This was honestly such a welcoming suprise! Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Revisiting Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring Friday! (been like 6-8 years so this should be good.) Enjoy the day!

Cameron Crowe actually was a writer for Rolling Stone as a teenager. Stillwater is based on the Allman Brothers, who Crowe toured with. The incident on the plane that almost crashed actually happened to Crowe when he was touring with The Who.

James, what's weird is, each of us has the same sort of personal reaction to this movie. Just like you did. Not for the same particular reasons, obviously, we all come from different paths. But somehow, this movie seems to intersect with millions of hearts. It's amazing. Glad you liked it.

Wasn't expecting this reaction today, best surprise. Love this film!!!

Them singing Tiny Dancer on the bus is one of my favourite scenes in all of cinema.

What breaks my heart about this film is that it represents a time in history that began in the 1970s, continued on through the 1980s, and sadly ended at the close of the 1990s and the dawn of the 21st century, and that will probably never be repeated.

I have not heard "Tiny Dancer" without thinking about this movie in 20 years...

Legitimately a perfect movie. And easily one of the most rewatchable movies ever made. Also I literally cannot imagine anyone being half as good as Kate Hudson was in this part. She was DUNKING like Vince Carter in every scene.

Oh boy i'm stoked to see this. This was a hugely influential movie for me when I was in high school. Really established my love for classic 70's bands. And the cast is awesome.

Lester Banks was a real dude. He wrote for Cream Magazine and gained a real following. Nancy Wilson, who is married to Cameron Crowe, is responsible for this extraordinary soundtrack. All the little things that went into making this film filled with nostalgia, (painful homecoming). It's no accident! There's a part of my brain that hurts like a toothache, but at the front of my forehead. It might be the regret I feel that I didn't have the balls this kid had.

Man, I love this movie. Story is based on Cameron Crowe's actual life exp touring with bands in his youth for Rolling Stone. Amazing cast and so many memories of watching this late at night with friends. Thanks for the kind words at the end of the commentary too.

This is my favorite movie of all time. So many scenes that just kill me. As a parent I identify with his mom. That scene when she drops the phone, I cry every time. Such a wonderful performance from PSH as well.

Sometimes you come across art that manages to catch a feeling of nostalgia deep within you, even if you didn't experience it in the past to explain that nostalgic feeling. It captures the spirit of something you've experienced in your past, which to me is the highest compliment I can give art. I had it with this movie. I also had it with a video game called Spelunky.

You really should try to find the extended version -- called "The Bootleg Cut" -- it adds another 40 minutes, and it's almost exclusively character development, with a lot of it for the Stillwater bandmates to really flesh them out. Plus the director's commentary features both Cameron Crowe and his actual mother. Easily one of my favorites.

“The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool. This is in my top 10 all time favorite films.

That Tiny Dancer scene is so lovely. I'm glad you got this one, man. It's an all-time classic.

Really happy to see you covering this film as it’s one of my all time favorites. The theatrical cut is great, but the Director’s Cut is iconic, and to the point where that is the ONLY version I watch. 40 extra minutes of pure cinema magic.

Almost Famous is in my top 5 favorite films of all time. My Dad and Uncles were in bands in the late 60's and early 70's so it's like I'm brought to that time and experiencing what it was like during that era on the road for them when I watch the film

"To begin with........ everything." When you truly love something, you really do love it all. Even the parts that suck.

This is a film that you watch and when it's done....you know you just watched an instant classic.

So glad you watched this one. It's one of my favorites. The cast and director recently got together on Zoom to reunite and they had lots of great stories. Patrick Fugit, who plays William, was only 15 when they made this, and he's all grown up now. He had a lot to say about the deflowering scene, which is my favorite scene because William seemed to be so mature for his age, but in that moment he was just a boy. The actor was understandably very nervous about filming it, cause he was playing the scene in his underpants with four super attractive and experienced young women, and he was presumably a virgin at that point. Can you imagine? Think back and wonder if your teenage self could handle that. My teenage self would have lost it. He seemed to handle everything with grace and maturity. For a teenage boy, his performance in this film was pretty remarkable.

