Danny Collins
Bleecker Street | Release Date: March 20, 2015
6.6
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 73 Ratings
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43
Mixed:
24
Negative:
6
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8
GreatMartinApr 3, 2015
I love being surprised by a movie and “Danny Collins” does just that and more. I had expected Al Pacino, as a 75 year old rock star and song writer still doing sold out concerts, to do what has become his ‘hammy’ star turns since “Scent of aI love being surprised by a movie and “Danny Collins” does just that and more. I had expected Al Pacino, as a 75 year old rock star and song writer still doing sold out concerts, to do what has become his ‘hammy’ star turns since “Scent of a Woman” and , admittedly, I enjoy watching him at full wattage. The film starts with that sort of act but takes a turn when he meets the manager of a Hilton Hotel in New Jersey, Annette Bening, and their exchanges of quick flirting, followed by meeting his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Garner, his hyper active granddaughter Giselle Eisenberg and his estranged son Bobby Cannavale.

There is a scene between Cannavale and Pacino in the latter’s tour bus that is pure gold, watching actors who don’t have to say a word and yet can show the audience exactly what is going on in their minds.

Christopher Plummer shows why he has been a movie star since he made his debut in “Stage Struck” (one of my guilty pleasures) in 1958. Playing Pacino’s friend and manager his timing is impeccable whether making cracks about New Jersey or telling Cannavale about what, and who, his father is or setting up the motivation of the movie.

The film opens with the credit “…kind of based on a true story a little bit,” which at the end explains that Steve Tilston, a British folk singer, received a letter written to him in 1971 by John Lennon in 2005. In “Danny Collins” it is Pacino who receives the letter 43 years later as a birthday present from Plummer.

Directed and written by Dan Fogelman there are a couple of missteps and one plot point that you will either buy or won’t but all the actors deliver for him including Eisenberg who may really be a child with ADHD or a good child actress.

“Danny Collins” will probably be forgotten by the time award season rolls around but this is a must see for Pacino, Plummer and Cannavale fans not to forget people who love movies without special effects.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
ydnar4Jun 17, 2015
Danny Collins is a good directorial debut by Dan Fogelman and is highlighted by a great performance from Al Pacino. Pacino is now known as one of the best actors of all time and this performance is not going to compare to some of his mostDanny Collins is a good directorial debut by Dan Fogelman and is highlighted by a great performance from Al Pacino. Pacino is now known as one of the best actors of all time and this performance is not going to compare to some of his most notable roles but it will continue to impress fans and maybe introduce people to Pacino's past work. Danny Collins has a great plot and its inspired by a true story. There are also many good notable performances in the supporting cast like Bobby Cannavale who probably has his best performance ever. Then you have Jennifer Garner and the delightful and funny Christopher Plummer. Danny Collins is a clichéd film that will remind you of other redemption films but the performances are too strong and the story is too heartwarming to be ignored.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
NerdConsultantJun 28, 2015
danny collins may be slightly cliche but it's a really enjoyable movie that showcases the brilliant talents of Al Pacino, Christopher Plummer, Annette Bening and Bobby Cannavale. I really enjoyed the films looks at musicians constant internaldanny collins may be slightly cliche but it's a really enjoyable movie that showcases the brilliant talents of Al Pacino, Christopher Plummer, Annette Bening and Bobby Cannavale. I really enjoyed the films looks at musicians constant internal crisis of whether success will mean compromise their art and the john Lennon heavy soundtrack is excellent. seriously worth at least one watch… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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1
TBallDec 1, 2015
Released for free on Amazon Prime, I gave this a go last night. This is one of those situations where I wonder if other reviewers and I watched the same film. The premise, intriguing, is wasted by turning it from what might have been anReleased for free on Amazon Prime, I gave this a go last night. This is one of those situations where I wonder if other reviewers and I watched the same film. The premise, intriguing, is wasted by turning it from what might have been an interesting transformation in someone who has wasted his considerable artistic potential for a successful sell out career in schlock and instead veers into a horribly cliched family drama. Pacino is never believable in this role as an aging rock star. He chews the scenery a bit and overacts, as he usually does these days, but never convinces that he is actually a musician. The few on stage moments are embarrassingly bad, albeit as they are intended to be but in way not intended. The few scenes in which he is writing songs at the piano never convince that this guy could ever sing, making Dylan and Cohen sound like Pavarotti. Plummer does a fine job as Danny's friend and manager, Benning's character makes no sense and while the family is adorable and the considerably able supporting cast does their best, they can't really make up for the hole in the middle of this film. Pacino is miscast as Danny Collins unless having someone look like an aging, over the top mafioso doing karaoke was the aim of the director. If making Yoko Ono a few bucks on the soundtrack was the intention, maybe this films score but, to me, Danny Collins is a muddle at best and the "what if" premise is wasted completely. The movie would have worked as well or as badly without it.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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2
jhepApr 21, 2015
A very “iffy” script ultimately does this film in….. The cast (especially Al Pacino who is frequently charming-as-hell but has very little to work with) try in vain to breath life into the film’s not especially interesting story. What theyA very “iffy” script ultimately does this film in….. The cast (especially Al Pacino who is frequently charming-as-hell but has very little to work with) try in vain to breath life into the film’s not especially interesting story. What they have to contend with is the ghost of some relentlessly tragic 1930s Bette Davis “soaper” that lurks just out of sight in almost every scene (Bette Davis is going blind/Danny Collin’s son has leukemia/brave Bette is the only one who knows The Secret and now it will die with her/estranged Pacino‘s little grand-daughter has ADHD and Hope’s only hope- her name IS actually Hope- is to go to the VERY EXPENSIVE SCHOOL her that parents can‘t afford)…..enough already !…..…Another serious problem with the film is that the director himself seems to participate in the Ga-Ga Celebrity Culture he is exploring; none of the film’s material is presented “tongue in cheek”, there is no subtext; almost everyone in this story is a bit of a starstruck hick- including the director.

