The new film called DANNY COLLINS is about the late-life crisis of an aging rock star played by the 74 year old Al Pacino.
The movie proves Al Pacino can still act. In fact, his sensitive and charming performance in DANNY COLLINS is one of the best reasons to see this entertaining comedy-drama about a rich but unhappy rock star who’s just been going through the motions for more than thirty years.
I was disappointed by a couple of missteps in the plot, but the dialog is clever and funny and all the actors are top notch.
Al Pacino is Danny Collins, an aging rock star who drinks too much, snorts too much cocaine, and is engaged to a woman young enough to be his grand daughter.
But then his friend and manager played by Christopher Plummer gives him a recently discovered letter that John Lennon wrote to Danny in 1971.
Pacino (reading from the letter aloud): Being rich and famous doesn’t corrupt your art; only you can do that….Stay true to yourself. Stay true to your music. My phone number is below. We can discuss this.
Danny, who hasn’t written a new song in thirty years, is distraught.
Danny (to his manager): What would have happened if I’d gotten that letter when I was supposed to?
So Danny quits his tour to seek out the son he abandoned forty years ago, and he moves into a hotel near his son’s home where he meets Mary, a hotel manager played by Annette Benning.
Mary: Are you on drugs?
Danny: Currently or in general?
Mary: Currently.
Danny: No. Dinner?
Mary: You’re asking me to dinner?
Danny: I think so.
Mary: I’m gonna have to decline.
Danny: You’re not a fan?
Mary: Currently or in general?
Danny: In general.
Mary: No.
Danny: But we have good patter.
Things get a good deal more serious when he meets his son’s family.
Son: I’ve spent my whole life trying to be the man that you aren’t.
Danny: I don’t know what to say.
Son: I don’t need you to say anything. I just need you to leave.
Danny: You’re gonna have to deal with it, because I’m here.
DANNY COLLINS isn’t high art or even solid, original drama, but it is an enjoyable showcase for Pacino plus it has a great many moments that are both touching and funny.
Terry Hunter, Hawaii News Now.
thunter@hawaiinewsnow.com