I like how articulate you are. How hard you try to express yourself.

Thanks as always, tuned in all the way to the end as how you articulate yourself and your thoughts continues to be engaging and worth hearing. Would like to add that to me, music is the intangable force that binds eveything and everyone together. Stay awesome, stay genuine, much love

I was coming of age when this came out and was already starting to get into music in a big way. So this film was really special for me... I even subscribed to Rolling Stone magazine afterwards which just helped broaden my musical and social horizons. Also RIP Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Brother you are really an extremely smart, non biased, and entertaining reactionary creator I truly hope your career in film takes off! I don’t know how you’ve never popped up in my recommendation before I’m going to have to binge your stuff. I’ll be 33 in a couple days (Oct, 18th, 2023) so I was 9 or 10 when this came out and I watched it on Direct TV back when it took a year for movies to hit those platforms and I fell in love with this movie! Thank you for this, it’s really underrated as far as the standards we have for movies like this. You seem genuine as hell.

One of my favourite films of all time…. Captures the 70s rock scene perfectly…. The excellent soundtrack helps…. So glad to see a reaction to this. Check out the superior extended version next time you watch it.

Cameron crowe's actual life experiences in this and Rainn Wilson's character is supposed to be Hunter S. Thompson. "Lock the gates" is Marc Maron

Love this movie. It makes me miss concerts too. I’m sure they are coming back soon. The phone call scene between Russell and William’s mother is so fantastic and original. It does give me a sucker punch to the gut to see Philip Seymour Hoffman again. I’m just glad his work lives on.

Kate Hudson's character, and the other band-aids, were loosely based on real people, which I think is nuts. I read an article one wrote about her experiences in the rock scene back then (I think she also has an autobiography). These people were freaking wild man hahaha

Made me misty, mane! Always love going back to Almost Famous!!! So much appreciation for your letting us in on how this film recaptured that deep connection of yours!

Love this movie to bits. It's just so - sweet, rough, difficult, lovely. Every scene has connections with so much else going on in the movie. Russell's hesitancy before agreeing to bet the Band Aids, William's look of devastated disillusionment, the original band manager caring for Russell's feelings about the decision, all of it ties into scenes before and after. It's so damn good. For a similar but different movie, I highly recommend "That Thing You Do" It's similar in that it's about music, but it's about a one hit wonder band. Written and directed by Tom Hanks, It's on the same level as Almost Famous. Just on a different plateau. Like, they are about as equally great, to me, but very different in tone and storytelling. Like with this movie, it seems you did, get the director's cut. It adds so much more depth to the story.

One of the things I love is that is captures a unique time when rock journalism (and journalism in general) had such integrity. When a reporter would become "embedded" with a band, travel with them, and get a complete picture of who they were as people, the lifestyle. We just don't have that today. Cameron Crowe has filmed a lot of gems from the 90's, as well. Hope this sends you on a deep dive of his career.

One of my favorite films ever. Crowe’s directing is just so on point and his attention to small details is what brings it home. You should also check out the film “Jerry Maguire”, also directed by Crowe. Very much in the same style of storytelling with very hilarious, emotional, and tender moments.

This is such a great, low key film. Very moving. Love the reaction. One thing that stuck with me about this film, Cameron Crowe said that this film is 'auto-biographical'. That blew me away that this film may represent real events. One thing about this film, when he comes home and flops on the bed... man... that brings back memories for me. Keep up the good work, James!!

"and if you ever get lonely, you just go to the record store, and visit your friends"❤️ one of many lines a music lover feels in their soul!

