Warner Bros. | Release Date: June 20, 2014
6.6
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Generally favorable reviews based on 104 Ratings
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59
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35
Negative:
10
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6
cabales1Jun 21, 2014
I felt the picture was darker and more somber than I had anticipated. Eastwood is a master at period accuracy, and this movie showed his attention to detail. But the drama kept the movie moving at a slower pace, and the music scenes didn't pop.
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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4
TVJerryJun 24, 2014
Usually, I don't compare a book or play to the movie adaptation, but in this case it's necessary. If you're expecting the hit brought to the big screen, you're in for a huge letdown. This dreary tale focuses on the unpleasant reality from theUsually, I don't compare a book or play to the movie adaptation, but in this case it's necessary. If you're expecting the hit brought to the big screen, you're in for a huge letdown. This dreary tale focuses on the unpleasant reality from the show without any of the life and fun that the music added. It chronicles the personal life behind The Four Seasons, but makes everyone unattractive and unlikable. They pose and argue like mini Sopranos without ever enjoying their success. Director Clint Eastwood has chosen equally harsh light and an ugly pallatte that makes the drama even more dreadful. To heap on the insult, their hits are often relegated to background music and that closing music video is just embarrassing. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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6
tropicAcesJun 21, 2014
The first 1/3 of the film almost felt like "Goodfellas", and I was really digging the tone (excuse the old saying). And of course all the scenes with the music were really well done and catchy. There were even a handful of clever laughsThe first 1/3 of the film almost felt like "Goodfellas", and I was really digging the tone (excuse the old saying). And of course all the scenes with the music were really well done and catchy. There were even a handful of clever laughs thrown in.

The film's biggest problem is maintaining a single tone throughout, especially in the final act. The tempo just hits a wall when it choses to focus more on Frankie than the band, and the enjoyment of the movie suffers because of it.

The movie is very well-made and 2/3 of it are good. But that other third is slow and borderline boring. Guess we get a little bit of both of Eastwood's directing signatures: when its good its good, but when its slow, oh boy is it slow.
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7
foxgroveJun 21, 2014
It takes a fair while but eventually this bio-pic based on the better stage show about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons manages to hit most of the right notes. However, it does take nearly a full hour for the film to even begin to find itsIt takes a fair while but eventually this bio-pic based on the better stage show about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons manages to hit most of the right notes. However, it does take nearly a full hour for the film to even begin to find its feet and for the first hit, Sherry, to be sung. Then two more songs quickly follow (Big Girls Don't Cry and Walk Like a Man) within a time frame of 15 minutes. From here on in the film starts to come alive and the second half presents a much more cohesive and digestible movie.

The opening hour is full of caricature and every cornball cliché in the bio-pic book and makes for tedious, even irritating viewing. This is compounded by an annoying performance from Vincent Piazza as bad boy Tommy, who thankfully all but disappears from the last act. The actors portraying the other band members fare much better. Michael Lomenda is best at delivering the direct to camera monologues, a device which generally adds nothing beyond its gimmicky intent. Erich Bergen stands out as song writer Bobby and John Lloyd Young, after a bit of a struggle, manages to get to grips with Frankie Valli.

Despite seeming to possess all the right credentials to make the film soar, it has to be said that Clint Eastwood's direction is for the most part both listless and uninspired. The cinematography is flat and the colour palette washed out, especially in the first half. Other production values seem strangely muted for a period piece. There is perfect precision though, in one lengthy but excellent scene revolving around money issues, which also signals the end for the group.

