Jersey Boys
Rated R (for rough language throughout)
Run time: 2 hours 14 minutes
The film tells the story of the four men who came together
and formed the music group The Four Seasons. It deals with their ups and downs
throughout the groups history.
It is based on the successful, Tony award winning Broadway
stage musical of the same name. It is directed by Clint Eastwood, whose
previous film history would suggest him as the director most unlikely to bring
a Broadway musical to Hollywood. But, he pulls it off admirably. Mainly by
sticking to the proven formula used in the stage production. This includes, the
actors addressing the audience. While this might sound strange or even
satirical for a movie, it works. One of the taglines for the story is,
"Everybody remembers it as they need to." And this is what leads to
the different perspectives from the characters.
Frankie Valli is played by John Lloyd Young, reprising his
Tony-winning role. He does a great job of sounding like Valli. I read that Eastwood
didn't want to populate this movie with Hollywood types, he mainly used stage
actors and it pays off. The actors playing Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito (Vincent
Piazza), Nick Massi (Michael Lomenda) and Bob Gaudio (Erich Bergen) sang all of
the songs live on the set as the movie was being filmed. All of them, except
Piazza, played the characters in one stage production or another. Christopher
Walken as mobster Gyp DeCarlo is the only one I think of as a Hollywood type,
but he is cast well for the part.
The movie doesn't have the same energy as the live play, but
the performances are so good, you may find yourself wanting to applaud at the
end of some of the numbers. They are just that damn good. There are a few slow
parts in between the musical performances, but they add to the story. I have
seen the play (though not on Broadway) and I would see it again. I would also
see the movie again.
And now a few words from a guest reviewer (my wife Noelle
who has seen the play twice and now the movie):
What he didn't mention was that I saw the play twice in
the same week. I saw it on a
Tuesday and liked it so much I went back on Thursday. I think we are generally in agreement on the
movie but I might like the play somewhat more than he did. Okay, a lot more. In fact, if you can get me tickets, I need
some. STAT.
Bottom line is: if you've seen the play and liked it, go see
this movie. If you like The Four Seasons music, go see this movie. Even if
you're not familiar with their music but you like a fun movie with good music,
go see this movie. I would give the play 5 out of 5 stars and the movie 4 out of
5 stars.
