I was in two minds as to whether I'd even bother with another Pacino film. He's been involved in a quite a few mediocre movies recently and I'd made a mental note to try and avoid them. However, I found plot summary of this movie quite intriguing and thought I'd give it a go. Incredibly this is one of his best films and I really enjoyed it from the start to the credits. Danny Collins has lived a hedonistic, excessive lifestyle for decades, but a surprising event causes him to look at his life and he makes substantial efforts to change and even to mend relationships. His quest may not be easy or faultless but it is still very satisfying. I cannot recommend this highly enough.
130 Reviews
If it's your only outing to the theater this year, you've lucked out
StevePulaski4 April 2015
"Danny Collins" is the kind of film ripe for emotional manipulation and mawkishness, so much so that its potential to squander its wealth of talent makes one clench in their seat, hoping for a different result than the one they foresee. While there is definitely sentimentality to be found in the film, such scenes are handled with pleasant restraint from writer/director Dan Fogelman (writer of "Tangled" and both "Cars" films). "Danny Collins" is likely one of the few commendable adult dramas we will get this year, and it's nice to see that it's a particularly winning blend of restriction and talent.
The film concerns the title character (played by Al Pacino in his best, most subtle role in years), an aging, alcoholic, cocaine-addicted singer, disillusioned with his current state of faking it through sold out performances, playing the same old tired songs (his most famous song echoes the tune of "Sweet Caroline") he has since he began his career in the 1970's. One day, he decides to drop everything, cancelling the remainder of his tour in order to venture out to stay indefinitely at a Hilton hotel and work on his songwriting, something he hasn't done in several decades, much to the dismay of his long suffering manager Frank Grubman (Christopher Plummer). While staying at the Hilton, Danny tries to make right with his son Tom (Bobby Cannavale), who has gone on to marry a beautiful woman (Jennifer Garner) and lead a solid life without the help of his father, whom views him as a deadbeat, as well as win the heart of the stubborn hotel manager Mary Sinclair (Annette Bening), who shoots down every dinner request he makes.
All of this angst and disillusionment arises when Danny receives a long-lost letter from John Lennon, following an interview at a magazine where Danny references Lennon as a major influence. In the letter, Lennon tells him to be true to himself and states that the money and fame don't corrupt a person, but personal choices and vices will always be the downfall of a man. With this, Danny becomes rather tumultuous and realizes he's been stuck in a dead-end, creative funk for years, unable to produce a winning record or anything of noteworthiness for years. He uses this opportunity to take a vacation and hopefully find creative inspiration and connectivity amongst those he should've been in contact with for many years.
Pacino is always the centerpiece of "Danny Collins," in nearly every shot of the film and always bearing some kind of discernible energy, whether it be boisterous or subtle. This is Pacino's most accomplished role in years, as he finds ways to create his own character and infuse him with just the right amount of life for the occasion. He is never overcome with theatrics, and plays everything in a genuine, low-key manner, something we haven't seen from Pacino in quite some time. His portrait of an aging alcoholic musician who realizes he hasn't done anything creative or for himself in years (perhaps there's some loose, real-life connection there, but that's all speculation, of course) isn't played in a manner where overacting prevails emotion and that's the key to a great deal of "Danny Collins"' success.
The supporting characters in "Danny Collins" all transcend the lines of typical supporting characters, as they branch out to become their own character and are brought to life thanks to a collection of great talent. Among the best of the lot is Christopher Plummer, who serves as Danny's best friend in the film as well as his financial and managerial guide. Plummer is just as wry here as he's ever been, never missing a comedic or dramatic beat, and turns up just in time to save the film from becoming too sappy or too dramatic. Bobby Cannavale also does arguably some of his finest work as Danny's understandably livid son, who has been left in the dark and in the working class region of the world while his father adores all the fame of show business, so he thinks, and leaves all other responsibilities unattended. Cannavale, like Pacino, acts within his own restraints of showing anger but not being overly dramatic about the entire affair, never breaking out in a fight with his father nor letting loose a monologue of vulgarities. Almost every conversation held between them conducts itself with a pleasant sense of situational realism.
"Danny Collins" is a surprising little film, and given how its small theatrical release is being expanded little by little, I have a feeling it will resonate with the baby boomer crowd as time goes on, giving them a little opportunity for cinematic enrichment as they're often forgotten. If that's the case, this is fine film to see, especially if you're only planning on seeing one, maybe two, films this year.
The film concerns the title character (played by Al Pacino in his best, most subtle role in years), an aging, alcoholic, cocaine-addicted singer, disillusioned with his current state of faking it through sold out performances, playing the same old tired songs (his most famous song echoes the tune of "Sweet Caroline") he has since he began his career in the 1970's. One day, he decides to drop everything, cancelling the remainder of his tour in order to venture out to stay indefinitely at a Hilton hotel and work on his songwriting, something he hasn't done in several decades, much to the dismay of his long suffering manager Frank Grubman (Christopher Plummer). While staying at the Hilton, Danny tries to make right with his son Tom (Bobby Cannavale), who has gone on to marry a beautiful woman (Jennifer Garner) and lead a solid life without the help of his father, whom views him as a deadbeat, as well as win the heart of the stubborn hotel manager Mary Sinclair (Annette Bening), who shoots down every dinner request he makes.
All of this angst and disillusionment arises when Danny receives a long-lost letter from John Lennon, following an interview at a magazine where Danny references Lennon as a major influence. In the letter, Lennon tells him to be true to himself and states that the money and fame don't corrupt a person, but personal choices and vices will always be the downfall of a man. With this, Danny becomes rather tumultuous and realizes he's been stuck in a dead-end, creative funk for years, unable to produce a winning record or anything of noteworthiness for years. He uses this opportunity to take a vacation and hopefully find creative inspiration and connectivity amongst those he should've been in contact with for many years.
Pacino is always the centerpiece of "Danny Collins," in nearly every shot of the film and always bearing some kind of discernible energy, whether it be boisterous or subtle. This is Pacino's most accomplished role in years, as he finds ways to create his own character and infuse him with just the right amount of life for the occasion. He is never overcome with theatrics, and plays everything in a genuine, low-key manner, something we haven't seen from Pacino in quite some time. His portrait of an aging alcoholic musician who realizes he hasn't done anything creative or for himself in years (perhaps there's some loose, real-life connection there, but that's all speculation, of course) isn't played in a manner where overacting prevails emotion and that's the key to a great deal of "Danny Collins"' success.
The supporting characters in "Danny Collins" all transcend the lines of typical supporting characters, as they branch out to become their own character and are brought to life thanks to a collection of great talent. Among the best of the lot is Christopher Plummer, who serves as Danny's best friend in the film as well as his financial and managerial guide. Plummer is just as wry here as he's ever been, never missing a comedic or dramatic beat, and turns up just in time to save the film from becoming too sappy or too dramatic. Bobby Cannavale also does arguably some of his finest work as Danny's understandably livid son, who has been left in the dark and in the working class region of the world while his father adores all the fame of show business, so he thinks, and leaves all other responsibilities unattended. Cannavale, like Pacino, acts within his own restraints of showing anger but not being overly dramatic about the entire affair, never breaking out in a fight with his father nor letting loose a monologue of vulgarities. Almost every conversation held between them conducts itself with a pleasant sense of situational realism.