The last scene over the final credits demonstrates what the film could have technically done better. This sequence is cut well and finally we have some colour and pizzazz in a musical number. Before this, competence alone has reigned supreme leaving the songs themselves to elevate proceedings. Let's face it the film should be all about those songs. Here it's just a shame that the vehicle showcasing them is not firing on all cylinders.
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8
Syoung16Jun 20, 2014
The movie spends a lot more time on the drama behind the music and it is not as uplifting as the musical. The cast is great and so are the songs. All in all, it is still great that the 4 Seasons finally got some appreciation after beingThe movie spends a lot more time on the drama behind the music and it is not as uplifting as the musical. The cast is great and so are the songs. All in all, it is still great that the 4 Seasons finally got some appreciation after being overshadowed by the Beatles and Stones. When I saw the play, when Gaudio wrote and they performed Sherry, the audience stood and cheered. The movie did not pack the same punch. Yet, I enjoyed it. Expand
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6
JTHOUSTONJun 21, 2014
Clint Eastwood makes great dramas - not musicals! This movie should be a feel good musical with a story weaved in. Instead, Mr Eastwood told a dramatic story (or tried to) and included the great Four Seasons music. Even with its flaws, IClint Eastwood makes great dramas - not musicals! This movie should be a feel good musical with a story weaved in. Instead, Mr Eastwood told a dramatic story (or tried to) and included the great Four Seasons music. Even with its flaws, I enjoyed every minute. It just could have been so much better!
(Remember "Grease?")
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
horcrux2007Sep 3, 2014
"Jersey Boys" isn't the most original movie I've ever seen, and it is quite long. However, it's full of heart, energy, and good humor. The acting is, well, annoying in the first act of the film, but it eventually does get better, and the"Jersey Boys" isn't the most original movie I've ever seen, and it is quite long. However, it's full of heart, energy, and good humor. The acting is, well, annoying in the first act of the film, but it eventually does get better, and the musical numbers are great. It focuses more on the drama behind the music rather than the music itself, which made the film very interesting. I've never seen the Broadway musical, but this film encourages me to go see it. Expand
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8
AdeeJun 25, 2014
At the end of the movie I clapped along with the audience. I cannot stop singing the music. I saw the musical Jersey Boys on Broadway and I enjoyed it almost as much. This is a movie that I will see more than once. I love the narration. ClintAt the end of the movie I clapped along with the audience. I cannot stop singing the music. I saw the musical Jersey Boys on Broadway and I enjoyed it almost as much. This is a movie that I will see more than once. I love the narration. Clint Eastwood did a terrific job, as always. Listen to the audience, not the critics on this one - They must have seen a different movie. Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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5
fantasyJun 22, 2014
Let me preface my review by telling you that the Broadway Musical Jersey Boys is one of my all time favorites. I have seen it a total of 12 times. Having said that I must report that it would be very tough to compare any movie to the actualLet me preface my review by telling you that the Broadway Musical Jersey Boys is one of my all time favorites. I have seen it a total of 12 times. Having said that I must report that it would be very tough to compare any movie to the actual Broadway show. Believe me I wanted to LOVE it. Unfortunately Director Clint Eastwood who I think the world of is absolutely clueless in directing this movie. Whereas the Broadway version captures the audience's attention in the first few minutes putting a smile on your face, the movie is dark, tedious, and very slow for the first hour or so. It just doesn't resonate with the viewer.. The second hour is somewhat better, but where the Broadway audience is taken on a joy ride, handing out standing ovations, while at the same time, crying with Frankie Valli on the death of his beloved daughter, this movie version just falls flat on its face. There is little or no character development. The fabulous songs of the Four Seasons are treated more or less like window dressing, nothing more. To be perfectly honest, the best part of the movie is when its over, the credits are rolling, and the cast is singing and dancing in the street. I would have loved to give Jersey Boys a perfect ten but it's impossible to do so. I recommend that when the touring company comes to your City, run don't walk, to see one of the best shows Broadway has ever produced. I'm sorry to say the movie does it no justice. Sorry. Expand
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4
GreatMartinJun 20, 2014
“Jersey Boys”, the musical, has been playing on Broadway and around the world for over 9 years. Within the past two years it has played in both Miami and Fort Lauderdale to sell out crowds and today it has come out as a musical directed by“Jersey Boys”, the musical, has been playing on Broadway and around the world for over 9 years. Within the past two years it has played in both Miami and Fort Lauderdale to sell out crowds and today it has come out as a musical directed by Clint Eastward who is known as an actor, a man with a musical ear and has had fame as a director. If you can make it through the first hour or, even better, skip the first hour you will be rewarded with the second hour. Where the Broadway musical was a musical first, featuring the songs of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, in the film the music doesn’t take the spotlight until the credits. Up to that point we are shown bits and pieces of songs, their TV appearances, a couple of songs as the background for scenes.

The story is of a group of guys (or in the case of the Supremes and other female groups) from the 50s and 60s who come from the neighborhood, have 'overnight' success after paying their dues and then fall apart going their own way and one steps out into the spotlight having fame as a soloist. Tommy is the one who gets the group together, gambles, shorts the IRS, gets himself, and the rest of the group involved with the mob and though they never discuss it he breaks one of the three New Jersey 'rules', by hitting on Frankie's girlfriend.