"the movie was love letter to music & to my family" - Cameron crowe . This is my favourite movie all time with countless rewatch and the only movie poster i have in my home

Now every time I hear Tiny Dancer I think of that scene! One of my all time fave films! ♥

The look on Russell's face when he talks to the kids mom was absolutely Priceless when she tells them how old he really is he looks terrified.😁

"I'm always home! I'm uncool!" Relatable.

Love, love, love this film. So happy you reviewed it!

This is one of the few stories that accomplishes a kind of concentrated nostalgia and wistfulness in me. Along with the book Norwegian Wood. Both left me with a feeling that few other things have ever given and which stayed for many days.

I found the "Deflowering" scene to be magical.

Almost Famous was a nice surprise. Before this, Jerry Maguire was my favorite film of Cameron Crowe but this topped it. What made this work for me is the relatability of the kid because I felt like that kid. What makes this more fascinating is that the Stillwater band was a real band signed to Macon, Ga (my hometown)'s Capitol Records. Also shout out to Frances McDormand for being one of the best moms ever (I have a mom like that😀)

In my opinion this is one of those movies that is special and influential to almost everyone who watches it. Can’t wait to see your reaction and I know you will not only enjoy this movie, but it may influence you greatly. Thanks for another one James. Your videos always make my day.

Yeah man, 24 is super young. So much of it really is a mind state. I’m 36 and I feel more youthful and vibrant than I did at 26. Your passion, curiosity, empathy for others, and enthusiasm for life are all things I’ve seen from you on your channel that will surely have you feeling young for a long time! =)

This has been my favorite reaction to Almost Famous I’ve seen on YT. You just get it man. It’s a love letter to music and a music lover’s journey begins usually in youth. The music that gets you through it all which makes this coming of age film centered on music that much more poignant to me. It’s weird, I saw this one maybe in 8th or 9th grade but I’ll never forget how inspiring and nostalgic it felt all at the same time. So much is not defined here, we don’t know if the relationships will last or what certain moments meant but you feel it and how fleeting it is. Just a beautiful collection of moments with amazing music. Definitely subscribed after this watch, keep it up man 💛

PRAISE THE LORD and pass the guitar picks!!!! My favorite movie of that decade!!! I love when a film maker really inhabits the skin of his protaganist. And since Cameron Crowe lived this and wrote it and directed it, I'd say he SHOULD get it right. And he did. GREAT film.

One my favorite films of all time, the coming of age story is relatable to almost every young man in particular, but universally for anyone who loves music.

Many have already mentioned how the movie is pretty much based on the director's own experiences as a teenage rock journalist in the 70's, but one bit of trivia that I like a lot is how he later said that the scene where his sister and his mother make up when his sister takes him home didn't happen in real life and it was just a bit of wishful thinking on his part because in truth they remained estranged for decades, but that when his mom and sister watched the movie they felt compelled to reach out to each other and start rebuilding their relationship. I love this movie for many reasons, but that little bit of trivia is honestly beautiful.

16:45 this movie really does exude the essence of youth and what it’s like to be young. I’m in my mid 40s now, but this movie always makes me remember what it was like to be 13-16 years old, discovering my love of music, idolizing my favorite bands, teenage crushes, teenage love, teenage heartbreak, and everything in between.…and I can also 💯% relate to growing up with an overprotective mother. It really is a whole vibe. PS - I listened to you talk until the very end. What you said was awesome. Keep living your life, homie…and savor all those beautiful moments yet to come in your 20s, 30s, and beyond.

This made me cry just watching the reaction. “Almost Famous” hits me hard every time. The nostalgic journey, the search for self… powerful film. Thanks for the film making aspect as well. It was beautifully shot and the music is the narrator. Love the channel and your point of view on classics in my book. Thanks.

This film is my favorite film of all time. I love music and film and this movie combines them in such a way that no other film has. this is one of the top 5 films of all time for me

“I need to go home”… “Shh! You are home!” My number one movie! I am nervously going to see Judas Priest this Friday which was one of my first concerts in High School back in the 80s. Keep kicking ass, Jimmy!