"Danny Collins" is a surprising little film, and given how its small theatrical release is being expanded little by little, I have a feeling it will resonate with the baby boomer crowd as time goes on, giving them a little opportunity for cinematic enrichment as they're often forgotten. If that's the case, this is fine film to see, especially if you're only planning on seeing one, maybe two, films this year.
Charming little film
bbickley13-921-5866430 March 2015
Al Pacino was great in the movie.
I would have never cast him has Danny Collins. Danny Collins is suppose to be a big folk singer in the 1970's. They used old photos of Al from the 1970's as album covers, i think one still from the God father, which made Danny Collins music seem instance and Dark (my kind of folk), but the music actually done was very pop and sounded weird actually being sung by Pacino, who looks more like a lounge singer.
But the movie is not really about the music. Danny Collins is more about Collins attempting to charm his way into his son's life, a man who he has never met and has a family of his own.
Pacino may have been slightly miss cast, but the man was charming and funny and was lighting up the screen with his charisma. similar to his role in Sent of A Woman.
Definitely go see if you are a Pacino fan.
I would have never cast him has Danny Collins. Danny Collins is suppose to be a big folk singer in the 1970's. They used old photos of Al from the 1970's as album covers, i think one still from the God father, which made Danny Collins music seem instance and Dark (my kind of folk), but the music actually done was very pop and sounded weird actually being sung by Pacino, who looks more like a lounge singer.
But the movie is not really about the music. Danny Collins is more about Collins attempting to charm his way into his son's life, a man who he has never met and has a family of his own.
Pacino may have been slightly miss cast, but the man was charming and funny and was lighting up the screen with his charisma. similar to his role in Sent of A Woman.
Definitely go see if you are a Pacino fan.
From a dull-sounding title unfolds a pleasant surprise
vinsond2128 April 2015
I went into this movie not expecting much, although i love the cast outright. But i was entertained throughout because this movie has heart along with its humor. Writer-director Dan Fogelman's nicely-scripted plot unfolds at a decent pace, albeit a little predictably. Al Pacino, as usual, delivers a full-on performance which includes some decent singing and dancing. He is ably supported by Annette Bening as a reluctant love interest and Christopher Plummer as his faithful manager. The icing on this cake would be the soundtrack featuring songs by John Lennon, with the numbers beautifully worked in. Too bad that Jealous Guy couldn't be included.
Another treat from the ever-impressive Pacino
rogerdarlington3 July 2015
This is one of those films when the title tells you nothing so, unless you see a trailer or have a recommendation, you could miss out on a real pleasure. It must have been tempting to use a title like "How A Lost Letter From John Lennon Enabled Danny Collins to Find Himself" but perhaps that would have said too much. Certainly the storyline is very loosely inspired by the true incident of English folk singer Steve Tilston's discovery that Lennon had written to him in 1971.
On the other hand, maybe knowing that the lead role is taken by Al Pacino would be enough for some people to view the movie, since this is an actor who consistently gives brilliant performances. Except that the character of Danny is much tenderer than most of Pacino's roles (think "The Godfather" movies all the way to "Righteous Kill") and the portrayal is much less histrionic than many of his earlier roles (think "Scarface" or "The Devil's Advocate"). Blow me, Pacino even sings in this film.
One of the many delights of "Danny Collins" though is that Pacino (now in his mid 70s) is not the only star. There are excellent performances from Christopher Plummer (even older in his mid 80s) as his agent, Bobby Cannavale as his son, Jennifer Garner as his daughter-in-law, and Annette Bening as a hotel manager. Writer and director Dan Fogelman has given good lines and meaningful roles to his ensemble cast and it pays off a treat. And we get to hear some Lennon classics.
On the other hand, maybe knowing that the lead role is taken by Al Pacino would be enough for some people to view the movie, since this is an actor who consistently gives brilliant performances. Except that the character of Danny is much tenderer than most of Pacino's roles (think "The Godfather" movies all the way to "Righteous Kill") and the portrayal is much less histrionic than many of his earlier roles (think "Scarface" or "The Devil's Advocate"). Blow me, Pacino even sings in this film.
One of the many delights of "Danny Collins" though is that Pacino (now in his mid 70s) is not the only star. There are excellent performances from Christopher Plummer (even older in his mid 80s) as his agent, Bobby Cannavale as his son, Jennifer Garner as his daughter-in-law, and Annette Bening as a hotel manager. Writer and director Dan Fogelman has given good lines and meaningful roles to his ensemble cast and it pays off a treat. And we get to hear some Lennon classics.
In which Al Pacino is adorable
stinadianne27 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Danny Collins comes from the director who brought you Crazy, Stupid, Love and this movie is another charmer in the same vein. As a truly delightful dramedy that thinks it's much edgier than it is, Danny Collins boasts a fabulous cast with great chemistry which becomes a low stakes tale of living your life the best way you can at any age.
Danny Collins (Al Pacino) is a very famous singer who, now in his elder years, has been reduced to singing the same repetitive hits on a tour where the average attendees are 50-60 year old women. When his manager Frank (Christopher Plummer) presents him with a birthday gift of a lost letter written to him from John Lennon almost forty years ago, Danny decides to change his life to the way he thinks it should have been had he gotten that letter originally. This sends him from LA to New Jersey to connect with the grown son he has never met.
Pacino is delightful and fun as the eccentric Collins. Danny is a normal man who let fame and money warp him into the typical aging rock star. In a story like this, you would expect someone like Danny to hit rock bottom, lose everything and then have to build himself back up to a better person and artist. This does not happen as Danny never in fact changes at all- he is just as bombastic, oblivious and creatively shallow as ever by the end of the film. But in a monologue given by the almighty Frank Grubman (Plummer) to Danny's estranged son, Danny is full of flaws but he has the best of hearts. Pacino gives a wonderful performance in a role that you can only describe as adorable and wanting him to be your awesome famous uncle.
Annette Bening plays Mary, the flustered hotel manager in New Jersey where Danny takes up temporary residence. Pacino and her have an easy and fun chemistry that lights up the screen when they are together. Mary starts out as someone Danny pursues and flirts with to her apprehensive delight, but she soon becomes his moral compass and you realize along with him that he may not be ready, or ever be ready to deserve her. Bobby Cannavale (Win Win) and Jennifer Garner (Dallas Buyers Club) give understated and beautiful performances as Danny's son and his pregnant wife. Both of these actors know how to play the straight to Pacino's Collins while also deep-rooting a sense of humanity in the film. The couple also has an adorable seven year old daughter who has the most sober looking case of ADHD ever seen.
Danny Collins wants you to think it is an edgy movie, but it's not. It plays like a family movie and the moral is certainly aimed to that dynamic. If not for the extreme overuse of the f-bomb and the gratuitous female full frontal in the beginning.
Danny Collins (Al Pacino) is a very famous singer who, now in his elder years, has been reduced to singing the same repetitive hits on a tour where the average attendees are 50-60 year old women. When his manager Frank (Christopher Plummer) presents him with a birthday gift of a lost letter written to him from John Lennon almost forty years ago, Danny decides to change his life to the way he thinks it should have been had he gotten that letter originally. This sends him from LA to New Jersey to connect with the grown son he has never met.
