-believe band "Pop" in their "MTV/VH1" hit video "Pop Goes My Heart", you can't help but smile. Obviously it is especially amusing for those of us who lived through the pop excesses of the 80s, but I have to say the teens in the audience seemed to enjoy it too.

All the songs are pure cheese (and incredibly infectious), which coupled with some amusing lines, a very lovable Hugh Grant, a very cute Drew Barrymore, and fabulous supporting roles from Kristen Johnston and Aasif Mandvi make this movie a great romantic comedy for those of us who actually enjoy a "bit of fluff".

Interesting and funny movie

[cegeon · 8/10 · 8 February 2007]

I must warn you -- Being a guy, I had pretty low expectations to begin with. However, there were a couple of things I enjoyed:

1) The movie was funny.

-- Hugh Grant's one-sentence witty remarks came out natural and funny.

-- Their ability to poke fun of two distinct musical decades could be better, but still turned out pretty funny.

2) The plot was novel (at least to me).

-- "Meshing" the two music periods (the 80's and today) in the same movie provided a good way to contrast the two styles.

-- Since I'm not so familiar with the music industry, I enjoyed the "behind the scenes" with the trial and error of coming up with lyrics (at least in the way the movie portrays it.)

Other than that, it was the typical "chic-flick." Guy has problem with girl, he says some bad things, stir up some emotional scene and the usual -- will they get back together?

Other than that, if you're just looking for a good laugh, I'd give it a go!

Surprisingly good fun - better than you'd think.

[buster1976 · 7/10 · 6 February 2007]

I've just read the first review on here and I'm a little surprised at the things it said but as always, these things are only an opinion. Anyway, I went to the World Premiere last night and here's what I thought.

The plot is fairly simple - Hugh Grant plays a washed out 80s pop star with a flair for melodies but no clue about lyrics. Cue the dizzy plant-girl (do people really have a plant-girl??) Drew Barrymore who can throw lyrics together without a problem. The relationship between Drew and Hugh is built well - especially when you remember that Drew is 31 and Hugh is 47. There's nothing wrong with such a gap, I'm simply saying the chemistry is there (or they would have looked a little creepy).

Haley Bennett plays Cora, a Britney/Christina/Shakira mish-mash who is looking to do a duet with Hugh's character. She is brilliant at the shallow, superficial teen-nymphette and it's a surprise to see that it's her first feature. And check out her costumes! The soundtrack is good fun - pretend 80s songs mix with Cora's modern pop and the Hugh/Drew demo track is nice too. One of the songs sounds a bit like The Whitlams. The spoken section at the very start of the film sounded awful but the rest was fine - maybe the cinema's problem but I was in the Odeon Leicester Square....

The editing seemed a tiny bit, er, clunky at times - scenes cut into each other messily and dialogue at one point seemed to be cut short. It hadn't been but it just sounded that way at the time.

I didn't expect to like the film that much - I only went as I fancy Drew to bits (and having seen her close up I'm right to!) but both my girlfriend and I came out laughing and humming the main song. It's genuinely as good as any other Hugh Grant film and is another great performance from Drew (though it doesn't get near Wedding Singer or Doppelganger (joking about Doppelganger)). It's well worth going to see at the cinema and is a proper feel good rom-com. There's no shame in it for us fellas as Drew is nice to look at, as is Haley. My girlfriend loved it.

Delightful!

[davemelw · 7/10 · 15 February 2007]

I was pleased when I finished this movie... normally by the end of most romantic movies my legs ache from non-use and I have just enjoyed a nice little nap.

I found Music and Lyrics to be charming and clever.... Hugh Grant gives a great crisp delivery on his very witty lines... good interaction between he and Barrymore, some well-timed jokes and a heartfelt ending make this a nice date movie that did not follow the norm in it's character.

Here is where a few things were different

1. The main male character was a not a womanizer charmed out of that life 2. The two characters had no secret shame to be revealed halfway through the movie 3. He did not cheat on her... then they got together in the end

He just did... as Sophie Fisher's sister in the movie, says "Something Extraordinary" to win her love.

See it.. you will smile!

What a pleasant rom com!

[FrenchEddieFelson · 7/10 · 28 May 2019]

This is a nice rom com as lighthearted as mesmerizing. First, we feel an alchemy between the two main protagonists, Alex Fletcher and Sophie Fisher, even if these two people seem diametrically opposed, at first glance. This is not a love at first sight, but we see them taming to each other, as the fox and the little prince written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in 1943. Then, I like this constant self-mockery about the cheesy band called Pop, the introduction and last scenes, and the manifold hilarious references of the Battle of the 80's Has-Beens. Finally, the dialogues are excellent with a permanent British humour. Oops... I've almost forgotten: the cast is globally excellent, especially Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore.

