4.5/5 Stars

The apex of rock extravagance took place in the early 1970s, and that era sets the scene for “Almost Famous,” the captivating tale of a teenage rock fan and his experiences being “with the band.”

Director Cameron Crowe takes a snapshot of a fast-paced world of a band on the rise – backstage beer bashes, psychedelic drugs, nonstop touring and smothering groupies. It all revolves around the music, and what makes this movie great is how it flawlessly communicates what it means to be passionate about rock music.

Patrick Fugit plays William Miller, a 15-year-old high school senior who wants to combine his interests in rock music and writing and become a rock journalist.

William doesn’t just listen to music. He lives for it. The Who, Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Simon and Garfunkel – music is William’s lifeblood and he is determined to follow his dreams, despite his mother’s wish for him to go to law school.

The aspiring journalist meets legendary rock writer and Creem magazine editor Lester Bangs (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), who becomes his mentor. Bangs assigns William to go write a concert review of a Black Sabbath show in San Diego, where he tries to get backstage to interview the band.

After several attempts, he gives up his efforts, but that’s when he runs into Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), a self proclaimed “band-aid” (not a groupie, a “band-aid”) who tours with opening band, Stillwater. Penny takes William backstage, shows him around and introduces him to the members of Stillwater (a fictional band).

A while later, William receives a call from an editor at Rolling Stone, who has seen his work in Creem magazine, and wants him to start freelancing at Rolling Stone.

William’s first assignment is to go on tour with Stillwater on their “Almost Famous Tour” and write a story about the band after interviewing them along the way.

The conflict of the story comes as William bonds with the members of Stillwater. He has to face the pressure that comes along with becoming friends with the sources in a story. He must decide whether to portray the band truthfully as a journalist, or sugar-coat his article as a friend.

Not only is “Almost Famous” a compelling story, it has its share of comedic elements as well.

In one memorable scene, William and Stillwater frontman Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) find themselves at an after-show party with Stillwater fans in Topeka, Kan.

After taking several doses of LSD, Russell climbs to the top of a house, towering above his followers and proclaims “I am a golden god” before jumping into a swimming pool below. It’s just one example of all the crazy antics that add humor to the movie.

The interplay between William and his mentor Lester Bangs is classic.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman turns in a performance that strongly captures the essence of the rock journalist.

One of the film’s obvious strong points is the music. The songs mirror the feelings experienced by the characters, and Crowe knows how to use them to send shivers down your spine.

Plus, die-hard music fans can pick up on all kinds of minor details that the average moviegoer may not get. For example, Rolling Stone editor and founder Jann Wenner is portrayed as a character in the film, but the real Jann Wenner can be seen riding in a New York City cab in a brief cameo.

“Almost Famous” takes the simple experiences of a young kid who lives for rock `n’ roll, and puts us in his shoes. Through him, we feel what it’s like to fall in love with someone who shares our same passion, to make friends with those we look up to, and to do it all in the name of music.

It couldn’t feel better.