MovieChat Forums > Danny Collins (2015) Discussion > A good movie & great Pacino performance.

A good movie & great Pacino performance.

posted 10 years ago by bpollen
10 replies | jump to latest

This movie won't win any academy awards, but this was a good movie that was worth the money, for sure.

The whole reason to see this movie is Al Pacino. He's such a consummate actor! He plays an aging ridiculous looking rock star, and he is 100% into his role. He really DOES look and act like an aging ridiculous rock star, complete with the over the top stupid hair, silly clothes. bronze makeup, earring, beer gut, and platform shoes. When he plays drunk, I swear he actually seems drunk! He was a joy to watch in this movie. He really let his ego go and allowed himself to look bad. That's awesome. He even sings! Pacino singing? Who knew?

Annette Benning did great, as well. The part didn't have much oomph, since this was a Pacino movie. But she played the part well enough that I could imagine him really falling for her, despite their differences.

Nice to see the older stars had not had face lifts.

The Jennifer Garner-guy who plays her husband part of the movie was too schmaltzy for my taste. The guy who plays the husband overacted, and Garner was just tooooooo sweet. But maybe that's because the part was written that way. The little girl was cute, but that was a bit overdone, too.

I recommend this as a feel-good movie. Also, a movie for aging people. Also, a movie for families. Also, a movie for people going through some life change, since the movie shows you can turn things around.

Love Al Pacino!!!!! Be prepared, Pacino fans. He looks pretty awful in some scenes.

[–] pacinoyes 10 years ago

One of the many things that makes Al Pacino so great is the roles he's pulled off that are not what you would necessarily think of or that maybe at first you wouldn't think he's "ideal" for. I haven't seen this film yet, but he can do this kind of thing - think of Frankie & Johnny, which is a good performance but then think how it's by the guy who did so many great performances that are nothing like it and it seems even more impressive.

If you look at his overall filmography, the guy has been genuinely great well over 20 times - even when he's in bad films these last 10 years, he himself is almost never bad.

He's a singular actor and when he has good material he is without question in the upper tier of world actors still.

[–] xxLuciaxx 10 years ago

I agree it will not be an Oscar award contender BUT the movie was excellent in my opinion. It has been awhile since I have seen a movie such as this. We enjoyed Al Pacino's acting and as well as the supporting cast. Overall this was a very sweet movie with excellent acting and we don't make enough of this kind lately.

[–] jsl_99 10 years ago

I know he's done some pretty good work in TV movies over the last few years. But Danny Collins seems like the first good theater Pacino film in a while. According to Fandango it's getting a wider release this weekend. I hope that's the case since I really want to see it.

[–] pacinoyes 10 years ago

"But Danny Collins seems like the first good theater Pacino film in a while."

It definitely seems like his most satisfying and audience friendly film in a long time - maybe since Oceans 13 where he wasn't the lead anyway........I love his HBO work and think some of it is brilliant acting (Angels in America and YDK Jack especially) but it's been a while since he's been in a popular type film that anyone could enjoy.

His last film "The Humbling" I somewhat liked (and loved parts of) but it was the kind of material that half of people are going to hate right away ............he's either been making bad theatrical films or been making challenging, difficult ones that may be good but aren't necessarily enjoyable to sit through...........this looks like something with more mass appeal.

I hope to see it soon too.

[–] Kariann1964 10 years ago

Very good evaluation! Did you notice in the credits, "Piano and Vocal Coach" was shown? You're right, Pacino did sing and play the piano. Giselle Eisenberg wasn't as hyper as I thought she would be, but she is adorable! Yes, it was bad casting of Bobby Cannavale as Pacino's son. He was just too tall, but it was believable in his performance. Pacino still has charisma even as he ages. Perfect date film for all ages.

[–] goobikza 10 years ago

It was ok, but I guess I was hoping for more rock and roll redemption and less personal redemption. I misinterpreted the trailer, I suppose. I don't get why a letter from John Lennon would inspire Danny Collins to show up unannounced at his estranged son's house... 



[–] witeowlK 10 years ago

Really? It seemed very clear to me. It's all about becoming painfully aware of the path not taken and trying to jump over to that path when it seems very much too late... realizing it's late, but hoping it's not too too late. My heart broke for Danny the instant I read that letter.

[–] jsl_99 10 years ago

I saw Danny Collins today and enjoyed it a lot. As a whole I don't think it's an Oscar caliber film. But Pacino's performance is arguably Oscar worthy. He was really in top form here. But regardless I think the film was released too early for him to have a good shot once the Oscar nominations do get named.

But I think Danny Collins should be considered one of Al's best recent movies.

[–] TheRealJaneDoe 10 years ago

I like what this reviewer said:

"The film is less about the likelihood of people actually changing their essence <and more about> the necessity of accepting people's flaws along with their virtues, and making space in your life for anyone who has a good heart and is worth the trouble."

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/danny-collins-2015

I loved it and am also glad I didn't wait until it streamed or came out on On Demand. Partly because I agree the music was perfectly placed and I always like to watch musicals - or movies with a lot of music in them - at the theater.

Look at us. You pretending to be me, signing a book I didn't even write. -Selina Meyer

[–] AnaElisa 10 years ago

I agree this movie won't win any awards...or, it most certainly shouldn't. I was terribly disappointed with the film. The premise was great, but the entire movie was a major schmaltz-fest from beginning to end. Danny Collins was filled with poor writing, insipid dialog, and bad acting. Al Pacino (so wonderful in his prime) gives a performance that is nothing less than cringe-worthy.

There is a terrific soundtrack of wonderful post-Beatles Lennon songs,for which I am certain Yoko Ono was paid a fortune. However, I doubt John would be pleased to have some of his best work back such a silly fluff piece.

Strange days, indeed.

-AnaElisa