Monday, April 13, 2015

Danny Collins - A Roaring Good Time

You don't always think of Al Pacino as a comedic actor, and by not always I really mean never.  If you've seen "Dick Tracy' or one of his "One Night Only" shows, you know he can be a very funny
guy.  Well, "Danny Collins" proves he is quick with a joke when he needs to be but he's also subtle in this picture which is not something we've seen from him in awhile.  If you like this version of Pacino, also check out "The Humbling".  
Enough about Pacino, let's get into this film.  It opens in the best way possible as we see Danny getting ready for a show.  He's sick of it but he still turns on that charm once he's on stage.  His manager played by the phenomenal, Christopher Plummer gives him a letter from John Lennon that Danny was supposed to get 40 years earlier and our tale begins.  Danny makes his way to NJ to meet his son for the first time.  Along the way, he gets to know his daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and Mary.  

The cast shines in this film.  Annette Bening is spot on as the witty hotel manager who quips back and forth with Danny throughout the film.  Jennifer Garner is exceptional as Samantha, the daughter-in-law.  She brings such heart to the role. 
 The real star is Bobby Cannavale as Danny's son.  He stole every scene he was in and that includes the one's with Pacino.  


This film has heart, great music and laughs.  It's a great way to spend the afternoon on a weekend and it's already available for preorder on Amazon and iTunes so you can own a copy.  Go check out "Danny Collins", I promise you won't regret it.  "Hey Baby Doll" will be stuck in your head for days. The only thing we still need is a soundtrack because I for one would like to hear Pacino sing everyday on my drive in to work.