Jersey Boys

FLIX!

After the Clint Eastwood stunt at the Republican National Convention in 2012 (remember, him talking to an empty chair?) I vowed that Clint Eastwood had gotten the last dime of mine he'd ever get - and I collect Cowboy movies, so he's made quite a bit off me. But then, I kept thinking, would I want my Republican friends to never want to go see Bruce Springsteen, and miss the opportunity to tell their wide-eyed grandchildren that they had once seen The Boss in concert? So, I want to put it out there Repub pals, I made the first effort. And if you get a chance to see Bruce, go.

So here I am in a theater seeing Jersey Boys. A film made of the Broadway show about a band I never really liked. And a director I'm ticked at. But I should back up a little.

In 1959, as most will acknowledge, the Music died. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash. Elvis got drafted. Duane Eddy got killed in a car accident. Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13 year old cousin and was ostracized. Gene Vincent got into a crippling accident. And Little Richard was in an airplane when an engine failed. He got on his knees and told God that if God will spare him he would stop playing the "Devil's Music". He lived and he did. So there becomes this musical void.

What filled it? Novelty songs like "Beep Beep", "The Monster Mash", and "Purple People Eater." And songs in Japanese - "Sukiyaki", not to mention Singing Nuns. Only about five good things came out of this 5 year period werein all sat in Rock and Roll purgatory twiddling our thumbs and waiting for The Beatles. They were Dion, Girl Groups, Berry Gordy and the beginnings of what would become Motown Records, The Beach Boys and Surf Rock, and The Four Seasons.

Like I said right up front I was never a big Four Seasons fan. They were, to me, an off-shoot of do-wop and that era had gone by. If I said otherwise, my close friends would know I'm lying. But time has a way of mellowing everything. I was never a big Beach Boys fan either, but springtime sure seems a lot better when I catch "Be True To Your School", Help Me Rhonda", or "Surfer Girl" on the oldies dial. Reagan is starting to get a pass. I'm mellowing to the point wherein I can at least say "Laugh-In" was funny at the time, and that maybe wishing Nixon would have been buried with a wooden stake through his heart was a bit extreme.

So now there's Jersey Boys. Clint Eastwood directs and does a masterful job here. The time period sets and props are a thing of beauty. But more than that, there is the story of four guys from the wrong side of the tracks in Newark, New Jersey, who didn't just make music, but have a story to tell. The story begins in 1951 and Frankie is about 16. Right off the bat we are introduced to elements that would allow these guys to go wrong. But watching the elements that gradually and actually come together is a lot of fun.

The boys have come to become a trio, headed by Tommy DeVito, and for some reason trios are out. So they need to add a fourth. While talking to their pal Joey (who turns out to become the real-life actor Joe Pesci) they get introduced to Bob Gaudio and this is the moment. This guy is the writer and piano player. And the band starts to gel, and end up in New York.

There is a great back story here how Tommy bankrolls the groups first New York Recording sessions, and the consequences of that. But along the way we are treated to the music. Their first big session? "Sherry." I'd forgotten how sweet and magical this simple song is. And Gaudio wrote it, and these guys played the instruments. And Frankie Valli killed it (although I always thought his falsetto was contrived and that anyone could do that) it still works. On and on we go through hit after hit, and trial, and tragedy, and misery, and success, and ups and downs.

The film finally works its way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductions of 1990, when the Four Seasons are inducted and the originals all sing together one last time. Complete with each "Season" looking into the camera and talking about what they do now. Ironically, Tommy DeVito now works for Joe Pesci, the kid he used to slap around in the old neighborhood.

Frankie Valli is played magnificently by John Lloyd Young and this is only like his 7th film credit (very cool, Clint). Tommy DeVito was played superbly by Vincent Piazza. I love this guy as Lucky Luciano in "Boardwalk Empire". Let's break this guy to the big screen already! (Okay, cool again, Clint), Bob Gaudio is played by Erich Bergan. I don't know either, but he's fabulous!!, as Mike Doyle's Bob Crewe character would say. (Nice going Clint). And finally, Nicky, played by Michael Lomenda (this is like his first big gig...kudo's again you aging Repub!), and he knocks it out of the park.