Grant and Barrymore

[steph4 · 6/10 · 8 February 2007]

I'm a fan of Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. Their personalities alone are enough to carry a movie. And such is definitely the case with Music and Lyrics. Hugh Grant's self-deprecating, dry sense of humor charms. And Drew Barrymore's slightly daffy girl-next-door shtick lights up the screen. These two could read me an economics book and I'd be entertained.

Music and Lyrics has its moments (campy '80s videos, shots at reality shows and pop divas), but overall, the story isn't as good as its stars. And while I love Grant and Barrymore separately, I'm not sure I love them together. Each of their personalities seems somewhat compromised in Music and Lyrics -- as if Grant's sarcasm and Barrymore's sweetness are both toned down. They meet somewhere in the middle, and it's very pleasant...but it's not as good as it could have been. Music and Lyrics is very much along the lines of Two Weeks Notice (both are written and directed by Marc Lawrence).

Bottom line: it's light fluff with some engaging stars, fun pop culture mockery and a song that will stick with you (like it or not!)

Charming, witty, and lighthearted comedy

[pachl · 10/10 · 3 September 2007]

There are already 222 reviews of this movie, so the chances of anyone ever reading this are slim. However, I'm a sucker for a longshot. (so if you read this review, please give it a thumbs up or a thumbs down...I'm curious to know if anyone will ever read this, buried under more than 200 other reviews)

When a friend suggested we rent this movie, my initial reaction was, "NO!! It's a chick flick. And besides, it's got Hugh Grant in it. Those are two really big strikes against it." However, and remember my fondness for longshots, the movie also casts Drew Barrymore in the other lead role. I couldn't resist.

To my complete surprise, both actors were excellent, and Hugh Grant doesn't have a bad singing voice. To be honest, if he and Drew Barrymore wanted to record an album of pop songs, I think it could do quite well. Her strength is that she is perky and funny, and that compensates for lack of trained vocal talent. Sometimes you DON'T want to hear Barbra Streisand.

Here's the quickie plot summary: Hugh Grant was in a popular band of the 1980s, and now he's reduced to playing for embarrassing venues like shopping malls, amusement parks, and High School reunions. When a Britney Spears-type singer wants him to write her new single, his life changes completely, but only due to Drew Barrymore's help.

I now judge movies in part by how my European friends would react to them. I have to admit that some American movies are a little corny, but this movie passed the test with flying colors. A friend from Slovakia not only loved the movie, he insisted on watching the trailers and special scenes.... twice! It was a welcome relief to actually be proud of a Hollywood movie.

I now have new-found respect for Hugh Grant, and my admiration for Drew Barrymore is higher than ever. She sure has a lot of talent for playing someone with pluck and a little bit of endearing wackiness.

44 continuity errors in one scene

[metcigar · 17 May 2016]

Love the film. But, it has one scene (breakfast) which must have been filmed when the continuity person was terminated and before the new person was hired.

Watch the scene. It was shot at least three times (possibly four) and cut together. Watch the plates, glasses, hands, sitting forward or sitting back, etc. All of this is screen center and by the primaries, not atmosphere. Seriously funny to watch. The largest number of continuity errors I have ever seen in a single scene.

Other than that, the overall film is a fun watch.

Oh, and don't stop watching... the story continues through the credit roll.

Music and Lyrics filled with lots of laughter!

[final_flower · 7/10 · 9 February 2007]

I got to see a sneak preview of Music and Lyrics on Thursday night! It is so funny! The entire theater was filled and I don't ever remember anyone enjoying a movie this much before. Lately it seems like I'm the only one laughing and enjoying myself during a movie. But in Music and Lyrics I had lots of accompanying laughs! I suggest you see this. It is perfect for your valentine's date...which is conveniently the date of it's arrival in theaters near you! It had us laughing from the very opening scene. And let me tell you Hugh Grant does some amazing dance moves! ;-D I can not wait to go buy the Music and Lyrics soundtrack! I was humming songs from it the rest of the night!