Pacino is delightful and fun as the eccentric Collins. Danny is a normal man who let fame and money warp him into the typical aging rock star. In a story like this, you would expect someone like Danny to hit rock bottom, lose everything and then have to build himself back up to a better person and artist. This does not happen as Danny never in fact changes at all- he is just as bombastic, oblivious and creatively shallow as ever by the end of the film. But in a monologue given by the almighty Frank Grubman (Plummer) to Danny's estranged son, Danny is full of flaws but he has the best of hearts. Pacino gives a wonderful performance in a role that you can only describe as adorable and wanting him to be your awesome famous uncle.
Annette Bening plays Mary, the flustered hotel manager in New Jersey where Danny takes up temporary residence. Pacino and her have an easy and fun chemistry that lights up the screen when they are together. Mary starts out as someone Danny pursues and flirts with to her apprehensive delight, but she soon becomes his moral compass and you realize along with him that he may not be ready, or ever be ready to deserve her. Bobby Cannavale (Win Win) and Jennifer Garner (Dallas Buyers Club) give understated and beautiful performances as Danny's son and his pregnant wife. Both of these actors know how to play the straight to Pacino's Collins while also deep-rooting a sense of humanity in the film. The couple also has an adorable seven year old daughter who has the most sober looking case of ADHD ever seen.
Danny Collins wants you to think it is an edgy movie, but it's not. It plays like a family movie and the moral is certainly aimed to that dynamic. If not for the extreme overuse of the f-bomb and the gratuitous female full frontal in the beginning.
- See more at: http://www.mediumraretv.org/review/danny- collins/#sthash.SZcf5VNf.dpuf
I mildly enjoyed it.
santiagocosme20 June 2015
First of all, I have to start by saying it felt really weird to see a super saying the movie was "sort of based on a true story". Sorry, but it is either based on true events or it's not. I guess it's only a trick to catch people's attention a little more
The movie was OK, but it won't leave a long lasting impression. As for Al Pacino, the guy is an excellent actor, but for him to play a musician on the brink of retirement and to force him to show his singing skills was probably a bit of a mistake. He is such an awful singer that you wonder if the guy is singing or having a heart attack. Either way, it makes you question why they chose him and not someone else for the role I suppose Al Pacino is still Al Pacino.
Also, I feel that you never really get the point of the Lennon letter, which is supposed to be central to this movie (Probably the reason why they made a movie only "mildly based" on true events). They had to add a lot of substance to this letter story to turn it into a movie. You could say it is the eye opener that makes Pacino reach out for his son and try to change his empty life around before it's too late. But that in itself makes the letter seem unimportant. Basically, you sense that the same story could have been told without the letter.
All in all, a decent movie but I really wonder how long it will stuck to your mind, I give it half a day.
The movie was OK, but it won't leave a long lasting impression. As for Al Pacino, the guy is an excellent actor, but for him to play a musician on the brink of retirement and to force him to show his singing skills was probably a bit of a mistake. He is such an awful singer that you wonder if the guy is singing or having a heart attack. Either way, it makes you question why they chose him and not someone else for the role I suppose Al Pacino is still Al Pacino.
Also, I feel that you never really get the point of the Lennon letter, which is supposed to be central to this movie (Probably the reason why they made a movie only "mildly based" on true events). They had to add a lot of substance to this letter story to turn it into a movie. You could say it is the eye opener that makes Pacino reach out for his son and try to change his empty life around before it's too late. But that in itself makes the letter seem unimportant. Basically, you sense that the same story could have been told without the letter.
All in all, a decent movie but I really wonder how long it will stuck to your mind, I give it half a day.
A Beautiful Film! Pacino Shines!
namashi_122 June 2015
Inspired by the true story of folk singer Steve Tilston, 'Danny Collins' is A Beautiful Film, that offers great emotional depth! And Al Pacino shines in the title role, proving once again that he's among the greatest we've ever had!
'Danny Collins' Synopsis: An aging rock star decides to change his life when he discovers a 40-year-old letter written to him by John Lennon.
'Danny Collins' is at heart, a sensitive father & son story, that's emotionally charged. I was moved & overwhelmed by Danny Collins's journey, not only with his son, but also with his friends, his profession & himself. Its a fascinating character, that's been bought to life, with dexterity.
Dan Fogelman's Screenplay is top-class. Its emotional & also humorous. Fogelman's Direction, on the other-hand, is simple, yet effective. Cinematography is good. Editing is consistently crisp. Costume Design is fine. Music by Ryan Adams & Theodore Shapiro is wonderful.
Performance-Wise: Pacino is extraordinary as Danny Collins. He sinks his teeth into the part & brings it out with flying colors. Annette Bening is sweet. Bobby Cannavale is in fine form, as well. Jennifer Garner is subdued, while The Great Christopher Plummer is impeccable in his brief bit.
On the whole, 'Danny Collins' is a winner all the way! Among the best films from 2015 yet!
'Danny Collins' Synopsis: An aging rock star decides to change his life when he discovers a 40-year-old letter written to him by John Lennon.
'Danny Collins' is at heart, a sensitive father & son story, that's emotionally charged. I was moved & overwhelmed by Danny Collins's journey, not only with his son, but also with his friends, his profession & himself. Its a fascinating character, that's been bought to life, with dexterity.
Dan Fogelman's Screenplay is top-class. Its emotional & also humorous. Fogelman's Direction, on the other-hand, is simple, yet effective. Cinematography is good. Editing is consistently crisp. Costume Design is fine. Music by Ryan Adams & Theodore Shapiro is wonderful.
Performance-Wise: Pacino is extraordinary as Danny Collins. He sinks his teeth into the part & brings it out with flying colors. Annette Bening is sweet. Bobby Cannavale is in fine form, as well. Jennifer Garner is subdued, while The Great Christopher Plummer is impeccable in his brief bit.
On the whole, 'Danny Collins' is a winner all the way! Among the best films from 2015 yet!
Two reviews, pick the one you like
A_Different_Drummer18 June 2015
Never done this before, but here are two reviews of this film. Pick the one you like.
The Positive Review
As he has so often done in his career, veteran actor Al Pacino takes this morality tale of a failed musician to heights never before imagined even by the screenwriter, and gives energy to a story which cannot fail to grab the viewer. Pacino's yeoman effort is aided abetted by Jennifer Garner and Annette Bening, both of whom infuse their characters with a spirit of optimism and decency which works well in counterpoint to Pacino's character, a character actually written in such a way that the audience, try as it will, cannot hope to see Danny Collins as simpatico. Props to Pacino for pulling this one out of the fire.
And the Review done from the heart...
Not even the astonishing and proved talents of a 75 year old Al Pacino can give life to this dreary tale of a fading musician whose chance encounter with a communication from his past (a letter from John Lennon that was never delivered) spurs him to seek a path of redemption. Keep in mind that Mick Jagger himself is only 71, so for Pacino -- who can't sing a note -- to take on this role was the most astonishing thing in the movie, and it happened before the cameras rolled. Garner and Bening try to raise the energy level but frankly don't have the screen time. When the ultimate body of Pacino's work is catalogued, this will not be at the top the list. In fact, the whole film is such a downer that the reviewer is compelled to note that SAINT VINCENT had a similar theme yet produced a great movie following a similar arc. Forget Danny Collins. Find a copy of Saint Vincent.
