Review of Jersey Boys (2014) by Forrestgump1 — 30 Jul 2014

In the slum-dog age with the likes, and attests of the fortunate merry band of filmmakers turning huge Broadway productions into sensational motion pictures. Audience members, including myself, have seen this across the world; with such well known titles, “Mamma Mia”, “Chicago”, “Rent” and, of course, “Les Miserables”. As fate would have proceeded, we have the wondrous, sometimes oversaturated, and embracing musical flux “Jersey Boys”. The latest musical adaptation to hit the silver screen, and much like the angel voice of Frankie Valli, the film is sweetly visceral, yet profoundly touching.

Nine years ago, the subdued Frankie Valli was inducted into a new generation of musical enthusiasts. He was resurrected by the Tony award winning stage production of the same name. From then on, the rest is history. The show, and film, chronicles the story of the rise and fall of the notorious Four Season, or “Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons”. Saving the four crooks from a lifetime of smuggling, dealing and heartache. The band cranked out four unstoppable hits including the likes of; “Sherry”, “Walk Like A Man” and the upbeat, high pitched anthem “Big Girls Don’t Cry”.

Nobody could argue that these songs aren’t timeless, but granted if you took any song from this era everyone could have a jingle with it. The portion that is seemingly potent is the talented cast, and what is done with the source material. It should only seem fitting that John Lloyd Young take on the role that won him a Tony in 2006, portraying Frankie Valli. Which is truly a remarkable achievement. The vocal pitch-range, is extremely tough to come by naturally. In terms of hitting the notes, and such Young was the “bees knees”. In contrast, I didn’t believe for one second in the opening scenes he was supposed to be 16, when in real life he is actually 38. Believe it or not, looks are deceiving because, when Young opens his mouth and starts belting that high nasal falsetto...wow.

The real show stealer belongs to Vincent Piazza the only actor of the four whom didn’t revive a role from Broadway. (Young, Michael Lomenda, and Erich Bergen all played their same characters from the stage production). The flow, consistency and humble brutality that Piazza enfuses into the ruthless thug, Tommy DeVito is one for the books. I was immensely captivated and enriched everytime he graced the screen. If there’s only just a reason to see “Jersey Boys” Piazza’s performance is that reason.

Michael Lomenda, who portrays Nick Massi the bands bass player, and Erich Bergen playing the bands lead writer Bob Gaudio are evenly spot on, even if their accents could use a little work. It doesn’t hurt that they previously played these roles, so to them it’s eerily comfortable, and that relaxation shows. Christopher Walken also steps into the limelight as the mentor and welcoming Gyp.

Being helmed by a legend all the same as it’s band of misfits, Director Clint Eastwood takes the source material one step ahead of the bunch. Crafting a larger than scale buffet of musical endeavours, and stage churning performances that easily cater to the talented crew in front of the camera. With the huge ticket sales, much like Les Mis, still pouring in; a live film adaptation seemed financially plausible. Which doesn’t mean the film doesn’t surrcomb with it’s fair share of flaws, there are a few. Running times have been a keen issue with films lately. “Jersey Boys” at times thinks it’s a stage production, and can keep up with the pace it sets. While evidently this portrays quite nicely early on, however, once the two hour mark pulls up; the audience is left feeling a bit clogged.

Ideally, the biggest fault, we also never really get to know the man behind the music. Frankie Valli is an impeccable persona, that would have been ideal to know. However, when you only have a set time frame, and strict studio restrictions; what else could be done, or cut to fit the time allotted?. Eastwood does his best to make sure we have a deeper connection within the film’s main protagonists. Including breaking the coveted fourth wall which, in my oh so humble opinion, made the film all the more worthwhile.

In addition, giving the context of the story, the film is told through the lifespans of the band. Which means each actor had to portray each character from early teens to late sixties. These actors are talented. However, when you see the final scene there are no favors given by the makeup department. Given all the critical backlash from Eastwood’s past (I’m looking at you “J Edgar”) you would think some thought would be given. Alas, I digress.

Still, when it boils down. The film earns the name “Jersey Boys” and for most musical enfucatinatos, this adaptation will likely get the good graces among that community. Even though I wanted to spend more time with these characters. I was distinctly satisfied with where things ended, and transcended all the same. The music will continue for generations to come, and thanks to this film it can live on just a little bit more.

B+.

By: Nate Adams.

Directed By: Clint Eastwood.

Rated: R.

Run-Time: 140 mins.

Studio: Warner Bros.