We follow the Four Seasons with each member of the group, taking all the credit, telling you how they were responsible for their huge success of the act and, by combining, all the stories the audience gets a look behind the scenes of four guys from Jersey, their beginning and end.

Frankie Valli is played by John Lloyd Young, who starred in the role and won a Tony for his performance, does a good job in the singing department but doesn’t have the gravitas that the role needs on film. It could also be that Mr. Valli as an associate producer of the movie may have influenced the writers, Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, who also wrote the Broadway show, to be ‘too good to be true’. Bob Gaudio, also an associate producer, played by Erich Bergen, and who wrote many of the hits for both the 4 Seasons and Valli and a solo performer, is the only one not born in the ‘hood and, it seems, the only virgin in the group!

While the film seems to focus on Valli, more than the other guys, it is Vincent Piazza as Tommy DeVito, who makes the biggest impact. Michael Lomenda as Nick Massi, who played the role on tour in Fort Lauderdale, has one telling scene that he puts over with feeling.

There are 3 other major roles one being Christopher Walken as a ‘Godfather’ type, who surprisingly is disappointing, Joseph Russo as real life Joe Pesci who does a good job and an outstanding Mike Doyle as gay record producer Bob Crewe who sends the boys on their path to stardom. The actresses are delegated to roles as wives, girlfriends and/or daughters, none really given the scenes to make them an important part of the film.

The film takes us from the beginning of the group until they are inducted to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame and finally it becomes an all out musical.

“Jersey Boys” is a film for fans of Frankie Valli, The 4 Seasons and do-wop music who should make for a good return on the production.
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8
Forrestgump1Jul 31, 2014
In the slum-dog age with the likes, and attests of the fortunate merry band of filmmakers turning huge Broadway productions into sensational motion pictures. Audience members, including myself, have seen this across the world; with such wellIn the slum-dog age with the likes, and attests of the fortunate merry band of filmmakers turning huge Broadway productions into sensational motion pictures. Audience members, including myself, have seen this across the world; with such well known titles, “Mamma Mia”, “Chicago”, “Rent” and, of course, “Les Miserables”. As fate would have proceeded, we have the wondrous, sometimes oversaturated, and embracing musical flux “Jersey Boys”. The latest musical adaptation to hit the silver screen, and much like the angel voice of Frankie Valli, the film is sweetly visceral, yet profoundly touching.
Nine years ago, the subdued Frankie Valli was inducted into a new generation of musical enthusiasts. He was resurrected by the Tony award winning stage production of the same name. From then on, the rest is history. The show, and film, chronicles the story of the rise and fall of the notorious Four Season, or “Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons”. Saving the four crooks from a lifetime of smuggling, dealing and heartache. The band cranked out four unstoppable hits including the likes of; “Sherry”, “Walk Like A Man” and the upbeat, high pitched anthem “Big Girls Don’t Cry”

Nobody could argue that these songs aren’t timeless, but granted if you took any song from this era everyone could have a jingle with it. The portion that is seemingly potent is the talented cast, and what is done with the source material. It should only seem fitting that John Lloyd Young take on the role that won him a Tony in 2006, portraying Frankie Valli. Which is truly a remarkable achievement. The vocal pitch-range, is extremely tough to come by naturally. In terms of hitting the notes, and such Young was the “bees knees”. In contrast, I didn’t believe for one second in the opening scenes he was supposed to be 16, when in real life he is actually 38. Believe it or not, looks are deceiving because, when Young opens his mouth and starts belting that high nasal falsetto...wow.

The real show stealer belongs to Vincent Piazza the only actor of the four whom didn’t revive a role from Broadway. (Young, Michael Lomenda, and Erich Bergen all played their same characters from the stage production). The flow, consistency and humble brutality that Piazza enfuses into the ruthless thug, Tommy DeVito is one for the books. I was immensely captivated and enriched everytime he graced the screen. If there’s only just a reason to see “Jersey Boys” Piazza’s performance is that reason.

Michael Lomenda, who portrays Nick Massi the bands bass player, and Erich Bergen playing the bands lead writer Bob Gaudio are evenly spot on, even if their accents could use a little work. It doesn’t hurt that they previously played these roles, so to them it’s eerily comfortable, and that relaxation shows. Christopher Walken also steps into the limelight as the mentor and welcoming Gyp.

