With ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2 kicking off the summer with a massive box office debut, it is safe to say we are going to have a huge season on our hands. In a new segment called Blockbuster Breakdown, we will be featuring the biggest summer movies that will be hitting the theaters each week and why you don’t want to miss it. So throw on some flip flops, grab some popcorn and sink into a big comfy seat because summer has arrived.
JERSEY BOYS – JUNE 20
Director: Clint Eastwood (Gran Torino, Changeling, J. Edgar)
Stars: Vincent Piazza, John Lloyd Young, Michael Lomenda, Erich Bergen, Christopher Walken,
Synopsis: Four friends go from a life of petty crime in New Jersey to becoming the iconic 60s group The Four Seasons.
Runtime: 134 minutes
Quote: “I never heard a voice like Frankie Valli’s. After 30 seconds, I know I need to write for this voice.”
Review: ‘Jersey Boys’ hits a sour note.
The movie is shot in a documentary style and follows Frankie Valli and his friends as they go from misfits in New Jersey to forming the the iconic 60s group The Four Seasons. They have a string of hits with popular songs such as Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, and Walk Like a Man before turmoil in the group takes over.
‘Jersey Boys’ obviously shines the brightest during its musical numbers but it is offset with the dull storyline in between them. There is no lack of urgency in the characters problems and lacks the fun that the film could be.
The last half of the film becomes very choppy and goes from one event to another with no fluidity. It feels very rushed and doesn’t fully portray the gravity of the situations on screen.
However, expect the film to be nominated for an Oscar is the wardrobe and styling category. The film does take you back to the hayday of sock hops and diners with plenty of neon signs, retro dresses and cardigans.
The actors did their best with what they were given. John Lloyd Young reprises his role as Frankie Valli from the Broadway stage. He effortlessly transitions from amateur singer to global superstar to washed up celebrity and makes you believe it.
If you are a Broadway fanatic, then there is a good chance you will enjoy this film. If you were dragged along, bring a Snuggie and take a nice 2 hour nap. In other words Broadway’s smash musical should stick to the stage and off the big screen.