Looked Cute but didn't quite live up to the Expectations

[madonnawb · 5/10 · 18 September 2007]

At least not mine. There were quite a few funny parts and Hugh and Barrymore really make a cute couple, but the plot unravels happened kinda too fast and was a bit too silly. It was simply missing something more real to settle it down and give it more personality. Seeing Hugh Grant do his pelvic thrusting for most of the movie wasn't exactly the highlight of my day, and there were some editing faults that were an eye sore as well- example when they are in the restaurant for brunch the camera angle switches from her back and front and it is not sycronized, one moment she holds her ice tea with left hand other moment it is in her right hand, then she is putting the pastry in her mouth and next shot there is no food in her hand. This goes on for about 2-3 minutes and makes me wonder how come they couldn't spot it. It gives me the impression that it was done quick, low budget and not very well thought out- just like the plot and the dialogue. Not to say that Hugh and Drew don't have chemistry or add life to the movie but could have been much much better.

An unexpected pleasure

[midwifejean · 9/10 · 11 February 2007]

It seems odd for me to give such a high rating for romantic comedy as I always find them frothy and lightweight. Yet I found this wonderfully pleasurable. Hugh grant may have been in his usual role of self depreciating charming English Gent who is living on his past pop star glory but the dialogue and one liners gave his role substance. He more than gave justice to them by his superb timing. Drew Barrimore also fell into the part as a woman who comes to feed the plants and ends up feeding ideas to him for a song in which he cant complete. The acting was spot on, the one liners witty but I think it was the music added joy to the film. As he said in the film don't quote me on this but something like " there is nothing like a good song for lifting your spirits in a second." I left this film feeling happy not only for the characters but in myself.!

They're Playing Our Song

[writers_reign · 6/10 · 16 February 2007]

It's a good twenty years since the Musical They'r Playing Our Song was produced on Broadway so most of the target audience for Music and Lyrics are unlikely to know it but Writer-Director Marc Lawrence would have been in his mid-twenties at the time and may well have seen the Show, a lightly-disguised story of the working and personal relationship between composer Marvin Hamlish and lyricist Careole Bayer Sager, kept it in the back of his mind until now and re-launched it as Music and Lyrics. They're Playing Our Song had a Book by Neil Simon, a tough act to follow and Lawreence's script doesn't even get close. On the other hand his two leads, Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore, know how to react when someone calls 'Action' so we wind up with a pleasant feel-good movie that's more than adequate if you only want to spend an hour or so being mildly amused. There are, of course, lots of movies like this around, films you don't mind seeing once and forget as you leave the theatre and this is no better or worse than most of them.

One of the worst movies I've ever seen!

[kidnotorious2001 · 1/10 · 24 February 2007]

Just got back from watching this piece of dreck. Although Hugh Grant did have a few good one liners, as did Drew Barrymore, overall this movie was as complete a disappointment as I can ever remember. All of the music was pretty bad including the "Comeback" tune written by Grant and Barrymore. The music was as simplistic as can be imagined, sounding more like what a beginner musician composes. I cannot imagine the audience at the ending concert actually standing and applauding for this collection of simple chord changes and uninspired lyrics unless, of course, a gun was held to their head. The one bright spot was Grant and his trademark dry humor and ability to deliver an insult in such a fashion as to make it sound like a compliment. But alas, even he was not enough to save this movie. Overall, it was a complete waste of $16.50.

Entertaining, funny and lively

[justkrepper · 7/10 · 21 July 2017]

The come back is a great movie which tells a sweet and modern love story.

Hugh Grant is hilarious (especially when he starts swinging his hips) Obviously we would all love to see Hugh Grant performing on stage a love song destined to us, what an amazing moment it would be! Drew Barrymore is so lucky.

It feels good to reconnect with the 80's, plus the musics are surprisingly very good (I can't stop singing "I said I wasn't gonna lose my head, but then pop! Goes my heaaaarrttt...)I spent a very good moment watching this movie which gives us an idea of how hard can the music industry be.

Morality of the story: you never know where and how love can strike!

Ahh, the 80s

[tay-sedai · 7/10 · 13 February 2016]

Although this movie wasn't actually set in the 80s, it certainly had moments that people who loved music in the 80s could appreciate. I guess in a way it's just another Hugh Grant rom com (as well as another Drew Barrymore rom com), but that doesn't mean it wasn't enjoyable. I found it entertaining and, I guess, a little heart-warming.

My favourite parts of the movie are definitely the parts where we see old clips from Hugh's boy band, as well as him performing to his adoring fans of old. And I didn't mind the music, either!

As far as cheesy rom coms go, this is probably one of the better ones, even if it's not nearly at the heights of movies like The Wedding Singer.

Whats not to love about this film????

[dazski · 7/10 · 23 February 2009]

Whats not to love about this film????

Hugh Grant, 80's music & Drew Barrymore

Hugh plays himself brilliantly & Drew delivers that oh so delightful koookie (is that how you spell kookie???) girl next door character.