Being helmed by a legend all the same as it’s band of misfits, Director Clint Eastwood takes the source material one step ahead of the bunch. Crafting a larger than scale buffet of musical endeavours, and stage churning performances that easily cater to the talented crew in front of the camera. With the huge ticket sales, much like Les Mis, still pouring in; a live film adaptation seemed financially plausible. Which doesn’t mean the film doesn’t surrcomb with it’s fair share of flaws, there are a few. Running times have been a keen issue with films lately. “Jersey Boys” at times thinks it’s a stage production, and can keep up with the pace it sets. While evidently this portrays quite nicely early on, however, once the two hour mark pulls up; the audience is left feeling a bit clogged.

Ideally, the biggest fault, we also never really get to know the man behind the music. Frankie Valli is an impeccable persona, that would have been ideal to know. However, when you only have a set time frame, and strict studio restrictions; what else could be done, or cut to fit the time allotted?. Eastwood does his best to make sure we have a deeper connection within the film’s main protagonists. Including breaking the coveted fourth wall which, in my oh so humble opinion, made the film all the more worthwhile.

In addition, giving the context of the story, the film is told through the lifespans of the band. Which means each actor had to portray each character from early teens to late sixties. These actors are talented. However, when you see the final scene there are no favors given by the makeup department. Given all the critical backlash from Eastwood’s past (I’m looking at you “J Edgar”) you would think some thought would be given. Alas, I digress.

Still, when it boils down. The film earns the name “Jersey Boys” and for most musical enfucatinatos, this adaptation will likely get the good graces among that community. Even though I wanted to spend more time with these characters. I was distinctly satisfied with where things ended, and transcended all the same. The music will continue for generations to come, and thanks to this film it can live on just a little bit more.

B+

By: Nate Adams

Directed By: Clint Eastwood
Rated: R
Run-Time: 140 mins
Studio: Warner Bros.
Release Date: June 20th 2014

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9
MargateExpertJul 6, 2014
The single review I read before seeing this film was over-the-top nasty -- but also mostly wrong. The reviewer, presumably a relative youngster, appears to have missed the fact that the material was deliberately presented in the hokey styleThe single review I read before seeing this film was over-the-top nasty -- but also mostly wrong. The reviewer, presumably a relative youngster, appears to have missed the fact that the material was deliberately presented in the hokey style of a 1940s/50s Hollywood biopic. Plot points in 'Jersey Boys' are not subtle, the gangsters are not Joe Pesci-style psychopaths, and the acting is definitely not Method. Some biopics that possess the gritty qualities of real life – films about Johnny Cash, Lenny Bruce, Ray Charles, Jacqueline Dupre and Andy Kaufman come to mind -- are engrossing as a kind of cinema verite. But equally engrossing are some of the hokiest bios of an earlier generation, including The Glenn Miller Story, The Five Pennies, The Eddy Duchin Story, The Pride of the Yankees and Lust for Life (Kirk Douglas as Vincent Van Gogh.)

A key point in Jersey Boys concerns how Frankie Valli's career took off when song writer Bob Gaudio entered his life musically. Valli had been singing Dean Martin-type songs before then, and although it's clear that his voice would have been interesting to anyone in the audience, the songs failed to take advantage of his unique vocal gifts. So when Gaudio sits down at the piano and riffs a “perfect” Frankie Valli song, viewers get the same electrical jolt that Valli himself and the members of his band must have felt when they realized what had been missing from their music all along. Although it's possible that no such epiphany occurred and that the musical meshing of Gaudio and Valli evolved over weeks or months rather than in a single, dramatically charged instant, the film succeeds at artfully compressing the process so that it packs an old-fashioned dramatic wallop.