The Positive Review
As he has so often done in his career, veteran actor Al Pacino takes this morality tale of a failed musician to heights never before imagined even by the screenwriter, and gives energy to a story which cannot fail to grab the viewer. Pacino's yeoman effort is aided abetted by Jennifer Garner and Annette Bening, both of whom infuse their characters with a spirit of optimism and decency which works well in counterpoint to Pacino's character, a character actually written in such a way that the audience, try as it will, cannot hope to see Danny Collins as simpatico. Props to Pacino for pulling this one out of the fire.
And the Review done from the heart...
Not even the astonishing and proved talents of a 75 year old Al Pacino can give life to this dreary tale of a fading musician whose chance encounter with a communication from his past (a letter from John Lennon that was never delivered) spurs him to seek a path of redemption. Keep in mind that Mick Jagger himself is only 71, so for Pacino -- who can't sing a note -- to take on this role was the most astonishing thing in the movie, and it happened before the cameras rolled. Garner and Bening try to raise the energy level but frankly don't have the screen time. When the ultimate body of Pacino's work is catalogued, this will not be at the top the list. In fact, the whole film is such a downer that the reviewer is compelled to note that SAINT VINCENT had a similar theme yet produced a great movie following a similar arc. Forget Danny Collins. Find a copy of Saint Vincent.
A man in search of spiritual fulfillment in a material world.
PWNYCNY10 April 2015
This movie is about aging and about finding a reason to live. An aging rock star, Danny Collins, who is still popular, receives a letter from a famous rock star, forty years after the letter was written. The letter contains advice that if followed, may have changed Danny's life for the better. Basically, the letter's message was that you don't have to let material things erode your creativity. The problem for Danny is that after forty years of performing, he now finds himself wallowing in that creative and spiritual rut that the letter warned him about. He hasn't written a new song in thirty years and the material he does perform over and over again is stale to the point of being toxic. None of his props - his huge house, expensive car, young fiancé, the alcohol, the drugs - help inspire him. He feels an emptiness that is nagging him. After reading the letter, Danny decides to retire. He does this in order to try to revive his creativity and prove to himself that he can still produce. The rest of the movie reveals more about Danny's character, showing that under all the the boozing and drugging there exists a decent person. To find out whether Danny finds happiness and fulfillment, watch the movie. Al Pacino gives a strong, yet appropriately nuanced performance as an aging man who is searching for meaning in his life. After decades of using music as much as an escape as well as a source of income, he finally begins to confront the truth about himself. What he discovers makes this movie worth watching.
A shoddy drama that lacks profundity
scottshak_11119 May 2015
Everything a good drama should not be.
I went into the theatres with high hopes for this one, being a big Pacino fan. But boy I came out disappointed. It is a movie that wastes its hours on mediocrity, sometimes goes into the abyss of clumsiness and pointless melodrama. It stays away from profundity and lacks the luster of sentience. It was like watching a bunch of random guys act animatedly, to words that had no direction and that were headed nowhere. Screenplay so mediocre! It was like listening to random people talk. Humor was pathetic too.
Danny Collins began on a great note but then slowly died down as it stumbled with its poor script. The movie seemed to open with a strong musical backdrop but unfortunately it didn't even skim its surface. Lennon is only a reference. Even the transition of Danny doesn't exhilarate you. It is a very slow paced movie that simply scrambles towards the finish line without packing a good redemption.
If we try to focus on the good, the beginning bit with Nick Offerman was quite exceptional. Annette does a fair job with her role. Giselle Eisenberg is the cutest thing, who makes your heart melt with her sweet voice. Also the song that Danny seems to be penning turns out pretty good. Sometimes you could almost see the subtlety of Fogelman's direction when he manifests fingers knocking on the door even when there was a doorbell. Danny's disregard for his life and his decision to do what his audience loved was also brilliantly shown.
The fact that a lot of people knew Danny Collins was overused and eventually it just became sad. At the end it just seemed like a story heading towards a blank. There wasn't truly any inspiration. Barely a decision that got cashed out for a change. You could almost tell why this movie had Annette Bening, Josh Peck, Giselle, Jennifer Garner and Christopher Plummer - simply to spice things up and make things interesting.
I would only recommend it if you wish to see a movie where things don't go dark or grim and that is strewn with mediocre pleasantries.
I went into the theatres with high hopes for this one, being a big Pacino fan. But boy I came out disappointed. It is a movie that wastes its hours on mediocrity, sometimes goes into the abyss of clumsiness and pointless melodrama. It stays away from profundity and lacks the luster of sentience. It was like watching a bunch of random guys act animatedly, to words that had no direction and that were headed nowhere. Screenplay so mediocre! It was like listening to random people talk. Humor was pathetic too.
Danny Collins began on a great note but then slowly died down as it stumbled with its poor script. The movie seemed to open with a strong musical backdrop but unfortunately it didn't even skim its surface. Lennon is only a reference. Even the transition of Danny doesn't exhilarate you. It is a very slow paced movie that simply scrambles towards the finish line without packing a good redemption.
If we try to focus on the good, the beginning bit with Nick Offerman was quite exceptional. Annette does a fair job with her role. Giselle Eisenberg is the cutest thing, who makes your heart melt with her sweet voice. Also the song that Danny seems to be penning turns out pretty good. Sometimes you could almost see the subtlety of Fogelman's direction when he manifests fingers knocking on the door even when there was a doorbell. Danny's disregard for his life and his decision to do what his audience loved was also brilliantly shown.
The fact that a lot of people knew Danny Collins was overused and eventually it just became sad. At the end it just seemed like a story heading towards a blank. There wasn't truly any inspiration. Barely a decision that got cashed out for a change. You could almost tell why this movie had Annette Bening, Josh Peck, Giselle, Jennifer Garner and Christopher Plummer - simply to spice things up and make things interesting.
I would only recommend it if you wish to see a movie where things don't go dark or grim and that is strewn with mediocre pleasantries.
I am a little biased because Pacino is my favorite actor but this is a great movie and his best movie in a few years.
cosmo_tiger29 June 2015
"What would have happened if I got that letter when I was supposed to?" Danny Collins (Pacino) is a rock star who peaked years ago. He is coasting through life playing concerts when he can and playing the same songs over and over. When he is shown a letter that John Lennon wrote him many years before he rethinks his life and career. With a new look at life he heads to New Jersey to find the son he never knew and start writing again. As many of you know by now I am a huge Pacino fan. I think he is the greatest actor working today but some of his recent movies I haven't been a big fan of. He was great in The Humbling but I thought the movie was a little slow. This is a role that seemed like a stretch for him (he does his own singing) but because he is so great he pulls it off and it seems like a role he was made for. The movie is very fun and easy to watch. The cast is great and the writing is funny and heartfelt. Only an actor like Pacino can turn a clichéd cheesy line like "some dinners are worth fighting for" into something that is meaningful. Overall, I am a little biased because Pacino is my favorite actor but this is a great movie and his best movie in a few years. I give it an A.
