I Used To Be Famous Movie Review (2022)

A heartwarming film about an autistic teen musician who befriends a former pop star, I Used To Be Famous is fairly predictable, but it will put a smile on your face.

There are some films out there that stick with you because they are different types of feel-good buddy comedies. I love both About A Boy and The Fundamentals Of Caring for exactly that reason. There is a sweetness that sticks with you when someone younger and someone a bit older come together as friends and learn from each other. That’s how I felt about this film too.

I Used To Be Famous is about Vince, a former boy band member who, 20 years after his fame, is now on his own and trying to relaunch his music career. While practicing outside one day, a teenager with drumsticks named Stevie begins laying down a beat. While annoyed at first, Vince takes to the idea, and he and Stevie begin playing music together. Stevie’s mom, Amber, has concerns because Stevie can become overwhelmed in various situations, but when Vince begins joining group music therapy sessions, she sees potential.

Let me get the obvious stuff out of the way first. This is an incredibly predictable film. You have hopes for what will happen from early on, and you are generally correct. The movie is a little sappy and feels low-budget. But honestly, none of that mattered when I watched it.

Vince is down on his luck. He has a tricky past, isn’t close with his family, and carries deep grief over some of his choices. Stevie, who, because he is autistic, has some difficulties of his own to contend with, is a bright light and full of talent just waiting to be released.

Leo Long, the actor who plays Stevie, is an autistic actor/musician and plays the part beautifully. There are so many successful people with ASD, and many others with great potential if offered the opportunities, that I’m very glad that this young man was cast. While it may be easier for neurotypical people to connect with Vince’s journey and past, Mr. Long’s role in helping Stevie become relatable to all audiences is an additional gift from the film.

The other thing that I love about I Used To Be Famous is the music therapy group. The group is made up of people who are either neurodivergent or developmentally delayed in some way (among others), and it’s wonderful to watch their genuine reactions to the music they are creating and to the music being played around them. There is a particular scene in which one member finds the “heartbeat” of the group while singing, and it’s magical.

I really enjoyed this film. It’s a gratifying story that you are somewhat familiar with, but it is presented slightly differently. And I’m totally here for it.

Runtime: 104 minutes

Motion Picture Rating: R

Languages Spoken In The Film: English

Should You Watch It? Yes

Did I Cry? Nope

My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Available: Free on Netflix