Others? Joseph Russo as Joey. Remember how I said he was actually the real life Joe Pesci? And hats off to the writers on this one: they sneaked in other Pesci references..... "Funny? Funny how?" - (Goodfellas), and "Okay, Okay Okay!" - (Lethal Weapon)..... And then there is the amazing Christopher Walken. He never disappoints me. He took me back to "True Romance" wherein he and an unknown James Gandofini interrogate Dennis Hopper.

I liked this film a lot. Maybe it made me nostalgic. Maybe it made me homesick for those times when these songs were on the radio and my garage band "The Lemon Fog" was playing our first original "I Really Care" at Sheri Orcutt's 16th birthday party. Maybe, just maybe, these tunes weren't that bad after all.

I have a different feel for these Jersey Boys now. And guys, even with all the moles, scars, and warts, I like you better. This film gives you heart. And Character. What else could you have wanted or hoped for?

My only regret is that Pat McBain didn't see this. Sorry readers....permit me the occasional personal digression.....

Blended

FLIX!

I must admit something right up front. This was the first time I ever saw an Adam Sandler movie. Now, a lot of people would be shocked at that. I know lots of folks that love this guy and have seen all of his movies. And these are people whose opinion I respect. But, I just never was drawn to the guy. His Saturday Night Live sketches wherein he sang songs with nonsensical rhymes just left me flat. I never thought he was that funny.

And then there is Drew Barrymore. I will never forget that at a very young age when she was in "ET" how she would look at the camera and almost laugh, being totally out of character. Okay, I guess I have to forgive that in a kid. But I'm not going to give her a free pass because she's part of the renowned Hollywood Barrymore family. But I will acknowledge her because she has not always done great work, at least darn it, she's trying. And in some cases she's turning in some darned nice performances. See "Riding In Cars With Boys". It's not her fault she's not offered things of much substance. And she appreciates film ala Turner Classic Movies.

The Sandler/Barrymore onscreen thing started with "The Wedding Singer." And then there was "50 First Dates."And now this. "Blended."

So the story goes like this: Drew Barrymore (Lauren) is a recent divorcee who agrees to go on a blind date with Adam Sandler (Jim). Jim takes her to a Hooters for their date. She is a little put-off by this and it goes down-hill from there. Her wings are too hot and she does spit takes all over herself, and Sandler is phoning this scene in, and I thought, "yep, this is exactly why I have never gone to an Adam Sandler movie."

But then the story starts to shape up. We find out that Lauren is stuck raising two total misfit boys (who honestly could make a case for retro-abortion), and Jim has lost his wife to cancer. Jim also has three daughters, each with her own special set of challenges.

The date does not go well, and understandably each vows to never to see the other again. But then, the waitress went and mixed up their credit cards.....

Through a weird turn of events, both families end up being able to get a discounted vacation to a resort in Africa. And they run into each other. And because they each bought pieces of the same vacation, they have to share the dining table, and rooms etc.

Slowly the families warm up to each other and we slowly begin rooting for the two parents to get together. And slowly they begin to. Even to the point of a kiss, and then Jim just can't because he isn't ready.

Upon the return to the US, Jim finally decides that he's been foolish and that he loves Lauren. He goes to see her, but her ex is there creating mayhem. Soon enough though Jim can't stay away and of course there is a great ending.

Involved in all this is one of Jim's daughter's who can't let her mother go. There is a scene when she decides it's time because "Mom says she has lots of stuff to do" that had my wife in tears. His oldest is becoming a young woman with help from Lauren who is allowing and helping this daughter's feminine self to emerge. Jim meanwhile is helping one of the boys improve his baseball skills. Essentially being the father that the kid is lacking.

Overall I did like the movie. It had it's faults. A lot of them for my money. For instance, at the resort there is a singer with his back-up guys that are waayyyy over used and aren't funny, and still we see them time and time again. Some of the jokes try too hard and are predictable. (The kid in the petting zoo with a stuffed animal). The old guy that always falls asleep. Stupid, crummy, and is what makes for awful movies.

But there is the chemistry between Barrymore and Sandler that helps pull this out of the dumpster. I know the Producers thought they could save this by having all of the African shots to keep it interesting, and that might be so, but I think the casting here - and I don't mean just the adult leads, I mean Jim's daughters, was tremendous. Lauren's sons were hacks and terribly written. I hope they never work again. Well maybe I have to forgive that in a kid (again) and blame it on the writers. But still the girls were all good.

So overall a nice romantic comedy. My wife will want to buy the DVD. I might even watch it.

Grade: B-