As Picasso said, art is a lie that tells the truth. Director Eastwood does this so well here that we are reminded not only of his great gift for presenting musical themes and subjects, but of the enormous skill he has acquired as a director over the years in choosing which details to emphasize visually and aurally. Eastwood is no less talented as a producer, and he has spared no expense in giving this film the look of the Fifties and Sixties when the Four Seasons climbed from obscurity to the top of the pop-music world. If you enjoyed the stage version of “Jersey Boys,” you will also appreciate the addition of some important biographical material that presumably was cut from the play because it might have bogged it down. It adds dramatic weight to the story without burdening viewers with too many plot lines and characters. This is one of the summer’s best films so far, a great “date movie,” and a highly entertaining way to spend a couple of hours.
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8
MindSpazJun 29, 2014
If you are expecting a musical, then turn back now. You probably will not like the movie if you loved the musical. But, if you like a great drama, then go ahead and see this movie. It is not nearly as light hearted as the Broadway show, itsIf you are expecting a musical, then turn back now. You probably will not like the movie if you loved the musical. But, if you like a great drama, then go ahead and see this movie. It is not nearly as light hearted as the Broadway show, its more of a dark tone drama. Focused more behind the music, and the meaning of each song, rather than the actual songs, singing and dancing, ect. You will hear popular Four Seasons songs in the movie, and they are performed well in my opinion. I really enjoyed this movie, and it's probably one of my favorites this year. Definitely worth the watch, and your money. Expand
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7
catcarloJun 24, 2014
Tratto da uno dei maggiori successi di Broadway nel decennio scorso, il nuovo film di Eastwood rappresenta la realizzazione del desiderio del regista di mettere la sua firma sotto a un musical, tanto da accettare di prendere il posto di JonTratto da uno dei maggiori successi di Broadway nel decennio scorso, il nuovo film di Eastwood rappresenta la realizzazione del desiderio del regista di mettere la sua firma sotto a un musical, tanto da accettare di prendere il posto di Jon Favreau a progetto già avviato. Si tratta di un'ulteriore tappa nella esplorazione dei generi classici hollywoodiani e il risultato è una commedia musicale a tutto tondo (a testimoniarlo basterebbe la gioiosa scena collettiva sulla quale scorrono i titoli di coda) in cui i conflitti vengono smussati e anche il boss mafioso Gyp DeCarlo – nei cui panni gigioneggia divertito Cristopher Walken – è rappresentato soltanto come un bonario, per quanto rispettato, ‘facilitatore’. La storia di Frankie Valli e dei futuri Four Seasons - Vivaldi chi? - inizia nel New Jersey con un vago sentore di ‘American Graffiti’ che pervade le peripezie di quattro ragazzi italoamericani alla ricerca del successo: in questa prima parte la scena è dominata dal chitarrista e piccolo intrallazzatore Tony Visconti (Vincent Piazza) che spesso e volentieri parla direttamente in macchina – come pure succede più avanti al bassista Nick Massi (Michael Lomenda), facendo nascere più di un sospetto che si tratti di un omaggio a ‘Quei bravi ragazzi’ – e dà l'avvio alla scalata organizzando le prime serate nei locali del circondario. A questo punto l'attenzione si sposta sul personaggio di Valli (John Lloyd Young), narrando la crescita verso il vertice della parabola e la susseguente discesa, che inizia proprio in uno dei momenti di massimo successo (l’esibizione all’Ed Sullivan Show), ma non si trasforma in un crollo rovinoso, anzi il cantante riuscirà ancora a piazzare qualche buon colpo come solista, ‘Grease’ e ‘Can't take my eyes off you’ su tutti. Proprio la genesi di quest'ultimo brano si trova al centro di quella che, assieme alla panoramica a salire sul Brill Building e sui relativi generi musicali, è una delle scene più belle del film. In essa, Valli sta seduto da solo in un diner dopo la morte della figlia mentre fuori cade la neve e viene raggiunto da Bob Gaudio (il tastierista e compositore del gruppo, interpretato da Erich Bergen) che gli propone lo spartito con il quale trovare la forza di ripartire: un insieme di narrazione e inquadrature che dice molto della sensibilità di un regista che sa ben raccontare la malinconia. Un altro tema caro a Eastwood è il rapporto padre-figlio, che qui però appare solo in una dimensione secondaria: in tutta la pellicola il registro drammatico risulta solo accennato (si veda anche il difficile rapporto di Valli con la moglie) e fatica ad amalgamarsi al tono da commedia che caratterizza l'andamento complessivo quando in scena non ci sono le canzoni (che sono, ovviamente, parecchie, a partire dalla celeberrima ‘Sherry’). Tra i tanti pregi dello zio Clint è, del resto, anche la notevole capacità di mettere in immagini la musica, sia quando essa è protagonista, sia quando è parte integrante nello sviluppo della storia e questo anche quando il genere è lontano dalle sue preferenze (che come noto, sono orientate al jazz): perché