Jersey Boys-2014

Director-Clint Eastwood

Starring-John Lloyd Young

Scott’s Review #95

Reviewed July 5, 2014

Grade: B+

Jersey Boys is a film version of the hit Broadway show of the same name and is directed by Clint Eastwood.

It tells the story of Frankie Valli and his friends (later becoming the Four Seasons) growing up in 1950’s mob-laden New Jersey and their journey through hardships and petty crime to musical success.

The film is a mainly feel-good experience as the songs alone resonate with the audience and immediately stick in one’s head as catchy as they are (Sherry, Walk Like a Man, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You) are prominently featured throughout the film and it is tough not to toe-tap along with the musical numbers.

Most of the boys grow up in a heavily Italian neighborhood, which is a delight as Eastwood’s authenticity is impressive: the food, the fights, gangster mob ties.

Admittedly, I found the first 30 minutes or so a bit slow, but afterward, the film takes off.

The cast is very good- John Lloyd Young is excellent as Frankie Valli, a role he also portrayed on Broadway, and it is very nice to see Christopher Walken as a kindly mob boss who looks out for the kids.

The film is wonderfully shot and the 1950’s nostalgia is apparent throughout via set pieces, costumes, etc.

Is this film edgy? Not in the least. Is it a safe crowd-pleaser? Absolutely!

It is a fun musical experience that does not delve into schmaltz and is quite enjoyable.