​FILMS

danny collins

2015 review number 102:

Danny Collins: (Drama/Comedy): 82 out of 100: If Marlon Brando could do it (Guys and Dolls) then surely Al Pacino can have a go! The Godfather (Mark II) sings again! This is not a musical, however. It's a tale of a singer seeking redemption with his family and rediscovering himself, with splashes of comedy among some serious drama. It's a movie that is thoroughly enjoyable, led by Al Pacino's stirring performance, along with some terrific work from the supporting cast.

 

Al Pacino plays aging rock star, Danny Collins, who departs from his concert tour when his manager and best friend, Frank (Christopher Plummer), uncovers a letter written to him by John Lennon in 1971. The words of wisdom Lennon wrote convinces Danny to try to change his life by rediscovering his family. This takes him to New Jersey when he meets his adult son, Tom Donnelly (Bobby Cannavale), for the first time. Tom is married to Samantha (Jennifer Garner) who is pregnant with their second child. Their first child, Hope (Giselle Eisenberg), has severe ADHD and through her, father and son make a stilted connection. While trying to win the affections of the Donnelly family, Danny is staying at the Hilton Hotel where he has fallen for the manager, Mary (Annette Bening).

 

The story is inspired by a letter John Lennon wrote to folk singer Steve Tilston in the early seventies, which laid undiscovered for forty years. Due to the Lennon references, there are many of his songs featured throughout the film which will please his fans. There are also some original songs sung by Al Pacino, including the catchy Hey Baby Doll which is Danny Collins' signature song. We are introduced to this song in one of his concerts and this has an electric atmosphere, all thanks to the decision to film this segment during the intermission of a concert by the music group, Chicago.

 

Although there are some melodramatic moments, the story beautifully combines the heartfelt moments along with the jokes to keep the narrative flowing. All credit must go to writer/director Dan Fogelman for keeping everything in check and ensuring that the main actors deliver excellent performances. This is probably Cannavale's best work as the son who has a lot of hate for his father. Plummer adds a lot of class and fun as Collins' manager while Bening shines as the manager that won't easily accept Collins' dinner proposals. The star however, is Pacino. Who cares if he can't really sing? All excellent actors are able to convince you of what role they are playing, and when you see him in this role, you will believe that he is a jaded rock star who wants to do something different in his life, both professionally and personally.

 

Danny Collins is an engaging movie all-round because you become fully immersed in Danny's life. You become emotionally involved with all the other well-written characters too. A drama/comedy with excellent music and acting, now that's what I call a fabulous time at the movies!

 

Starring Al Pacino, Annette Bening, Jennifer Garner, Bobby Cannavale and Christopher Plummer

(106 minutes)

Parental advice: Coarse language, nudity, drug use and adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: During the credits we see film footage of Steve Tilston being interviewed, the real folk singer who John Lennon wrote to back in 1971.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AndERTFMYd4 (Movie trailer)

 

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