Danny Collins is a lot like it's rocker; predictable yet likable and fun to listen to
RforFilm14 April 2015
As much as I love musicians, they make me jealous. I'm an avid listener to hair rock and classical music (It's a strange set of tastes, I know) and would I've had the musical talent that I wanted, I probably would have tried to join their ranks. A set of nimble fingers for the piano or even the ability to hit the drums several times would have been fine in my books, but my musical talent is limited to whistling, and even then, I only do so in the car where nobody can hear me. Those that are lucky enough to play well are not just seen as gifted, but better then everyone else around them.
I remember attending a Who concert a few years back when they played the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. Despite the age of the rockers, the group was well loved by it's audience that ranged from the ancient to the cynical hipsters that would have otherwise called the group overrated. Because of their legacy, the members of the Who are now lucky enough to call themselves immortal. They probably get recognized in the streets and will forever be treated to the finest the world has to offer. But when one rocker is faced with a moral crisis in Danny Collins, is having the world at his feet enough?
A Neil Diamond-like rocker named Danny Collins (played by Al Pacino) is happily living the life as a still popular musician whose married to a girl half his age and living in a nice home in Beverly Hills. His lifestyle also encourages the use of cocaine and other drugs that you hear about with other rock stars. For his birthday, his manager Frank Grubman (played by Christopher Plumber) gives him a letter. Danny reads that the letter was written over forty years ago by John Lennon and had wanted to work with Collins.
Struck with the thought that his career could have taken a different direction, he tells his manager to suspend his tour as he needs time to think about his situation. He takes his jet to New Jersey and takes up residence in a Hilton, hoping that he will write his first hit song in thirty years. He takes this moment to makes advances at hotel manager Mary Sinclair (played by Annette Bening) and to try and reconcile with his estranged son Tom (played by Bobby Cannavale).
This should give you a good idea that Danny Collins is a redemption story; the one that for years has been doing wrong to others and wants to make up for it before it's too late. The story is nothing new as we watch this rich rocker do everything he can to please his family and those around him. The problem here is that as he makes his rounds to help himself, you know exactly what kind of path he's going to take. Not to mention the film goes into that route where he almost slips back into his own ways and he has to win their hearts again and apologize. It's get's tiring.
What's lost with a predictable story is made up by Al Pacino and his talent. The man proves that even in his seventies, he can still slip into any role and get lost into it. I totally bought him as a rocker, especially as he plows through a nice rendition of "Babydoll" in the beginning. Christopher plumber, Annette Bening, Bobby Cannavale, and Jennifer Garner all add up well in our ensemble as they each play off as an extension of the rock star's desires and wants.
I'll give this seven music sheets out of ten. I'd go as far to call this cute and adequate. Danny Collins is nothing new and merrily exists to show that Pacino is still a good actor (and to apologize for Jack and Jill). It's clearly a movie for an older set and I enjoyed it a lot more then The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. As long as you don't mind the predictable story, you'll probably like this.
I remember attending a Who concert a few years back when they played the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. Despite the age of the rockers, the group was well loved by it's audience that ranged from the ancient to the cynical hipsters that would have otherwise called the group overrated. Because of their legacy, the members of the Who are now lucky enough to call themselves immortal. They probably get recognized in the streets and will forever be treated to the finest the world has to offer. But when one rocker is faced with a moral crisis in Danny Collins, is having the world at his feet enough?
A Neil Diamond-like rocker named Danny Collins (played by Al Pacino) is happily living the life as a still popular musician whose married to a girl half his age and living in a nice home in Beverly Hills. His lifestyle also encourages the use of cocaine and other drugs that you hear about with other rock stars. For his birthday, his manager Frank Grubman (played by Christopher Plumber) gives him a letter. Danny reads that the letter was written over forty years ago by John Lennon and had wanted to work with Collins.
Struck with the thought that his career could have taken a different direction, he tells his manager to suspend his tour as he needs time to think about his situation. He takes his jet to New Jersey and takes up residence in a Hilton, hoping that he will write his first hit song in thirty years. He takes this moment to makes advances at hotel manager Mary Sinclair (played by Annette Bening) and to try and reconcile with his estranged son Tom (played by Bobby Cannavale).
This should give you a good idea that Danny Collins is a redemption story; the one that for years has been doing wrong to others and wants to make up for it before it's too late. The story is nothing new as we watch this rich rocker do everything he can to please his family and those around him. The problem here is that as he makes his rounds to help himself, you know exactly what kind of path he's going to take. Not to mention the film goes into that route where he almost slips back into his own ways and he has to win their hearts again and apologize. It's get's tiring.
What's lost with a predictable story is made up by Al Pacino and his talent. The man proves that even in his seventies, he can still slip into any role and get lost into it. I totally bought him as a rocker, especially as he plows through a nice rendition of "Babydoll" in the beginning. Christopher plumber, Annette Bening, Bobby Cannavale, and Jennifer Garner all add up well in our ensemble as they each play off as an extension of the rock star's desires and wants.
I'll give this seven music sheets out of ten. I'd go as far to call this cute and adequate. Danny Collins is nothing new and merrily exists to show that Pacino is still a good actor (and to apologize for Jack and Jill). It's clearly a movie for an older set and I enjoyed it a lot more then The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. As long as you don't mind the predictable story, you'll probably like this.
Sad but true
movius4 September 2015
This is a truly bad movie. It pains me to say that since I basically love everything Pacino has ever done. Here I simply felt sorry for him and wondered why he would lower himself to do such garbage.
The movie is overwhelmingly trite and clichéd. I gather it's "patterned" in some way, shape or form after a real person, but who cares. Not every real person merits having a move patterned them – in fact, few do.
Seeing Michael Corleone on stage trying to emulate an aged rock singer was almost too much to bear. I could barely contain my laughter. Only the pain of seeing this stopped me from cracking up.
And I won't even speculate on the bizarre outfits he wore. We've all seen aging rock singers but I don't recall seeing anything so completely lost at sea.
On the other hand, the movie has gotten some good reviews (what doesn't anymore). So maybe I am wrong. Nah, spare yourself the pain.
The movie is overwhelmingly trite and clichéd. I gather it's "patterned" in some way, shape or form after a real person, but who cares. Not every real person merits having a move patterned them – in fact, few do.
Seeing Michael Corleone on stage trying to emulate an aged rock singer was almost too much to bear. I could barely contain my laughter. Only the pain of seeing this stopped me from cracking up.
And I won't even speculate on the bizarre outfits he wore. We've all seen aging rock singers but I don't recall seeing anything so completely lost at sea.
On the other hand, the movie has gotten some good reviews (what doesn't anymore). So maybe I am wrong. Nah, spare yourself the pain.
Intellectually and Emotionally Stimulating Film
billcurry-115 April 2015
Because this film is intellectually and emotionally stimulating in a subtle way, I had to drive 65 miles, from Lafayette to Baton Rouge, where it was in was in one compartment of a multiplex. That the compartment was Number Nine was a nice touch. But New Orleans had it in three theaters. My review: I enjoyed it. Been a fan of Pacino since Dog Day Afternoon, Plummer since Sound of Music, Lennon since fall, 1963. And I've never seen a movie with Annette Bening that I didn't' like. The script was good; I didn't see anything not to like. So why didn't the movie come to me rather than vice versa? Apparently, the theater owners where I live won't bet on a movie without car chases, guns, shooting, war, all sorts of violence, or juvenile, senseless humor, or mainstream sports. Perhaps a little thriller/horror/sci-fi/blockbuster (Titanic, JFK) might seep through. The sad thing is they may be right. A movie devoid of the aforementioned criteria might lose money here.
