Review of Beyond the Sea (2004) by Robin G — 31 Dec 2004

It's ironic how both Bobby Darin and Kevin Spacey had to prove to everyone that they were more than what society thought of them. Bobby Darin who was known for being a night club singer wanted to branch out as an actor and even went a political direction. Kevin Spacey who is adored as characters such as Lester (American Beauty) and Verbal (The Usual Suspects) has been trying to break out of the mold everyone so badly wants to keep him in. I think I can honestly say now, he's done just that.

There is one of two reasons you would go see the film By the Sea and that is to see a film about Bobby Darin or to see Kevin Spacey sing and dance. Spacey has wanted to make a film about Darin for many years now and has struggled to bring it to the screen. Ever since he can remember his mother just knew he was meant to play this part and while she passed away a little while ago he made sure to dedicate it to her.

I still remember being blown away by Spacey in American Beauty and The Usual Suspects along with many other movies. He's given me chills more times than I can count. With Beyond the Sea he really touched my heart in a way somehow his characters before just didn't do, not to that degree at least. His character was genuine, sweet, funny and so very real. I never knew much about Bobby Darin, I didn't even know he was the one who did the song "Splish Splash" but now I feel I know of him very well.

Me being a Spacey fanatic I of course mainly went to see the actor who played Darin but I came out in awe of the talented singer who gave us "Mack the Knife" and "Dream Lover.".