'Almost' perfect

1973 is infamous as the year America lost its morality, and Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous" knows this. Of course it captures the immediate highs of the period, but it never loses sight of the long-term.\nIt's no secret in the film world that Crowe got started as a teen-age rock journalist for such publications as Creem and Rolling Stone, working his way up to creating some of the most indelible cinematic moments of the past 20 years. Sean Penn's stoner tumbling out of a THC-ventilated van, John Cusack's kickboxer holding a stereo in the air and Tom Cruise's sports agent whispering the now-immortal "You complete me" were all manufactured in Crowe's mind. Add to this list Kate Hudson's "Band-Aid" dancing on the garbage-ridden aftermath of a rock concert and you have the ingredients for another image that will live on.\nNewcomer Patrick Fugit plays Crowe, rechristened under the name William Miller. Sheltered by his college-professor mother (Frances McDormand), William is initiated into rock and roll by his rebellious sister, who bequeaths her album collection to him after leaving home.\n"Almost Famous" chronicles the trials and tribulations of Stillwater, complete with a rollicking soundtrack that ranges from Led Zeppelin to Elton John. The cinematography by John Toll ("Braveheart") glitters with such an effervescence that Ziggy Stardust would've been proud. \nThe leader of the ragtag group of female music lovers is Penny Lane (Hudson), who's mixed up but has a good soul. William sees this and pursues her, but the movie is grounded to the point that we hardly expect it to end with romantic fireworks.\nAlthough the movie contains the usual backstage lingo and corporate manager who says "respectfully" a lot (although his intentions are otherwise), it keeps with the common theme of Crowe's movies. Like "Jerry Maguire," it essays the dilemma between saying what you mean and meaning what you say, which are not always the same thing. And as William and Penny receive their reward, one is reminded that good things come to those who wait.