Pleasant enough rom-com... "While you're checking me in, I'm checking you out!"
paul-allaer12 April 2015
"Danny Collins" (2015 release; 106 min.) brings the story of an aging rock star Danny Collins (played by Al Pacino). As the movie opens, we are reminded that the movie is "kind of based on a true story a little bit". In the opening scene, Danny Collins is interviewed in 1971 for the Chime In magazine, on the verge of his big breakthrough. The movie then switches to July 12, 2014, when Danny performs at a sold-out Greek Theater. The next day, at his 'surprise' birthday party, Danny's manager (played by Christopher Plummer) has a birthday gift: a letter John Lennon wrote to him after reading that 1971 interview, which never arrived. In the letter, Lennon urges him to "stay true to yourself and to your music". Danny has a "d'oh" moment and decides to change his life. He flies out to New jersey and sets up shop in a Hilton room, and the first order of business is to visit his grown-up son whom he's never met. At this point we are about 15 min. into the movie. To tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Several comments: this is the directing debut of screen writer Dan Fogelman, of "Crazy Stupid Love" and "Last Vegas"., both of which I have seen, and I have to say that "Danny Collins" is perfectly in line with both those movies: a pleasant, if non-challenging, movie experience. The differentiator here, though, is the music, which obviously plays a HUGE role in the movie. First, Fogelman able to convince Yoko Ono to allow the use of a bunch of John Lennon songs (from his solo career). I counted at least 7 in the movie (Working Class Hero; Whatever Gets You Through The Night; Imagine; Nobody Told Me; Beautiful Boy; Dream #9; Love Is Real). On top of that, the original songs that appear in the movie are composed by none other than Ryan Adams (yes, THAT Ryan Adams) and Theodore Shapiro. But what makes this movie ultimately click are the winning performances: let's start with Al Pacino, now 74 if you can believe it. He looks like he's having a blast with this role. Annette Bening is just perfect as the 'mousy' Hilton manager and Danny's potential love interest. When Danny first arrives at the hotel, Danny jokes with her that "while you're checking me in, I'm checking you out", ha! Bobby Cannavale as Danny's son and Jennifer Garner as his wife do very nicely as well. But in the end, it's mostly about Pacino and he oozes charm from start to finish. Stay for the movie's end titles, though, where it is revealed on whose real life musician this is (very loosely) based on (I admit I have never heard of him before).
"Danny Collins" finally opened this weekend here in Greater Cincinnati, playing on a handful of screens. The early evening screening where I saw this at was not attended well (and I'm being mild), which sort of surprised me, as the trailer for this has been playing regularly in theaters for quite some time. Bottom line: if you are in the mood for a perfectly pleasant rom-com with a winning cast, you cannot go wrong with "Danny Collins".
Several comments: this is the directing debut of screen writer Dan Fogelman, of "Crazy Stupid Love" and "Last Vegas"., both of which I have seen, and I have to say that "Danny Collins" is perfectly in line with both those movies: a pleasant, if non-challenging, movie experience. The differentiator here, though, is the music, which obviously plays a HUGE role in the movie. First, Fogelman able to convince Yoko Ono to allow the use of a bunch of John Lennon songs (from his solo career). I counted at least 7 in the movie (Working Class Hero; Whatever Gets You Through The Night; Imagine; Nobody Told Me; Beautiful Boy; Dream #9; Love Is Real). On top of that, the original songs that appear in the movie are composed by none other than Ryan Adams (yes, THAT Ryan Adams) and Theodore Shapiro. But what makes this movie ultimately click are the winning performances: let's start with Al Pacino, now 74 if you can believe it. He looks like he's having a blast with this role. Annette Bening is just perfect as the 'mousy' Hilton manager and Danny's potential love interest. When Danny first arrives at the hotel, Danny jokes with her that "while you're checking me in, I'm checking you out", ha! Bobby Cannavale as Danny's son and Jennifer Garner as his wife do very nicely as well. But in the end, it's mostly about Pacino and he oozes charm from start to finish. Stay for the movie's end titles, though, where it is revealed on whose real life musician this is (very loosely) based on (I admit I have never heard of him before).
"Danny Collins" finally opened this weekend here in Greater Cincinnati, playing on a handful of screens. The early evening screening where I saw this at was not attended well (and I'm being mild), which sort of surprised me, as the trailer for this has been playing regularly in theaters for quite some time. Bottom line: if you are in the mood for a perfectly pleasant rom-com with a winning cast, you cannot go wrong with "Danny Collins".
Good but not deeply memorable
Sasha_Lauren12 June 2019
DANNY COLLINS (2015)
Al Pacino as aging rockstar Danny Collins seemed weirdly miscast to me, but hey, it's Pacino and he pulled it off in movie star style. This story was loosely inspired by an event in folk singer Steve Tilson's life: Tilson recieved an encouraging letter from John Lennon, (with Lennon's phone number on it), decades after it was sent. He wonders how it might have changed his life if he got the letter at the time it was written. In this film, the rocker goes through a Hollywood movie sort of change and goes to New Jersey to make things right with a son he never met. In fact, in real life Tilson has several children that he has solid relationships with. The cast, including Annette Bening, Jennifer Garner, Bobby Cannavale, and Christopher Plummer, all turn out solid performances, (Bening is fantastic, actually), but the enjoyable movie never catches fire with me. I thought it was good, but not great; easy to watch, but it felt contrived and not deeply memorable to me.
Al Pacino as aging rockstar Danny Collins seemed weirdly miscast to me, but hey, it's Pacino and he pulled it off in movie star style. This story was loosely inspired by an event in folk singer Steve Tilson's life: Tilson recieved an encouraging letter from John Lennon, (with Lennon's phone number on it), decades after it was sent. He wonders how it might have changed his life if he got the letter at the time it was written. In this film, the rocker goes through a Hollywood movie sort of change and goes to New Jersey to make things right with a son he never met. In fact, in real life Tilson has several children that he has solid relationships with. The cast, including Annette Bening, Jennifer Garner, Bobby Cannavale, and Christopher Plummer, all turn out solid performances, (Bening is fantastic, actually), but the enjoyable movie never catches fire with me. I thought it was good, but not great; easy to watch, but it felt contrived and not deeply memorable to me.
High 7 - much better than I anticipated
hazzaboombatty7 October 2022
I want to give this an 8 but it's not quite there for me. The first 15-20 mins wasn't great and I tapped out. I came back to continue it and I'm glad I did.
It's definitely an enjoyable family film, not for little kids but for teens upwards - I'd definitely watch this with my mum and I think my elder daughter would like it
It's heart warming and funny. In this world, yes I am buying this product! This is what I want. Some positivity.
I'll watch it again soon and file it alongside Yeaterday, About Time and other "nice" films.
Give it a go, I very much doubt you'll regret it!
Dadadadadadadaa.
It's definitely an enjoyable family film, not for little kids but for teens upwards - I'd definitely watch this with my mum and I think my elder daughter would like it
It's heart warming and funny. In this world, yes I am buying this product! This is what I want. Some positivity.
I'll watch it again soon and file it alongside Yeaterday, About Time and other "nice" films.
