If you'd like a more visual experience you can watch my youtube review right here - http://youtu.be/wIHe1fMinR8
Jersey Boys is of course a cinematic adaptation of the jukebox musical of the same name about the formation and journey of the musical group The Four Seasons. Though it was originally intended to be directed by Jon Favreau it was cinema icon Clint Eastwood who ended up taking the reins and making the film. Though he is more known for his acting work Eastwood is actually a very prolific director having directed thirty films and winning Oscars for Best director for both Unforgiven and Million Dollar baby. Unfortunately as of late his filmography has been rather lacking, his last great film being Gran Torino and every film since then turning out rather mediocre...unfortunately Jersey Boys is too though that doesn't mean it doesn't have anything going for it.
Starring John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli, Vincent Piazza (of Boardwalk Empire fame) as Tommy Devito, Erich Bergen as Bob Gaudio, Michael Lomenda as Nick Massi, Joey Russo as Joe Pesci (yes the actor) and Christopher Walken as Gyp DeCarlo. The cast is pretty solid and deliver great vocal work (we'll get to the music a little later) and even though Christopher Walken seems to be sleepwalking in this film he never ceases to be charming. Unfortunately the cast isn't able to stop the film from feeling rather soulless.
Clint Eastwood seems to be in autopilot with this film and as a result the film lacks any passion, fire or soul. Even though the actors are solid there's a lack of life to their performances though you can't say it's their fault. Though the film is based on true events it can't help but feel derivative of fictional films that have come before it (Goodfellas comes to mind and not because of Joe Pesci). This causes a lack of interest in what is actually going on at times and isn't always helped by the breaking of the fourth wall, though I do have to admit there are some great moments of comedy that are much needed.
On the technical side the sound is wonderfully mixed and the film is rather well made though Eastwood's visual aesthetic does not suit this film at all; from the desaturated colour pallet (which is duller than the picture of this review) to the rather observant camera-work and contrasty lighting. The production design adequately brings the 60's to life even though the colour pallet doesn't. But with all that said let's get to what's really important, the music!
Frozen never would have been the pop-culture sensation that it has become without the incredibly catchy songs that helped turn a rather good movie into a massive hit (in this reviewer's opinion it really isn't that great; Monster's University and The Wind Rises were much better along with Disney's previous release Wreck-it Ralph). With Jersey Boys the classic songs of the Four Seasons save the film from mediocrity (almost like in Moulin Rogue! though that film remains a campy mess) and makes it into a rather decent film. The songs fill what is a rather dull film with energy and joy and you can't help but be swept up in them.
The songs save the life of the film and I can't help but wonder how the film would have benefited from Favreau's direction. Jon Favreau definitely has the visual flair that could have brought life to the film and as we've seen from his latest film 'Chef' he may have been able to fill this film with the passion it badly needs; Eastwood hadn't even seen the musical until he got the directing gig. But if good music is enough to make you happy then Jersey Boys might just be enough for you.
3 out of 5 stars
I know Jersey Boy came out in the US two weeks ago but I live Australia and we don't exactly get films at the same time. Let me know you thoughts on the film in the comments.
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