Review of Danny Collins (2015) by Patrick L — 19 Aug 2015

"This predictable redemption story is saved by Al Pacino's affectionate performance".

DVD Movie Review: Danny Collins.

Date Viewed: July 9 2015.

Written and Directed By Dan Fogelman.

Starring: Al Pacino, Annette Bening, Bobby Cannavale, Jennifer Garner, Melissa Benoist, Josh Peck and Christopher Plummer.

"Danny Collins" maybe another story about a artist trying to redeem himself but it is saved by Al Pacino's affectionate performance as the title character. Pacino has made some poor choices in recent years (Jack & Jill was a new career low for him) but now he is trying to redeem himself by making a movie about a popular artist who is also seeking redemption. With the help of Pacino and a fine supporting cast led by Annette Bening and Christopher Plummer, "Danny Collins" is good comfort food if you're over the age of 65.

Based on a true story, Danny Collins (Pacino) is an aging 70's rocker who wants to begin a new phase in his life. For many years, it has been sex, drugs and rock n' roll for Collins but when his manager, Frank Grubman (Plummer) discovers a 40-year-old undelivered letter written to him by John Lennon, Collins decides to embark on a new journey in his life. He wants to reconnect with his estranged son, Tom Donnelly (Bobby Cannavale) and find true love.

On his trip to redemption, he stays at a luxury hotel, he makes friends with the hotel parking attendant, Nicky Ernst (Josh Peck) and he even begins flirting with the hotel manager, Mary Sinclair (Annette Bening). As usual with all redemption tales, the protagonist stumbles and screws up along the way but Al Pacino shines as Danny Collins.

Writer and director Dan Fogelman (Last Vegas, The Guilt Trip and Crazy, Stupid, Love) does hit some predictable notes in the third act but "Danny Collins" is an engaging crowd-pleaser.