Give it a go, I very much doubt you'll regret it!
Dadadadadadadaa.
Goodbye Hope.....
FlashCallahan5 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
In 1971, Danny admits to a that he finds imminent fame and fortune more terrifying than gratifying.
45 or so years later, we see that Danny was right to be worried, he is now a boozy, coked- up parody, singing the same hits to arenas full of ageing fans.
During his surprise birthday party, he is given a present from his best friend and manager Frank, a letter to Danny from John Lennon, sent to that journalist, who kept it all these years, telling him that you can get rich and still remain an artist, and inviting Danny to give him a call sometime so they could talk about music.
Danny sets off to New Jersey, setting up camp in a Hilton, and flirts with the hotel manager, Mary.
He now only has two goals, write a song that is meaningful to him, and build a relationship with his long-estranged son Tom, a construction worker who wants nothing to do with him.........
And with this movie, Pacino is finally back, showing us what an absolute the legend the man is. In my opinion, he hasn't been this good in a film since The Insider, and it's not just him, the story, the narrative, and the support is as just as awe-inspiring as the true story it's based on.
Fogelman handles the heavy parts of the story in a way that other film-makers should take notice of, whenever a scene is in danger of becoming over schmaltzy, there is an injection of spiteful humour thrown in to detract itself, and the audience.
Collins could be based on any ageing celebrity who is remembered, and still famous for having huge hits back in the day, and keeping his wealth by doing the same thing over and over and over. Englebert Humperdinck sprung to mind a few times whilst watching this.
It's no wonder that he's a hard drinking, drug taking shadow, the man knows he's a joke, an almost walking satire, but Pacino adds such a swagger to Collins, such a front, that it's not until the second act you realise that this is apparent, because of his numerous facades, it's almost chameleon like how Collins acts with different people.
The sub-plot involving his estranged son could have been an absolute disaster, but the fact that it's never too saccharine coated, and just that little bitter, adds depth to the narrative. Especially his subliminal message to himself when he leaves his Granddaughter.......the simple line 'Goodbye Hope' has many connotations in this film.
Plummer is wonderful, and he's the link to get Collins back on side with his son, a little monologue in the third act is handled wonderfully by Plummer, as again, humour prevents the film from becoming too schmaltzy.
If Pacino never made a film again, this would be a wonderful film to end an illustrious career, and I hope that he makes more like this, he owns the film, and even when his Collins is hungover, drunk, or sad, Pacino is effervescent in every scene.
Welcome back Al.
45 or so years later, we see that Danny was right to be worried, he is now a boozy, coked- up parody, singing the same hits to arenas full of ageing fans.
During his surprise birthday party, he is given a present from his best friend and manager Frank, a letter to Danny from John Lennon, sent to that journalist, who kept it all these years, telling him that you can get rich and still remain an artist, and inviting Danny to give him a call sometime so they could talk about music.
Danny sets off to New Jersey, setting up camp in a Hilton, and flirts with the hotel manager, Mary.
He now only has two goals, write a song that is meaningful to him, and build a relationship with his long-estranged son Tom, a construction worker who wants nothing to do with him.........
And with this movie, Pacino is finally back, showing us what an absolute the legend the man is. In my opinion, he hasn't been this good in a film since The Insider, and it's not just him, the story, the narrative, and the support is as just as awe-inspiring as the true story it's based on.
Fogelman handles the heavy parts of the story in a way that other film-makers should take notice of, whenever a scene is in danger of becoming over schmaltzy, there is an injection of spiteful humour thrown in to detract itself, and the audience.
Collins could be based on any ageing celebrity who is remembered, and still famous for having huge hits back in the day, and keeping his wealth by doing the same thing over and over and over. Englebert Humperdinck sprung to mind a few times whilst watching this.
It's no wonder that he's a hard drinking, drug taking shadow, the man knows he's a joke, an almost walking satire, but Pacino adds such a swagger to Collins, such a front, that it's not until the second act you realise that this is apparent, because of his numerous facades, it's almost chameleon like how Collins acts with different people.
The sub-plot involving his estranged son could have been an absolute disaster, but the fact that it's never too saccharine coated, and just that little bitter, adds depth to the narrative. Especially his subliminal message to himself when he leaves his Granddaughter.......the simple line 'Goodbye Hope' has many connotations in this film.
Plummer is wonderful, and he's the link to get Collins back on side with his son, a little monologue in the third act is handled wonderfully by Plummer, as again, humour prevents the film from becoming too schmaltzy.
If Pacino never made a film again, this would be a wonderful film to end an illustrious career, and I hope that he makes more like this, he owns the film, and even when his Collins is hungover, drunk, or sad, Pacino is effervescent in every scene.
Welcome back Al.
Not perfect, but not bad either
cliftonofun27 December 2017
Not a perfect movie by any means, but the kind of film that rarely gets made by studios anymore: an ensemble cast of stars, a simple plot and very few explosions (okay, none). Yes, there were logical leaps and imperfect plot twists. But there were also great performances, which went a long way.
surprises from our past
lee_eisenberg12 July 2015
Al Pacino puts on yet another good performance as an aging rock star who finds out that he received a letter from John Lennon and decides to make some changes in his life by getting to know his son's family. The soundtrack consisting of Lennon songs is really what helps the movie. It's not the most profound story, but who doesn't love hearing a Lennon song (whether with the Beatles or on his own)? Aside from Pacino, Annette Bening puts on the other really good performance. Her hotel clerk comes across as someone who needs as much of a change in her life as Danny needs in his. They both need a second chance, and Danny's quest for redemption just might be the opportunity.
That this is based on a true story makes it all the more interesting. A letter from John Lennon would be worth more than I can imagine. I hope that Steve Tilston appreciates what's in his possession, and I hope that he appreciates Al Pacino's performance.
That this is based on a true story makes it all the more interesting. A letter from John Lennon would be worth more than I can imagine. I hope that Steve Tilston appreciates what's in his possession, and I hope that he appreciates Al Pacino's performance.
A miscast Pacino makes a meal of his role in this predictable tale of rock star redemption
george.schmidt22 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
DANNY COLLINS (2015) ** AL PACINO, ANNETTE BENING, JENNIFER GARNER, BOBBY CANNAVALE, CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER, GISELLE EISENBERG. Pacino seems miscast as a long-in-the tooth rock star (think Rod Stewart by way of Neil Diamond) whose moment of clarity in attempting to right the oh-so-many-wrongs of his self-absorbed life as a star comes to fruition when his best friend and manager (Plummer, also miscast) gives him a birthday gift (the script by Dan Fogelman, making his directorial debut bases the storyline in a true-life moment of an unknown folk singer who was the unwitting subject of a mash note by John Lennon, whose songs are on prominent display here) which has him making amends with the son he never met (Cannavale) and his family (Garner as the expecting wife and Eisenberg as his energized granddaughter). The story is predictable and some of the dialogue is completely unoriginal and flat yet Pacino in low-key mode makes the most of the meal as does Bening as the manager of the New Jersey hotel he resides in during his stay.
