Review of Jersey Boys (2014) by Eric H — 14 Sep 2014

If you are a fan of musicals or just a fan of Frankie Valli and the Four Season, then this is the movie for you. Some in the younger audience may not enjoy the film as they don't typically enjoy this type of older music, so to them it would be best to stay away from this film.

For younger people like me who enjoy this music, and really anyone who enjoys this kind of music, then this is a film for you that also brings a nice story. Put it all together, and Jersey Boys emerges as a solid if somewhat stiff adaptation of the musical.

It misses a few beats, and loses a little bit of its emotional (and actual) rhythm along the way. But Eastwood keeps the character drama humming along well enough, and really makes it all work in the end: from a rousing performance of Frankie's first solo hit, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, in which he finally gets his long-awaited horn section; through to a reunion many years later that proves surprisingly emotional.

By the time the credits roll, and the entire cast cuts loose in an utterly joyous rendition of December 1963 (Oh, What A Night), you'll find yourself willing to forgive anything - including the film's occasional pacing and musical sins.