See it at the Movies

DANNY COLLINS

Posted 4/15/15

(Original, touching,

reconciliation comedy)

“Danny Collins,” the best movie so far in 2015, opens in the intimate Director’s Hall 21 at the Warwick Showcase, and it is worth the extra …

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See it at the Movies

DANNY COLLINS

Posted

(Original, touching,

reconciliation comedy)

“Danny Collins,” the best movie so far in 2015, opens in the intimate Director’s Hall 21 at the Warwick Showcase, and it is worth the extra charge to see it. You can also order food and beverage, and you have to be 21 or over to get your reserved seat. Not that it mattered for the eight people at the Saturday matinee.

Al Pacino is at his best, playing the title character, an early ’70s rock star making a comeback in his seventies singing his oldies but goodies to packed houses of silver-haired ladies and a new generation who are just discovering him.

Danny is still leading the excessive life of the rock star: L.A. mansion, cheating girlfriend half his age, cocaine and booze, fancy tour bus and adoring fans.

His manager and best friend (Christopher Plummer) gives him a special birthday present: a letter from John Lennon that never reached him, sent to young Danny when he was an up-and-coming rock star. Danny has an epiphany and decides that it is time for changes in his life. He drops everything and heads for New Jersey to connect with a son born out of wedlock whom he never knew (Bobby Carnavale), his daughter-in-law  (Jennifer Garner) and Hope, his hyperactive granddaughter (Giselle Eisenberg). His son wants nothing to do with a father whom he has never seen and has never even acknowledged him.

Danny moves in to a nearby modest Hilton motel, where he charms the staff and guests and fails to win over the motel manager (Annette Benning). When Danny discovers that his son is facing a serious problem, he tries to help. The charming rascal has to work overtime to redeem himself, both with his son and the hotel manager.

While the plot may sound a bit like a soap opera, the outstanding cast makes it work from beginning to end. Pacino will charm you to death. Plummer has a great line when he explains that Danny has a big heart, but…

Benning plays a somewhat frumpy but very wise woman who is smart enough to keep Danny at arm’s length.

This is one of the best movies about redemption and reconciliation we have ever seen. You will laugh, and you will perhaps shed a tear of joy at the final scene. There are many subtle moments during the hour and three quarters. Note the name of the granddaughter: Hope. There are also many of Lennon’s songs in the background that fit a variety of situations and moods.

The movie was actually inspired by a letter that British folk singer Steve Tilston received from John Lennon. 

Rated R because of some profanity, drug use and a bit of nudity. Its redeeming social value makes up for any naughtiness. It is not an adult movie; it is a movie for adults.

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