Almost Famous

Writer-director Cameron Crowe gets semi-autobiographical with this very funny, moving look at a young rock journalist (Patrick Fugit, in a ridiculously good debut performance) coming of age in the early ‘70s. Great performances all over the place in this one, including Billy Crudup as the lead guitarist in the fictional band Stillwater, and the under-appreciated but soon to be well-known Jason Lee as the group’s lead singer. Incredible performances by Kate Hudson as Penny Lane, lead groupie and joyful core of the film, and Frances McDormand as the young journalist’s goofy mom. Easily the best film on Crowe’s already impressive roster (Say Anything, Jerry Maguire).