To all intents & purposes it's a standard romantic comedy set against a music biz background but with the added bonus of having Hugh, Drew & Pop Goes my Heart.

Hayley Bennet was rather annoying as Cara but as I've not seen her in anything else I don't know if that's because she was in character or if she just is a bit annoying – who knows???!!!

I love this little film and it gets better with every viewing!

Good one

[Superunknovvn · 7/10 · 15 March 2007]

When I walked into this movie I asked myself what I had gotten myself into. Why would I see a Hugh Grant/Drew Barrymore flick voluntarily? I sat down expecting the worst... and was pleasantly surprised! Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore play their parts very well and were not as overly cute as they sometimes are. Kristen Johnston was, however, the one who stole every single scene she was in, a bit like Jack Black did in "High Fidelity" (only she was not quite as good).

What's best about "Music and Lyrics" are the songs, though. From the opening number "PoP! Goes My Heart" a perfect homage to the 80's, both visually and acoustically, to the hit song Grant and Barrymore are writing during the movie, the Soundtrack was catchy and lovable. You won't be able to get those songs out of your head even days after you've left the cinema.

Sure, "Music and Lyrics" does have its cringe-worthy moments but they're rare. Mostly the story of an 80's has-been who gets another shot at both, love and fame, was realized with a lot of witty dialog, and funny scenes. The mild satire on the current pop business as well as 80's nostalgia was dead on and very welcome.

"Music and Lyrics" is a light-hearted romantic comedy that will put a smile on your face, the rare case of a chick flick that guys can enjoy, too... if you're prepared to sing "PoP! Goes My Heart" for the next couple of days, that is.

I liked it.

[LDGcoolest · 8/10 · 7 February 2007]

From the moment the movie started it was apparent that it was going to be cute. The opening sequence is a hoot and must have been incredibly fun for Hugh Grant. I, as well as the most of the audience started laughing as soon as the movie came on. First time watching a movie that I didn't even notice the opening credits. I really liked the chemistry between Grant and Barrymore. They played well against each other. I could do without the woman from Third Rock From the Sun. I find that she acts a tad too cartoonish in her show/films and this one is no exception. Nice to see Brad Garrett in a straight role. I love the fact that actors and actresses are doing their own singing. I like movies that don't stop at the end of the movie, but have fun things to watch during the closing credits. I suggest you stay for them.

Lots of Recycling

[g310709 · 6/10 · 17 February 2007]

This movie is definitely better than the regular horrendous romantic comedies (i.e. Failure to Launch, How To Lose a Guy...); however pales in comparison to Hugh's other movies such as Notting Hill or Love Actually. In addition, there is a fair bit of recycling that goes on from these two movies: The dancing (from the PM character) and cheesy singing/music videos (from Bill Nighy's character) is straight out of Love Actually. And several scenes are very similar to Notting Hill: when Hugh interrupts a guy at a restaurant who has wronged his girl, the dinner party scene where you meet friends and family, and a lot of small jokes Hugh makes are extremely similar...

As a Hugh Fan, I would rate this movie above Two Weeks Notice (atrocious), but below everything else, even Bridget Jones 2. Drew was cute, but sometimes not believable - the character of Cora was done really well.

Romantic comedy made right!

[Red_Identity · 12 July 2009]

Music and Lyrics is nothing complex, it is just a simple, well-made light romantic comedy. Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant are very charming, and very likable. The scenes where they are making the song together are the most effective, because it hits right into the heart. The supporting players are also very well cast and rounded, and help make the film likable. It is nothing incredibly special, but the music is quite good, and by the end, you cannot help but feel touched by this film. Finally, a very good romantic comedy that mainstream audiences can enjoy with their lovers. For fans of this film, you might also take a look at Once, the 'independent' version of this film.

Two Funny Bits; Otherwise, The Ruination of a Perfect Premise

[Danusha_Goska · 3/10 · 18 February 2007]

There are two funny bits in "Music and Lyrics." The first is the opening credits. Hugh Grant plays a pop star in a take-off on a music video from 1984. It's very sweet and funny, and captures the music videos of that era.

The second funny bit is Halley Bennett as Cora Corman, a teen-s1ut music sensation, similar to Britney Spears.

The rest of the movie is the ruination of a perfect romantic comedy premise: Sophie, a deep, soulful poet who publishes in literary magazines (Drew Barrymore) writes lyrics for Alex, an aging 80s pop star trying to make a comeback (Hugh Grant).

The script is a sloppy, nearly incoherent mess.