As a matter of fact the premise of the film itself betrays what can be called dangerously high levels of starstruck-ness i.e., just HOW amazing is it that John Lennon wrote an encouraging letter to a fellow-musician ?…..In your mind’s eye you can almost see the session where the idea for "Dannt Collins" was “pitched” to some wavering potential backer……. “I mean do you GET it !?…...it’s a letter FROM JOHN LENNON !!!…......from LENNON !!!!!!!!…….…the guy GOT this letter ….. He got this letter from JOHN LEN-”.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
beingryanjudeNov 1, 2015
DANNY COLLINS may succeed with the occasional heartwarming moment and a good showing from Al Pacino as the titular musician and flawed patriarch; however, the film falls flat when its shoddy script and predictability are brought together.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
TVJerryApr 15, 2015
Al Pacino is appealing as an aging rock star who decides to reset his life after he discovers he never got from John Lennon. Even though the situation's unique, not a lot about the story is original. Annette Bening provides a charmingAl Pacino is appealing as an aging rock star who decides to reset his life after he discovers he never got from John Lennon. Even though the situation's unique, not a lot about the story is original. Annette Bening provides a charming romantic flirtation and the granddaughter is delightful. It moves along with enuff pluck to occasionally amuse and gradually work its way into our hearts. One of the best things is the soundtrack, which is full of Lennon's wonderful songs. A sweetly charming addition to Pacino's resume.… Expand
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7
duncan1964Jul 16, 2015
Its a long time since we have seen Pacino give a "real" performance on screen, the last few years seeing him usually go way over the top, and its good to have him back. His portrayal of fading rock star Danny Collins is believable andIts a long time since we have seen Pacino give a "real" performance on screen, the last few years seeing him usually go way over the top, and its good to have him back. His portrayal of fading rock star Danny Collins is believable and touching, and his budding romance with a hotel manager is made very moving by having the excellent Annette Bening play opposite him. Throw in Christopher Plummer as his grumpy agent and you have three older Hollywood stalwarts showing the youngsters a thing or two. The only bum note is the song that supposedly made Danny famous - you won't buy it for a second!… Expand
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9
LeZeeJul 4, 2016
A 40 year old letter and the road to redemption.

