Almost Famous is one of those movies that will stop me from channel surfing to watch it when it is on. Although it has its flaws, it is one of Cameron Crowe's best and most personal movies. It is right up there with Singles (1992).
I loved how this movie really evoked the feeling of the 70s. That mood that what was special about the 60s was slipping away. That feeling is mirrored by the gradual loss of William's innocence as he leaves the shelter of his overprotective mother for the care of Penny Lane.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman is great (as always) as the rock critic who is William's mentor and offers advice that is too eagerly discarded until he realizes its worth far too late.
It is hard to believe that Crowe could make this and be the force behind the soulless Jerry Maguire (1996).