il tutto risultasse più efficace, il regista ha voluto che gli interpreti fossero gli stessi del musical (Young ha vinto un Tony per la sua interpretazione teatrale) o comunque provenissero da quel mondo e le canzoni sono state eseguite direttamente sul set. Su un tocco di nostalgia per gli anni migliori che non tornano più – dal palco della Hall of Fame il ricordo torna al vecchio quartiere – si chiude una pellicola che, per quanto detto in precedenza e perché il coinvolgimento emotivo non riesce sempre ad essere al massimo, non è certo un capolavoro, ma che comunque garantisce due ore leggere di ottimo intrattenimento. Il che, poi, è un problema per l’ex Biondo (che si cita in un fotogramma da ‘Rawhide’): da lui ci si aspetta sempre il colpo d'ala e, quando si limita al solido mestiere, c’è sempre qualcuno che finisce per storcere il naso. Expand
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10
nicolexJun 28, 2014
I agree with the person who said listen to the peoples reviews not the critics over this film. It was well made you felt you were back in the day as so authentic. A thoroughly enjoyable film ,well acted and presented.I cant tell you how muchI agree with the person who said listen to the peoples reviews not the critics over this film. It was well made you felt you were back in the day as so authentic. A thoroughly enjoyable film ,well acted and presented.I cant tell you how much we enjoyed it other than to say we have already been to see it twice and will buy as soon as it comes out on DVD welldone Clint. .definetly worth going to see.Such a shame if it doesnt get the people in it so deserves .we also all ended up on our feet dancing. AMAZING Expand
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3
JohnnyScumbagJul 20, 2014
The film begins with an exciting tone but quickly overdose it. The film is a 2 hour show of why Frankie Valli should be known in the world and rather than letting the Frankie Valli story prove his significance through an autobiographicalThe film begins with an exciting tone but quickly overdose it. The film is a 2 hour show of why Frankie Valli should be known in the world and rather than letting the Frankie Valli story prove his significance through an autobiographical film. It seems the movie is trying to ruthlessly 'convince' the audience that Frankie Valli is great and a wiseguy. Also the portrayal of Italian culture at times was deeply comical and borderline offensive. The portrayal of gangster culture and figures was deeply cliche and stereotypical and you can tell that nobody involved in writing has ever seen basic gangster classics like Goodfellas. If I had to describe the movie, it would be like a high school play about Frankie Valli with the cast being the local prep squad and drama club who have never seen a crime genre movie in their lives. Clint Eastwood fails at trying to prove himself as a director miserably. This is one movie where nobody feels lucky at the end. Expand
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6
LynJul 5, 2014
The worst thing about "Jersey Boys," you already know if you've read bios of your favorite musicians, artists, actors: that the artistic endeavors that bring you such joy don't necessarily spring from joy on the part of their originators. SoThe worst thing about "Jersey Boys," you already know if you've read bios of your favorite musicians, artists, actors: that the artistic endeavors that bring you such joy don't necessarily spring from joy on the part of their originators. So as a fan from way back, I found the Four Seasons' backstories interesting and well-acted, if kind of sordid at times. Not quibbling with the approach of the film itself (except for the ripoff of the "Slumdog Millionaire" ending). But I would have loved more of the music -- and maybe more of the joy. Expand
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8
ClariseSamuelsJun 25, 2014
In spite of a few cliches and some generalizations about Italian-Americans, not to mention New Jerseyans, this movie is so charming that you are disappointed when it's over. No matter how many times we see the rags-to-riches stories that areIn spite of a few cliches and some generalizations about Italian-Americans, not to mention New Jerseyans, this movie is so charming that you are disappointed when it's over. No matter how many times we see the rags-to-riches stories that are so common among celebrities, there is something perpetually appealing about this kind of story─four youngsters who are undereducated, lower middle-class, and bored to the point where committing petty crimes is the most excitement that life has to offer them, realize that they have a uniqeness about them, a spark of genius, that makes them different from everyone else. They put all their money on this one shot in a million, which is that someday they are going to be famous, and that every naysayer who ever dismissed them will live to regret it. And their wildly overconfident predictions then proceed to come true. Not only do they make it big in the music industry, these four kids from Mob-infested Newark, NJ would invent a new sound that would characterize the 60's and early 70's, and they would become the background music for the lives of millions of baby boomers who came of age during that era.