First of all, the director proved the script is very important to a film's success. He wrote it, basically he's a screenplay writer who had written many great stuffs and this film is hisA 40 year old letter and the road to redemption.

First of all, the director proved the script is very important to a film's success. He wrote it, basically he's a screenplay writer who had written many great stuffs and this film is his first directional venture. He excelled it by picking the right stuffs for the project. As the great actors on-board, it was shot in the fine locations and the music was wonderful. It should have been a dream coming true for him, for a great project to work with.

The dialogues were so brilliant like the poems. I'm sure you won't end watching it without having fun because there were many small-small jokes attached everywhere. It was inspired by the real story of a person, but I think they have made some changes for a cinematic translation, hence it is not a biopic.

Mainly it revolves around 4-5 characters and the cast were amazing in their respective roles. Especially the Al Pacino, without him this film would have not been this much exciting. If you're an his ardent fan, you will going love this from your heart and others as well find it a beautiful drama-music. He was nominated for Golden Globe Awards for his excellent title role display. A very appropriate film for him for his age.

You know in this era, film fans are looking for what superhero film is going to hit the screen, a heartwarming film like this is what makes them realise still there's a hope for small scale films. Only if they're a welcoming type. Especially for the yesteryears actor who are physically can't compete with the young generation actors, films like this is a breather.

This is a tale of an aging star singer who one day discovers a letter written for him by an another great singer of his generation when he was yet to taste the success. 40 years later, that mean now he decides to quit his music tour and begin to trace his family for the unfinished business. So the remaining narration reveals lots of inspiring and heartbreaking events.

"If I am going to find any kind of redemption, I can't waste any more time."

Life as a singer, especially being old and seeking redemption won't quite end as expected. Over the 40 years of addiction to drugs, booze and women, a self-discovery sail begins. In an unpredictable world, anything might happen and so this man's journey tells the impact on the family he's going to meet. It is not just about facing the one who he had abandoned long ago and now trying to fix it, but in reality, life is not easy, especially family means lots of commitment and choosing the best for it should be priority where this film opts that root to reveal a story.

It is almost a good family film, but for the theme the drug parts were essential, so that changed its rating. The sub-plots like how he tries to win a date add more on the romance side of the tale. Kind of predictable because of the heartwarming drama, but differences were made from the twists in the narration. Not of that breathtaking kind, just developed to have a fresh aspect an the well known theme. Especially the ending was so simple yet very cool.

As usual Bobby Cannavale was in a supporting role, but it was kind of different. He shined like a star, he appeared in a well noticeable character than ever. Along with Jennifer Garner, his performance in the film covered an important portion. So it is not just Al Pacino, these guys as well deserves to be appreciated for their contribution. A film that kind of resembles the recent 'Ricki and the Flash', except it was a male version. A product like this hard to come by, so consider to check it out. That means I'm recommending it.

