Review of Jersey Boys (2014) by Jeffrey M — 20 Jul 2014

Swanner: After 10 years on Broadway and touring the world, Director Clint Eastwood has brought the Tony Award winning Best Musical to the big screen. He also brought the Tony Award winning Best Actor to play Frankie Valli. The production design, costumes and cinematography are Oscar worthy with great performances and direction...so with all this greatness why do I feel something was missing?

Judd: I agree there was something not quite right that I can't put my finger on. While I want to say that John Lloyd Young was wooden as Valli, I think it went beyond that. The story felt very by-the-numbers as far as musical biopics and that coupled with Lloyd Young's seemed boredom, the movie didn't pop as much as it should have for the period and musical style. But still, I feel that there is more about it that I'm having a hard time articulating.

Swanner: John Lloyd Young was fine but maybe his inexperience with the camera is why he felt so flaccid on screen. Since I hadn't seen the stage play I was unaware of how dark the story gets. Even with dramatic musicals there is something uplifting or grand to the story. Cabaret had the humorous MC that never let the story slow down, where Les Mez and Phantom had grand moments that made them majestic. Jersey Boys has a great pop score and a downer of a story.

Judd: I agree that the story was much more dramatic than I imagined, especially for something based on a play, but I still feel that it felt by-the-numbers for a biopic. Instead of drugs or an abusive spouse and the tribulations of "the road", Valli dealt with embezzlement, the death of a child and the tribulations of "the road". Eastwood is an extremely capable director, so I know that he's not the one at fault for what seems to be missing.

Swanner: I know I'm not going to like every musical but I was surprised this one didn't connect with me. It's really a lovely film to look at and filled with good performances. I think there is an audience out there for Jersey Boys, the problem is they are all over 50. We'll see if that group goes out to see this movie or weather they'll wait for it to come to home video. I'd probably wait if it were me.

Judd: I'm glad I saw it and I'm sorry I didn't enjoy it more. I forgot all the hits that Valli had, and for a "jukebox show", this one is better than others - I'm looking at you Rock of Ages. I think it could be worth the price of a matinee.

Judd: ** 1/2.

Swanner **.