Danny Collins (2015) (English Language)

Review

106min

Genre:    Comedy, Drama

Director: Dan Fogelman

Cast:      Al Pacino, Annette Bening, Bobby Cannavale…and more

Writer:   Dan Fogelman

Danny Collins is a pop-star in the twilight of his career living comfortably and excessively on past glories whose life is changed by a long lost letter from John Lennon, the message is strong enough to make him re-discover a love for his art and re-connect with the family he gave up for his lifestyle, perhaps a little dose of selflessness will help him become what he always aspired to be.

The one and only Al Pacino stars in the titular role as a popular 70’s singer/songwriter who relies on “Best Of” albums and stadium tours to support his lavish lifestyle while keeping his latest young girlfriend satisfied after multiple divorces, needless to say ‘Danny Collins’ is heavily inspired by any number of the life stories of aging pop-stars that shall remain nameless.

The tone of the film is very much a comedic one with plenty of strong language and excessive behaviour which is never threatening though, think something between ‘Juno‘ and ‘Almost Famous‘, the dramatic thread is the relationship between Collins and his estranged son & family.

The heart of the film however seems to be the nature of artistic integrity as “artists” grow older in a capitalist society, this is typified by the ever present John Lennon angle and the several Lennon songs used in the film, it’s perhaps ironic then that a journey that starts as a major detour to regain some of that integrity ultimately ends up with the reality of accepting the comfort in “selling out”, a fact which younger audiences will no doubt struggle to understand.

As a typical redemption tale and relationship drama with predictable character arcs, ‘Danny Collins’ relies on the comedic performances to make it sparkle and aside from an adorable turn from Pacino’s screen granddaughter, it’s Mr. Pacino himself who sets up and steals the show with a charming and flamboyant lead performance as a loveable rogue.

The Bottom Line…

Funny and charming if slightly unoriginal and predictable, Al Pacino’s best film performance in years makes ‘Danny Collins’ an entertaining enough and worthwhile reason to head for the “silver screen”.

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Similar films you may like (Home Video)

Juno (2007)

After getting pregnant by her classmate, a quirky quick-witted teenager goes through with the pregnancy to give the baby up for adoption while staying in high-school and dealing with friends and family with hilarious consequences in this charming and original Oscar-winning comedy/drama.

Directed by Jason Reitman and starring Ellen Page, Michael Cera and Jennifer Garner among others.

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