Still Crazy

By RICHARD CORLISS

They broke up 20 years ago, victims of the apocalyptic burnout endemic to '70s rock bands. Now Strange Fruit is back for one fractious nostalgia trip to make a few quid and see if the flame still burns. This retro comedy, cannily written by The Commitments' Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement, gives such fine British actors as Bill Nighy, Stephen Rea, Jimmy Nail and Bruce Robinson the chance to strut, scowl, sing some jaunty tunes (by '70s survivors Mick Jones, Steve Dagger and Jeff Lynne) and define what it means to be mates in a middle age the rockers never thought they'd live to see. Some of the laughs are too easy, but there are lots of them; and by its satisfying end, Still Crazy is the full, feel-good monty.

--By Richard Corliss