Meryl Streep creates another memorable character: This one is based on the real woman who was rich and loved music, but was a hilariously horrible singer. She makes the character delightful, sweet and touching. As her devotedly protective husband, Hugh Grant is solid and charming, but it’s Simon Helberg, as her pianist, who steals the movie with his hysterical physical comedy. The scene where we hear her sing for the first time is a comic highlight of the year. She’s blissfully oblivious to her lack of talent and decides to play Carnegie Hall. Thus spins the conflict that anchors the plot. Yes, her singing is astonishingly bad, but director Stephen Freer’s loving approach elevates the film above a one-joke song.

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