Jersey Boys

Jersey Boys

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 6/20/14

Reviewed 7/7/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

3 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

This story begins in 1959 with four young boys from a rough and tough area of New Jersey coming together to form the rock band The Four Seasons. This is unlike the Broadway show where it is more singing than dialogue, but the film has plenty of singing which makes it so much fun. It's a fascinating account of the rise and very rocky road of this group, which seems commonplace amongst many bands. The film is a little lengthy but we were so captivated that neither one of us wanted to get up. We were afraid of missing something!

The innocent underage teen Frankie Valli (John Lloyd Young) is taken under the wing and protection of older and no-stranger-to-the-law Tommy DeVito (Vincent Piazza). Tommy mixes with gangsters, but one nice guy mobster Gyp DeCarlo (Christopher Walkin) recognizes what Tommy sees -  the voice and talent of Frankie. As a result Tommy, who has good intentions, brings on Frankie in his struggling band.

When the fourth member - gifted Bob Gaudio (Erich Bergen) - strikes a deal to write and sing with them, they get closer to making their big break. They become a 1960s sensation with smash hits, but they are all on one big roller coaster. Money struggles become a huge issue as Tommy (who can't break  away from his seedy connections) keeps dipping into the community money to stay above water. The hero in the story is most definitely Frankie as he becomes the savior to Tommy. It's a fascinating conclusion as the film fast forwards to 1980 when the group is inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and they join up again after many years of being apart.

Jersey Boys doesn't necessarily capture the songs and music quite like the Broadway musical version, but I think Clint Eastwood does a fine job directing this. Gary and I left feeling as though we really saw an enjoyable film!

QUIET Rating system: 3 1/2  Js

Quality: JJJj

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJJj

Entertainment:  JJJJ

Time:  JJj