This film perfectly captures the sensation of youth and how everything MATTERS. It’s both such a bummer and such a relief to age out of that.

James, I loved what you shared at the end. Being a film school alumni myself, what you shared about the value of the journey we take in achieving our goals and the experiences along the way moved me. I discovered your channel a few weeks ago, and I've been catching up on your reaction videos. Thank you for sharing your perspective with us. It's a joy to experience these movies with you. I hope it continues to bring you joy.

It's been years since I've watched this and I forgot just how huge and talented the cast was.

One of my all time favorites! So happy you are reacting to it, not often it happens it seems :D

Excellent movie choice! I've seen this movie A BUNCH! The acting is so good and the music is just amazing. There's some heavy hitters in this film! Love it!

Road to 100k! Great reaction to this very underrated film. It took me a few watches to thoroughly enjoy this film. I can see the parallels of striving to live your dreams, finding your passion, your confidence. RIP Phillip Seymour Hoffman

This film is very inspirational for someone with your goals. I forgot about it until you reacted to it. My boyfriend was a musician, and he LOVED this movie. Mostly because he could relate

Been subscribed for a while, James, and I've thoroughly enjoyed each reaction you've done. You've been an inspiration. I'm glad to hear you open up more about your journey on this one. You're a very real person. Keep at it. As a 38-year-old artist and painter, I want to reinforce your notions about enjoying your pursuits and work for the love of what it is. The minute you make it about something else, it becomes a chore rather than a service to yourself and others. You've clearly got a good head on your shoulders and are probably a marvelous person to work with. Stay strong and keep your good attitude.

This is one of my all time favorites and I’ve got to finish it whenever I start watching it. I’m so glad you connected with it, especially with your music video work!

Dude, this is my favorite film and I only found it cos I noticed KZfaq hadn't recommended your channel in a while so I came browsing. Snapshot of a special time. Thanks for doing this, man, so stoked you picked this to watch, you have some exceptional taste.

I love this movie and looked for a reaction to it today. I enjoyed yours. Thanks. The acting and the music are particularly awesome in this movie.

I love everything about this film. I think it is in my top 5. As soon as I saw your thumbnail it was clicked in 0.12 seconds.

Bro I’ve always loved this movie but your perspective really helped remind me of WHY I love it so much. Glad you enjoyed it!

Patrick fugit really did an amazing job his face and his eyes are so expressive he really acted his ass off in this movie I personally think

This is among my favorite films of all time. So excited to watch with you!

Man, your reaction to this movie was 100% the same as mine when I first saw it. It does this amazing job of putting the viewer in a position to fully understand the nostalgia the director felt in his real life, and whose characters are themselves riding the course of a dying time which they can’t help but love. I love Almost Famous. I’ve heard some people criticize Patrick Fugit’s performance as the main character, but I personally think he acts the of a smart but awkward, passionate 15-year-old very well.

😃 I'm SO happy to see you've reacted to this! Its one of my favorites and I always hoped you would get to it! 😊

So glad you reacted to this. It's a masterpiece and my favorite film of the millennium. It made a lot of top 10 lists for the aughts. Anyone that came of age, like Crowe, during this era knows how dead on he got the vibe. Great film!! The extended Directors or Bootleg Cut is even better.

The most welcome surprise today. Thank you for this!

Please watch "the bootleg cut" of this movie. It's called untitled. It's wonderful. This is one of my absolutely personal movies for me. It's about 30 minutes longer. So so great. Perfect film made better...at least for me. It's Cameron crowds preferred cut of the film. Its available on vudu and on bluray.

Love the channel man. Did not tune out the end. The content is much appreciated. Great film. Keep ‘em coming man!

I love this movie. Hope you're doing well, James

Hey James, it was so nice to hear about your story. Thank you for that. I really enjoyed your reactions and comments as the movie was rolling. I had just watched this movie 2 days ago so even the muted parts were fresh in my mind. It did such a great job capturing the feel of the 70's music scene. Thanks again for watching and reacting to this!

