Review of Danny Collins (2015) by Manny C — 11 Apr 2015

Al Pacino rocks it as Danny Collins, an aging rock star still making a pretty penny from greatest-hits concerts. But Danny has had enough. His manager (a pricelessly funny Christopher Plummer) unwittingly creates a buzzkill when he bestows Danny with a gift: an undelivered letter to Danny from John Lennon in which the former Beatle invited Danny to discuss careers. That catalyst is based on an actual letter Lennon wrote to British musician Steve Tilston, who was anxious about the corrupting influence of fame. The letter is about as true-to-life as screenwriter and debuting director Dan Fogelman is gonna get. A playful screen credit reads, 'Kind of based on a true story a little bit.'.

Danny Collins is such a fun romp you won't care. Fogelman, whose scripts range from Crazy Stupid Love to Last Vegas, is only slightly allergic to sentimentality and formula. The letter from Lennon sparks a change in Danny, who vows to quit touring and create the kind of music Lennon would have approved. And so Danny heads to New Jersey. checks into a Hilton and seeks out the home of Tom Donnelly (Bobby Cannavale), the son Danny had after a one-night stand with a groupie, who has since passed away. Tom is a suburban family man who wants nothing to do with his rock star father, but when Danny visits Tomm's home and meets his wife, Samantha (Jennifer Garner) and their ADHD-afflicted daughter, Hope (Giselle Eisenberg), is reconciliation on the horizon?

Danny Collins is not a film aiming for innovation. The flirtation Danny engages in with hotel manager Mary Sinclair (Annette Bening) is total filler, but know this: Pacino and a top-tier cast give it some real heft. Cannavale digs deep into the role of the neglected son, revealing layers of emotion that can't be easily healed. Unfortunately Fogelman felt it necessary to introduce terminal illness into the mix. It's pleasure enough seeing terrific actors doing great. Pacino is especially irresistible, following an outstanding turn in The Humbling from earlier this year. Whether strutting onstage or battling his drug-fueled demons, Pacino is unflinching. Boasting nine Lennon tunes on its soundtrack and a brand new song for Danny to express his creative rejuvenation, this hilarious and deeply felt film is a real gem.