Sophie, as all female romantic comedy stars these days, is both mentally retarded and mentally ill. In spite of repeated communications of this simple idea, she can't figure out that when you enter a musician's house, you don't put your heavy handbag on his grand piano. She gets a cactus spine in her finger and pleads for major surgery. She *crawls across a restaurant floor* because she can't face a restaurant patron.

There's more. Sophie waters plants for a living, but she can't even water a plant correctly. She waters the sofa instead; she waters a plastic plant. She pours coffee onto the kitchen counter when trying to pour coffee into a cup.

If she were in your kindergarten class, you'd give her the *really big blocks* to play with.

For *this* Alex, Hugh Grant, falls in love with her? The same Hugh Grant who fell in love with the regal Andie McDowell, who was NOT an idiot, in "Four Weddings and a Funeral"? And why do all women in romantic comedies these days have to be complete idiots, anyway? And for their idiocy alone men fall in love with them? What does this say about how Hollywood views women? Drew Barrymore, who plays Sophie, is Drew Barrymore. She doesn't act; she doesn't perform. She is just ... the very same Drew Barrymore you've seen on dozens of talk shows. Perky, cute, dimpled; cute, perky, dimpled; perky, cute -- you get the idea.

Hey, with a name like "Barrymore," maybe it's asking to much to expect her to actually ACT. I guess John, Ethel, and Lionel were genetic flukes. Or maybe they could act because they never entered rehab.

Hugh Grant can act. He's brilliant, as always. Two problems, though: The script is a mess, and he looks old enough to be Barrymore's father. This is not attractive. The script doesn't work to make it attractive. It just gets creepier and creepier.

There's a really weird, discordant scene. Campbell Scott plays an allegedly abusive novelist and college professor. Campbell Scott plays this role with such intensity and conviction, an intensity and conviction completely missing from the rest of the movie, that you feel as if you've been shuttled into a completely different movie, a Scorcese neo-noir about this professor's shady shenanigans and the dark truth hiding behind the allegations of his having harmed Sophie. Since Sophie can't stand up to him, you wonder if his allegations against her are true, and there's a much better, darker movie hiding behind this foolish, inferior one.

This movie, like many badly made romantic comedies recently, just breaks my heart. Why is the romantic comedy genre in such bad shape? What do atrocious movies like this say about the current conception of women? A final note -- I really want to applaud Kevin Smith's bravely trashing of this mess on Ebert and Roeper. Thank you, Kevin.

A charming romantic comedy that entertains from start to finish

[Sniper_Wolf_86 · 9/10 · 11 February 2007]

Music & Lyrics is a great romantic comedy. Hugh Grant plays the charming English guy role effortlessly as ever and Drew Barrymore demonstrates great comedic timing and brings a sweetness to the part and together, the two have a believable chemistry. The age gap isn't an issue when you watch the movie because it just seems right that these two characters should get together.

What sets Music & Lyrics apart from other rom-coms is the music. The music is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the movie. There are three main characters in Music & Lyrics, Grant's Alex, Barrymore's Sophie and the soundtrack which is enjoyable and deceptively catchy. I came out of the cinema and i had the lyrics to the main song "A way back into love" in my head for hours after the movie had ended.

Mix all this together and throw in great supporting performances from Kristen Johnston & Brad Garrett and you get a sweet movie that will definitely make you smile.

Grant-Barrymore rom-com A-Team

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 6 October 2013]

Director/writer Marc Lawrence is kind of a rom-com hack. And that's basically what we have here. The story is weak, but it's the two stars that make this shine.

Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) is a has-been singer songwriter. He's living off his former fame, but that's drying up. So he's forced to ghost write for pop princess Cora Corman. Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore) is the substitute plant waterer. (really?? that's a job?) She ends up being his lyricist.

It's all very silly and manufactured. But the storyline does allow a few jabs at popular music. Grant and Barrymore are super cute and amiable together. They are amazing rom-com material. Their chemistry is off the charts. They both have great comic timing. They make this premise work.

For die-hard chick flick fans

[lisahenshall · 4/10 · 2 February 2007]

This is a sweet, gentle, occasionally amusing, but ultimately dull romantic comedy. I mean it has it's moments - there are some funny lines here & there - but the whimsical story plods along without much excitement. Hugh Grant & Drew Barrymore are both good comedy actors but somehow combined on screen they don't really have much chemistry. Music & Lyrics is PG rated so it's never going to sizzle but it feels like more of a teenagers chick flick than one aimed at an audience my age (mid-30s) that actually remembers the kind of 80s has-been pop star revival that's celebrated here. It's pleasant enough and if you're out with a bunch of your girlfriends then it would pass the time - but I wouldn't queue up for a ticket!