It's Never Too Late to Make Amends
anitalansing15 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I absolutely loved this movie. It can be so sad and painful that one incident, just one incident, can have a profound effect on your life. Danny not receiving John Lennon's letter until decades later affected his life in ways he could not begin to imagine. How different his life could have been had he known John Lennon wanted to talk with him and he then actually contacted Lennon? Danny's one-night fling with Tom's mother, which resulted in Tom being born, had an effect on Danny's life. How different would both Danny and Tom's lives would have been if they have had a father and son relationship throughout the years.
The acting was superb and the plot was genuinely heartfelt. I absolutely loved this movie. Al Pacino is my favorite actor, and I've seen mostly all of his movies, but this movie was the one that moved me the most. He missed out on so much in life because of missed opportunities, and later in life, he had the chance to rectify and make up for what he had missed. It is never to late to repair the damage. Excellent movie.
The acting was superb and the plot was genuinely heartfelt. I absolutely loved this movie. Al Pacino is my favorite actor, and I've seen mostly all of his movies, but this movie was the one that moved me the most. He missed out on so much in life because of missed opportunities, and later in life, he had the chance to rectify and make up for what he had missed. It is never to late to repair the damage. Excellent movie.
This film had human characters in tough situations.
IanAJohnson13 April 2015
Danny Collins is the story of an aging musician who receives a long- lost letter from John Lennon telling him to not give in to fame and to strive to write from the heart. This letter forces him to look back on his life. He begins to regret selling out and decides to cancel his current tour and sort his life out by reuniting with his son and writing some new songs. I rather admire this film. The characters are well developed and flawed. They don't feel like typical movie characters but rather act like real people. Their conversations don't flow perfectly at all times, there are awkward pauses and the topic of the conversation doesn't always flow in the desired direction. These flaws really attached me to every central character in the film. All of this was portrayed with great talent by just about every actor on screen. Humor was injected quite often and skillfully into dialogue to keep a rather sad story hopeful. The pacing was well done as I was never bored and wanted to see what was going to happen next after every scene. Sure some scenes moved slower than others, but I felt that the slower moments were utilizing tension to make the payoffs feel more satisfying. While some of the events can be seen as a little cliché, they are typically done in original ways that make the clichés feel fresh. Unfortunately the final moments of the film fall apart. It's not like what happens is terrible or out of character or anything that negative. It's just that I feel that the film ends a little earlier than it should have. A rather large stumbling block appears towards the end of the film and it is not resolved in a satisfying way, if at all. The focus of the film completely changes and several plot points that were building up the entire film just end without resolution. While this doesn't completely ruin the film by any means, it does drop my grade a couple of points. If the film had continued for another ten to fifteen minutes to resolve some of these issues I would have loved this film. Still, I did enjoy watching the movie and would recommend watching Danny Collins if you want a good character driven story as long as you understand that the ending might fall flat.
Average storyline with some good performances! 5/10
leonblackwood11 October 2015
Review: I quite enjoyed this movie, which sees Al Pacino play a famous singer called Danny Collins who has a young fiancé, loads of money and a alcohol and cocaine habit. On his birthday he receives a gift from his best friend Frank Grubman (Christopher Plummer), which is a letter written to him from John Lennon, saying that he should stay true to his music, so he takes his kind words on board and decides to leave his fiancé and stay in a hotel near his son who he hasn't seen since he was little boy. He also stops his tour so he can write new material, with the help of the hotel manager, Mary Sinclair (Annette Benning), who he has the hots for. When he finally goes to his sons house, he gets to meet his young granddaughter and his wife Samantha (Jennifer Garner) who he gets on with fine but as soon as his son Tom (Bobby Cannavale) comes home from work, he tells him to leave because he has nothing but bitter feelings towards his father. Mary then advises him to carry on pursuing a relationship with his son so he decides to help them out financially and he puts his granddaughter in a highly rated school. He then finds out that his money is running out because of his lavish life style and the only way he can carry on living the high life is by going back on the road, which he can now approach with a different outlook on life. This is definitely a feel good movie about a man whose looking for a purpose in life. I liked the chemistry between Pacino and Plummer and the sweet love story between Pacino and Mary was very well written and light-hearted fun. His son was a bit arrogant at the beginning but when he started to accept his father, I liked watching them bond together. His little granddaughter cracked me up but Al Pacino's singing and performing was pretty awful. Anyway, it a watchable movie with some emotional and touching scenes but Pacino has still got a way to go before he reaches the performances of his younger years. Watchable!
Round-Up: Although this movie lost money at the box office, it's not as bad as a lot of the projects that Pacino has brought out lately. At 75 years old, he's still remembered as Tony Montana in Scarface or Don Corleone in the Godfather and everyone is hoping that he comes out with another gangster movie before he gives up acting for the big screen. After a string of disappointing movies like Righteous Kill, Stand Up Guys, the appalling Jack & Jill, the Last Act and the Son of No One, he really is starting to lose his credibility as one of the best actors in the world. He still has a unique acting style which has made him a worldwide star but his choices of movies have really been awful in the latter part of his career. He has a role in the upcoming Martin Scorsese movie, the Irishman, alongside Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci and Harvey Keitel but he takes a long time to bring out movies so I doubt that we will be seeing that project finished in 2015. Anyway, this movie was written and directed by Dan Fogelman who wrote Crazy, Stupid Love, Cars & Cars 2, Fred Claus, Bolt, Tangled, the Guilt Trip and Last Vegas. He's not new to the comedy game but this is the first movie that he has directed so it's a shame that it didn't make back it's money. The fact that the whole John Lennon letter concept was true, made this dramatic comedy a joy to watch but it's not one that will go down as a classic. There are different elements that spice up the storyline but Pacino's name isn't enough to guarantee money at the box office anymore.
Budget: $10million Worldwide Gross: $7.5million
I recommend this movie to people who are into their comedy/drama/music about a famous singer who starts to question his morals after receiving a 40 year old letter from John Lennon to him. 5/10
Round-Up: Although this movie lost money at the box office, it's not as bad as a lot of the projects that Pacino has brought out lately. At 75 years old, he's still remembered as Tony Montana in Scarface or Don Corleone in the Godfather and everyone is hoping that he comes out with another gangster movie before he gives up acting for the big screen. After a string of disappointing movies like Righteous Kill, Stand Up Guys, the appalling Jack & Jill, the Last Act and the Son of No One, he really is starting to lose his credibility as one of the best actors in the world. He still has a unique acting style which has made him a worldwide star but his choices of movies have really been awful in the latter part of his career. He has a role in the upcoming Martin Scorsese movie, the Irishman, alongside Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci and Harvey Keitel but he takes a long time to bring out movies so I doubt that we will be seeing that project finished in 2015. Anyway, this movie was written and directed by Dan Fogelman who wrote Crazy, Stupid Love, Cars & Cars 2, Fred Claus, Bolt, Tangled, the Guilt Trip and Last Vegas. He's not new to the comedy game but this is the first movie that he has directed so it's a shame that it didn't make back it's money. The fact that the whole John Lennon letter concept was true, made this dramatic comedy a joy to watch but it's not one that will go down as a classic. There are different elements that spice up the storyline but Pacino's name isn't enough to guarantee money at the box office anymore.
Budget: $10million Worldwide Gross: $7.5million
I recommend this movie to people who are into their comedy/drama/music about a famous singer who starts to question his morals after receiving a 40 year old letter from John Lennon to him. 5/10
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