Review of Jersey Boys (2014) by Leigh H — 26 Dec 2014

So where exactly did Freddie Mercury and Queen begin? Is it something you've always wanted to know??? How about Ozzie Osborne and Black Sabbath does that fill your need to know meter a little more? Well then how about Franki Valley and the Four Seasons have you ever wanted to know where they came from, how they got their starring light, how they went from troubled teens to number one after number one chart selling success story?

If you watch Jersey Boys it's pretty much what you're going to get. Directed by a now 82 year old Clint Eastwood he's done as much as he possibly could with the film but I can't help thinking how different it could have been if someone else was behind the camera.

So the story is exactly as I have said above its about 3 small time hoods who get their jollies by going to singing lounges and belting out a tune or two to a very appreciative audience. Eventually Franki Valley is discovered and a fourth member who not only sings but also writes some amazing tunes comes on board as well. It's exactly what you would expect with no surprises I'm sorry to say. It's what you already know or even what you think you may know and nothing more. It was tired, run down and ordinary, the acting was great the music was fantastic and if anyone wasn't toe tapping along or singing under their breathe, I'd have to call them out as a liar. They were it's only saving graces though, if it didn't have the music to go with the film it would be one of the biggest biopic failures ever created.

For me Christopher Walken stole the show, he played the gangster who could get you whatever you wanted whenever it was needed. I love this man and for me he never does wrong. I can't help thinking though how different the film may have been if Mr Walken was to have taken the reins.

I'm not going to write much more about this one because as I have stated fairly well I believe it is what it is and nothing more. Watch it for the music watch it for Christopher don't watch it expecting to get anything new in style, although I did like how the colours were dulled down to reflect an older era.

3 out of 5 Banshee screams purely for the music and Christopher Walken.

#jerseyboys.