I grew up in northern New Jersey, where most of my high-school friends were Italian-Americans, and hearing the tough-guy Italian dialect and the familiar songs of the Four Seasons made me feel positively nostalgic for the good, old days. There is a spirit to the Italian-American culture that is stoically upbeat (putting aside the criminality of the Mafia). Even if they became plumbers, electricians, hairdressers, and car mechanics, every Italian friend I had was a superstar. They were all talented, whether they knew it or not, and they all saluted life with all its up and downs, joys and tragedies, as something they had to tackle with guts and courage. Nothing could keep them down for long. They were fearless. I don't know if that's what they are like in Italy, but the Italian predilection for romance, family loyalty, and cultural pride combined with American optimism produced a unique culture that thrived in the State of New Jersey. The collective personality of the Four Seasons, a bland American name for such pronounced ethnicity, was a peculiar blend of Italy, the United States, and the working classes of New Jersey.

The film delves into the band's personal story, perhaps not as profoundly as we would like, for the light-hearted influence of the original Broadway musical prevails. But the four actors who portray the original band members, most notably John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli, are mesmerizing in their perfect imitation of the sound and style of the Four Seasons. And when the four join together to do a few simple side steps in unison while performing on stage, they light up like a magical force of pure music and synchronization. The perfection of the imitation is as riveting as the original.
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5
TyranianApr 11, 2019
Some really good music but this film is extremely derivative and unoriginal.
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5
beingryanjudeSep 3, 2014
Welp, here you have it: Clint Eastwood isn't perfect. Jersey Boys is a near-replica of the successful Broadway musical that refuses to take any chances and expand the story. Often times the camera appears fixed--as if we are merely watching aWelp, here you have it: Clint Eastwood isn't perfect. Jersey Boys is a near-replica of the successful Broadway musical that refuses to take any chances and expand the story. Often times the camera appears fixed--as if we are merely watching a stage on camera. Still, quality music from the entire cast. Expand
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7
LeZeeOct 24, 2016
From the streetlight to the spotlight.

I know who's the director, but not the actors. Maybe that's the reason the film did not do as expected at the box office. But still theirs performances are not forgettable. Every one of them was
From the streetlight to the spotlight.

I know who's the director, but not the actors. Maybe that's the reason the film did not do as expected at the box office. But still theirs performances are not forgettable. Every one of them was amazing, they are the real singers and so the jobs done easily. I mean the filmmaking who understood the story and its characters and delivered accordingly. You might have seen many similar biopics and this is almost the same, but still there's lots to inspire from what you see.

Since this music genre is different compared to the todays trend in the music industry, this film quite clearly brings back the 50s, 60s eras for us. So that's how this story appeals to its viewers. It was about the four member music band and their journey through the success and struggles for decades. What inspires is that, they are nothing like we see in todays musicians like drugs and sex stuffs. But the story had its share in those things, which might have been a huge for that time.

The family, friends and music, the films very beautifully defines the differences. Between professional and personal life, how they lose grips is what obviously we see regularly in all the musician's biopics, but I'm talking about 50 years ago society and lifestyle. The things are different and how they managed or did they is the film to reveal. I really liked it and I wanted to rate higher, but I was bored a bit because it was a very long film. The pace was okay, so I managed and I think it is worth a watch, but only for the selected audience.