Such a fucking lovely film! Everytime I watch this it has me smiling the whole damn time. Definitely a top 10 all time for me!

Oh man this really is my favorite movie ever. So glad you liked it. It’s such a special and comforting movie that just makes you feel good.

I saw this when it came out at the movies and it's still one of my top 5 films. Glad you had such a good ride with this one.

oh my god i’ve been watching you for two years and this is my favorite film of all time

Yaaay! One of my favourite films. So glad you enjoyed it.

loved this film since i was 15.

James, thank you 🙏 for this great reaction. AF was a deeply personal film for Crowe and it shows in the gentle layering of the story and plot. It’s the coming of age story of an auteur. It’s no wonder you can relate to it in ways that cannot be articulated.

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES MOVIES AAAAAAAAA THANK YOUUU

Hey man I'm 33 and I'm still waiting to stop feeling young. I'm following my dreams with even more passion than I had at 20 and my world keeps getting bigger and more exciting every time I take another risk. That "youth" feeling that you're talking about last as long as you stay active in life. Aging isn't so much about how long you've been alive, but the point at which you start settling for less and taking the easy roads through life. It would take a supernaturally perfect woman or a boatload of personal trauma to slow me down. I don't plan on stopping until I lose the ability to travel to new places, create art and learn new things. On that day I'll decide to die with a smile on my face.

Another one of my favorites - Your selection of movies is amazing

Talk yo ish James. Thanks for sharing that at the end of the video. Was really cool to hear 💛

Back when I was in film school one of our tasks was to take a deep dive on a film that was currently playing in the theaters, this was the film I chose.

This movie is such a hidden gem. The writing, the scenes, and of course, the damn music. Everything just melts in a perfect combination. I just love it.

Hey James I love your ending conversation as someone that wanted to get into film and music but who unfortunately got thrown off the rails by life and trusting the wrong people and am now working a regular 9-5 it's nice to see someone passionate about the arts and who loves film for film sake. I love watching your commentary

I love this movie! From what I understand, it’s semi-autobiographical of Cameron Crowe’s life who did write for Rolling Stone when he was a teen. The band Stillwater is supposedly based upon The Allman Brothers.

The bus thing where they're singing to Elton John is iconic and movie history.

One of my favorites!

First time I saw this film was on an airplane - old school, where it was one film for the whole cabin. So, of course... they cut the airplane scene. I couldn't figure out what the heck was going on after that. Even so it was a great film - but was a good bit better after I saw the missing piece.

Kate Hudson was just an absolute beauty, just like her mom. Kate said that famed groupie, Pamela Des Barres, was an inspiration for her character. Pam's book, "I'm With The Band," is the quintessential book about groupie life. You mention so many great moments, Also, parallel moments. The girl chasing the bus sets up for the later scene when he watches the plane leave. Great film.

What a great film! Haven’t seen many reactions to this, so I’m looking forward to it.

HELL YES. Favorite movie of all time. So glad you did this one.

Fun Fact, Cameron Crow wrote Fast Times at Ridgemont High which had a cameo of Nancy Wilson, the guitarist from Heart, they fell in love, got married, and she is the one who did the score for this film

Omg I clicked so fast when I got the notification for this! Almost Famous is literally one of my favorite films of all time (next to Moonrise Kingdom and Big Fish) and had such a significant impact on me as a teenager. I’ve always loved various genres of music and Cameron Crowe has literally said that Almost Famous was his love letter to music. Fun fact Cameron Crowe (the director) was a music journalist at a very young age and this film is semi-autobiographical for him. Philip Seymour-Hoffman’s character Lester Bangs is to this day someone I wish I could hang out with for a day.

Awesome, reality based script, fantastic acting, and incredible music. Yes, please. And you're only 24? Definitely an old soul.