Posted on 07/10/2014 2:28:17 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
We saw Jersey Boys last night in our local movie theatre. It is the story of Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons, a singing group of the 1960s, and their rise to fame. It is an adaptation of a stage play. The movie is directed and produced by Clint Eastwood, which is eyebrow raising in itself because it does not seem like a typical Eastwood topic.
I approached this movie with some trepidation because of the big, fat R after the title. Normally, I avoid R-rated movies; and I could not find out why it received this rating. However, the music sounded great in the trailers, and I was curious as to what a "Musical directed by Clint Eastwood" would be like.
It was great. We thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. The R rating was earned because of rough language, I'm sure. However, the language was no worse than what you might hear in any middle or high school today. I could handle that.
This movie is FILLED with music. I haven't been to a musical in ages, and this was the best of the genre. The music wasn't gratuitous. It was the story. The music business is a rough place, but there is something to be said for the honor of a "Jersey contract". You'll have to see the movie to find out what that means.
The story is fast paced and you hardly notice that it is 134 minutes long. In fact, nearly all of the people in the theatre stayed throughout the closing credits, just because of the score which had everyone tapping their toes.
Footnote: I don't know how these guys stayed out of jail...
I haven’t seen the movie (yet) but I did enjoy the stage show when it came here as the touring group from its Broadway run. Really love the music!!
Thanks. I’ve been lobbying my wife to see this as a show in Vegas.
I grew up in that NJ area in that era. Very popular group amongst the locals. Four Seasons was a bowling alley we used to bowl at albeit we did not make the connection to the group till later.
This was the era of the Goodfellows portrayed in the movie by the same name. It was an exciting time for me as a young adult. If you had a Caprise or GTO with an 8 track with Valli and his group, you were in!
BTW, Eastwood also did a biopic Bird: Charlie Parker.
I went and saw the movie at the theater. Except for the music, it was a bore. Sorry but it was soooooo boring. The music was great. I would recommend FRiends just buy the CD based on the movie if you really want the best part of the movie. For goodness sake, don’t go to the movie where you will NEVER get those 2 hours back.
Saw the stage show in Vegas. The wife loved it so much we’re going to the movies for the first time in over ten years to see it on the silver screen.
I saw it a few weeks ago - since then I’ve bought a double greatest hits CD, a different greatest hits CD and both the Broadway and movie sound tracks - I’ve been playing the music almost non-stop since then. My brother finally told me a few days ago it was getting old listening to them every time he gets in my car. I just laughed and turned up the volume!
I saw FV at either the ground breaking or dedication of the Vietnam Monument. From what was said, evidently the Four Seasons entertained the troops over there.
EVERYONE was singing along with the music!
Only downside was they did not do the entire songs just parts of them. Still a magnificent show.
Thanks for the info! I grew up in this genre and always liked their music!
Thanks for the review. I rarely go to movies but was thinking of going to this one and possibly my sister’s family. I take my nephew to movies every now and then (especially when he was a little younger - primarily Disney movies). His parents and I have always tried to make sure that movies, music, video-games, etc. are age-appropriate for him.
Do you think this would be appropriate for a 12 year old, or is there a lot of bad language, etc.?
I will see the movie out of respect for Clint Eastwood.
And, then there’s the music :-)
Can’t wait to see the movie. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons was my very first interview as a very young news reporter when they appeared at a county fair in Indiana. They were just beginning their rise to fame.
My wife and I saw Frankie and the Four Seasons a few months back. They put on an amazing show...hard to believe the man just turned 80.
Excellent movie!
Must have been an early prototype...
*laughing* just realized how that sounded!
There is a lot of bad language, although I’m sure your nephew already knows the words. Depends upon your tolerance for such. In this case, the bad language is pretty much part of the Jersey genre.
The other negative is that there are marginal criminal activity and mob relationships portrayed. I’m telling you that (if true) Frankie Valli escaped a really bad life by the skin of his teeth (and by being protected by a “capo”). I’m not sure how much a 12 year old (from another culture, i.e. not Jersey) would understand.
There is some drinking and smoking. I didn’t see drugs. On the good side, Valli keeps his promise to his partners through thick and thin. He also tries to keep his promise to his daughter.
But, overall, it’s the music. The music is pervasive and good.
You’ll want to see it twice, so see it yourself and make the judgement on whether it is suitable for a 12 year old.
I would STILL have that leather purse, except my husband made me give it away to the Goodwill. It was NEVER going to wear out, although the bucket styling was a little impractical.
Well, they sing a lot about Sherry (Shery) throughout the movie!
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