3.5 out of 5 stars
Family appropriateness rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Rated R
-Strong language throughout the film including the f-word
-Some sexual references, but nothing very descriptive
-No nudity or sex scenes
-Mild violence
Despite a weak third act, "Jersey Boys" utilizes a unique, play-like style and excellent music to tell its story in an entertaining way.
The film is the true story of the rise and fall of a group of singers known as the Four Seasons, whose lead is Frankie Valli (John Lloyd Young). It starts off in a New Jersey neighborhood where Valli grew up. He is a younger man who really looks up to Tommy DeVito (Vincent Piazza) the alpha male of the neighborhood. DeVito is not a very good role model, often roping Frankie into his illegal shenanigans.
Frankie is an amazing singer who is very good at hitting high-pitched, falsetto notes. Due to certain circumstances, Tommy lets Frankie join his music trio, which is also comprised of his friend Nick Massi (Michael Lomenda).
All three of them know that in order to get out of their New Jersey neighborhood, they need to become famous. The problem with this is trios are not in very high demand, so they hire a fourth man named Bob Gaudio (Erich Bergen), a virgin who is quite a bit smarter than Tommy, which really annoys the alpha-male.
Most of the first act deals with Frankie's relationship with Tommy. They are distinctly different characters. Frankie at the beginning is a somewhat innocent boy and Tommy is an overly confident man who does not seem as invested in his future. It is interesting to see how their roles get reversed by the end of the second act. While they are poor, Tommy's actions are adaptive, but that is not the case as they get older and more successful.
The dialogue is often very witty especially on the part of Tommy. In the beginning, he says a line about the different types of women. While it is probably a little on the misogynistic side, it is very funny coming from the character. There are a lot of other great moments of dialogue that establish the characters -- especially in the first act -- including one set on a date between Frankie and Mary (Renée Marino), the woman who becomes his wife.
Throughout the film, certain characters talk in monologues as a way to tell exposition. At first this is a little strange, but it adds to the play-like quality of the film. With differing, realistic sets, this is definitely a movie adaptation. However, the script feels like something that is performed on stage. This aspect makes the movie unique and even more fun to watch.
Once the second act starts, it is more about how the group rises to fame. This is when most of the songs are played as the group comes up with new ones. While this is the most entertaining part of the film, it fails to show how some of the important relationships have been changing. It does a good job showing confusion being caused by Tommy, but it does not do that until near the end of the second act. Furthermore, the Nick character is never fleshed out enough to where I really care about him, and some of the things he does end up being very important in the end.
Another important thing that needed more development is the relationship between Frankie and Mary. The audience sees them get married, but after that, there is very little about it until near the end. Frankie's family life becomes such an important part of the third act, but because there is very little set up in the beginning, it is very hard to feel what is going on.
The music throughout the film is phenomenal. It is comprised mostly of older songs that most people already know. However, seeing it performed on the big screen in the style that it was directed is worth seeing.
Director Clint Eastwood does a great job getting a "Godfather" feel with a combination of lighting and acting. A lot of the cinematography is dark and moody like the classic trilogy, and the actors do a great job carrying out the mannerisms of Italian-Americans from New Jersey.*
Every actor does an excellent job in this film. The one that stands out the most is Vincent Piazza as Tommy. He pulls off the uncontrollable alpha-male role very well. John Lloyd Young also does a great job giving off a Michael Corleone vibe.
Though she is not in it very much, Renée Marino deserves to be mentioned. This is her debut role, and she does a very good job with what she has. I would not mind seeing her in more films.
While it has its share of problems, the witty dialogue, excellent acting and catchy music make "Jersey Boys" worth the price of admission.
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*Just so everyone who might be offended knows, this film is not "The Godfather," but it is obvious that Eastwood was at least partially inspired by it. Also, I do realize that the classic film is set in New York. I was talking more about the heritage aspect than the location.
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