Jersey Boys
Starring: Vincent Piazza, John Lloyd Young, Eric Bergen, Michael Lomenda, Christopher Walken
Directed By: Clint Eastwood
Reviewed by Danielle Muir

[rating: 2.5/5]

This review, whilst not overly positive, is structured as a homage to the great actor and filmmaker Clint Eastwood, who obviously meant well but has made an incorrect choice turning his attention to the stage classic Jersey Boys.

The Good

• It’s a bold move to forgo the usual hyper real, laden on thick treatment screen-adapted musicals are often given. Eastwood embeds his films with class and style not often seen on big screens today.  Jersey Boys is no exception.

• The story is told clearly and simply – from Tommy plucking Frankie off the streets, to their struggle as back-up singers, their eventual fame and of course the trials and tribulations that occur as the group enjoys success.

• Exceptional casting – another gutsy move from Eastwood to cast predominantly stage actors who have performed the roles of The Four Seasons for eons.  John Lloyd Young thrives on screen as Frankie Valli, the lead singer with a voice beyond belief, and the main source of conscience in the group. Vincent Piazza as Tommy DeVito – you can hardly believe that he is from this era with his crooked face and fuck you ‘tude. Bergen is innocent and incredibly striking as genius writer Bob Gaudio, and Lomenda is an adequate source of comic relief as bassist Nick Massi – he gets his one moment of glory, but is otherwise jipped.

• The characters breaking the fourth wall is a technique that pays off, and some of the most interesting dialogue comes from hearing their insights.

• Some delightful comedic moments and one liners are spot on – there’s even a sneaky cameo from the big man himself.

The Bad

• Unfortunately Eastwood’s chosen direction churns out a dull, flat version of an inspiring story.  From the dull choice of aesthetic, to the lacklustre song recordings, to a sense that in order to fully understand and appreciate Frankie Valli’s struggle, we need to know about his life prior to watching the film – nothing stands out, there’s no rising or falling – it’s just one continuous note.

• No-one is particularly likeable. Tommy’s a straight up ass-hole, Nick is a dweeb, Frankie’s a pushover and Bob turns a little seedy and self-involved. They don’t really have any redemptive qualities. Therefore forging any kind of connection with the characters and caring about their struggles is difficult.

• Time obviously jumps due to The Four Seasons aging – but it can be hard to keep track of how long has eventuated between acts, unless we see Frankie’s daughters. Having extra facial hair isn’t enough of an indicator, sorry.
• It’s a bit of a shame when The Four Seasons are belting out ‘Sherry’ and not a single toe on my feet wants to tap. The songs just don’t pop out of the screen like those classic tracks should.

• Even the big musical number at the end is awkward as hell. Clint tries to feed the stage-show lovers a taste of what they want, but it just seems a bit forced.

• Overall = bland.

The Ugly

• John Lloyd Young playing the 16 year old version of Frankie Valli? Suuuuuure.

• The shocking prosthetics job on the four actors during the ‘heartfelt conclusion’. Pulls you right out. Convincing prosthetics is so hard to nail, and unfortunately this comes nowhere near.

• The film just feels drained of life and oomph in every sense.

Eastwood is a terrific filmmaker – he’s proven that in the past. This was just not the right project for his style.