9/10… Expand
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4
AxeTApr 26, 2015
High hopes for this one as always with Pacino, especially after the relatively good notice, but alas it's flat and predictable. No surprises, nothing stands out, and the comedy is weak (much missed opportunity there), and we discover what weHigh hopes for this one as always with Pacino, especially after the relatively good notice, but alas it's flat and predictable. No surprises, nothing stands out, and the comedy is weak (much missed opportunity there), and we discover what we might have already expected… Al is not a good singer.
You can understand why he took the role after such a long, esteemed career of playing just about everything but an aging pop star needing a comeback. He gets to perform a bit but not nearly as much as he should have. It's a shame, he could have been so much funnier with a better script.
The filmmaking is so lazy, they try to pass off LA as NYC (nothing new of course) with obvious LA metro buses in view, numbered curbs as NJ when that's a CA thing, etc. No that's not a big problem, but it is if that's what a viewer is paying attention to instead of the story!
And any hard drinking drug using rock star who isn't also smoking in those scenes is unrealistic.
Name a hard drug user, heavy drinker who doesn't also smoke. It's a lack of attention to details like this that killed the amusing premise.… Expand
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7
kathytreeceNov 1, 2015
Loves all the characters in the movie. And Al Pacino was superb. The plot was nothing unsual, but the actors were wonderful. I watched this movie with a Hennepin County library dvd.
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6
JLuis_001Sep 7, 2017
A pleasant, reliable and entertaining work, although not a movie of the type that would attract a mass audience, but anyhow it is a remarkable work and stands out among many films of the type and many currently released.
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5
DawdlingPoetNov 28, 2021
This is a music based comedy/drama and it features themes including reconciliation, inspiration and songwriting. I didn't feel this was as good a music related drama as one I watched somewhat recently, called 'Crazy Heart', which I alsoThis is a music based comedy/drama and it features themes including reconciliation, inspiration and songwriting. I didn't feel this was as good a music related drama as one I watched somewhat recently, called 'Crazy Heart', which I also reviewed. This film very much seemed to have a main character who was trying to get sympathy, who tries to be cool, calm and although he is somewhat jaded, he clearly still thinks well of himself, to a slightly annoying extent. The way he tries to flirt with women I felt to be a bit cringey and off putting but then maybe thats a personal thing? I don't know. It is amusing at times but it isn't what I'd regard a 'laugh out loud' comedy film - its more a fairly light rom/com or romantic drama maybe. To me, almost all 'rom com's I've seen aren't laugh out loud funny but light and amusing, much as this was for the most part. The plot didn't seem especially original to me.

I should perhaps add that there are some less light and more serious parts within the plot but I felt the script was a little too shallow overall, as far as characterisation is concerned. There is a fair amount of male moping going on, which I didn't find especially engrossing or entertaining. The music played in the background is pretty mope-y in tone too, quiet piano tunes that sounded a bit like 'poor, poor me - what am I a doing-of'. Danny is shown singing one or two of these tunes.

Cast wise, the film features Al Pacino, who plays the titular character, Danny Collins. He does alright in the role but obviously he's not especially known for playing such roles and would rather watch him in a crime/action film personally. I didn't really feel sorry for him, as another character said to him, he's to blame for the situation he's in, for indulging in too many excesses. Other cast members include Annette Bening, who plays Mary Sinclair and Jennifer Garner, who plays Samantha Leigh Donnelly, while Melissa Benoist plays Jamie and a young Giselle Eisenberg plays Hope Donnelly. If anyone steals the show, I'd say it was Giselle as Hope, Samantha's young daughter who is bright and happy and rather hyperactive, much to other peoples frustrations at times.

Content wise, the film contains nudity (full frontal nudity in one instance), strong language and there are scenes depicting drug use (snorting cocaine). There is no real violence present and it isn't scary or otherwise disturbing. Due to this content, the film has been given a 15 rating.

Maybe im being a little harsh? I suppose there surprisingly serious undertones to it towards the end, with the themes changing a bit but I don't want to give any spoilers, so I won't elaborate on that. It just didn't feel very memorable to me and I feel this sort of plot has been written and filmed many times before, in better films (thats my honest opinion - take it or leave it). Also, I felt that the ending left some questions unanswered, which can frustrate a lot of people.

I wouldn't specifically recommend this film as such. Its alright but it felt a little too fake to me - not entirely original and with not brilliant characterisation. I certainly didn't feel particularly sorry for Danny, who the film is all about. It features a good cast and there are some amusing moments but not much else really. It goes from being quite light to be surprisingly serious but it didn't really appeal to me and I doubt I'd feel compelled to watch it again, so I wouldn't recommend it, no.… Expand
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7
geewahFeb 24, 2021
An entertaing and endearing movie about growing up and moving on.
Pacino is back on form here, in a role he has been perfectly cast in.
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