7/10
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9
shpostalJul 5, 2014
Many people don't know Clint Eastwood did some recording of his own in the early 1960's, and is a fine composer in his own right, having done the music for "Mystic River" among others, so it's no surprise he'd do a movie on the Four Seasons,Many people don't know Clint Eastwood did some recording of his own in the early 1960's, and is a fine composer in his own right, having done the music for "Mystic River" among others, so it's no surprise he'd do a movie on the Four Seasons, no doubt a big fan himself.
Time can make us all forgetful, and the story of the Four Seasons and their success immediately prior to Beatlemania along with musical rivals the Beach Boys was impressive, with a ton of great R & B flavored hits that became classics, especially with Frankie Valli's inimitable falsetto. Even after the Beatles struck, the Four Seasons (and the Beach Boys) were still up for a game fight, a sign that the Fab Four were not the only great band around, although the way history is reported nowadays it would be understandable to think otherwise. Rather, like the rest of the remarkable '60's from start to end, we were blessed with pop music that had the creative liberty to do as it pleased before advanced marketing and "experts" stepped in, over categorized and interfered with and made what is pretty much the bland soulless crap that passes for pop music today. It's why real music fans find themselves going back in time to discover the goldmine that predated the MP3 era where everybody sounds like everybody else.
The movie itself is a touching tribute, holds no punches and does a fine job of showing the seedy and even life threatening dangers that lurked behind the glitz and fame as the Four Seasons raked in hit after hit but found themselves in a lot of trouble along the way. It was a stiff price to pay, and makes one wonder if new outfits are under the same pressures. The acting is solid, including Christopher Walken as a somewhat benevolent Mafia figure, probably a capo. The movie is adapted from the highly successful Broadway musical and is full of great music, although not by the original band.
For those who like bio pics and the Four Seasons, it's a can't miss. It's definitely a better film bio than the horrifyingly bad and inaccurate depiction of the Beach Boys from several years ago. I recommend those who may want to purchase their music to avoid the soundtrack and get the group's greatest hits packages.
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8
cjdynamiteOct 9, 2014
I avoided this movie, being a fan of the musical, because of the poor reviews. I gave it a chance last night and I really enjoyed it, It's not perfect but the acting and direction is top notch. The characters are deep and interesting, TheI avoided this movie, being a fan of the musical, because of the poor reviews. I gave it a chance last night and I really enjoyed it, It's not perfect but the acting and direction is top notch. The characters are deep and interesting, The story is simple but effective. Watch it and make up you're own mind. Expand
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10
ecefolaApr 22, 2015
This is a great movie from rags to riches but with a back story that's shows what the group went through
as a sacrifice. I highly recommend it. Vincent Piazza makes his mark as a great actor here.
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10
lukechristianscDec 15, 2014
Eastwood directs genres that can be over ratted that can explain its genre its itself thats what he does in his movies But i never knew that Dirty Harry himself direct a musical? So i watch this movie it was entertaining in deed the musicEastwood directs genres that can be over ratted that can explain its genre its itself thats what he does in his movies But i never knew that Dirty Harry himself direct a musical? So i watch this movie it was entertaining in deed the music is good you can dance! thats how fun it was. Acting was superb full of oscar worthy actor and actress. Eastwood has a very interesting directing thats what i love about him i love acting this man can make anything it would be brilliant Expand
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9
MXJJul 5, 2014
Clint Eastwood delivers another winner. The film moves along at an excellent pace and the music is never forced. It flows well. Top notch acting. I enjoyed it a little better than the musical.
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6
tvnewsguidoJan 16, 2015
A fine musical film.

It's not as good as "That Thing You Do," "What's Love got to do With It" or "Dream Girls" but it is a nice addition to the genre. These films all end the same but it's the journey not the destination.
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6
OwlieAug 22, 2014
I really liked this. It had a lot of heart. I still prefer the stage show, but the acting and storytelling was very convincing and true.
The narrating was a bit awkward in the beginning and felt a bit out of place, but it just took a little
I really liked this. It had a lot of heart. I still prefer the stage show, but the acting and storytelling was very convincing and true.
The narrating was a bit awkward in the beginning and felt a bit out of place, but it just took a little getting used to. I think the boys portraying The Four Season did a good and truthful job.
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4
mbigNov 15, 2014
Frankly, i was expecting better from Clint Eastwood. Nothing to say about the music, these guys were a hit machine but the story related here is more like a bunch of anecdotes tied together by a string of songs. I know the movie was made fromFrankly, i was expecting better from Clint Eastwood. Nothing to say about the music, these guys were a hit machine but the story related here is more like a bunch of anecdotes tied together by a string of songs. I know the movie was made from a Broadway play but like they do for books they should have taken some liberties here and there so that there was some fluidity to the story. Music was great but the movie lacked a soul. Expand
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5
WJSApr 11, 2015
This movie takes forever to get anywhere, and when it does, it does so in fits and starts. You'd think that Eastwood would have known better as not much happens here, despite some decent acting and some interesting musical interludes.
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8
pumpkinhead812Dec 22, 2014
With Clint Eastwood as the director i guess i expected something with a little more action, but actually this was a great film about how the Four Seasons came about and how they ended up (in the movie at least) The film had some great acting,With Clint Eastwood as the director i guess i expected something with a little more action, but actually this was a great film about how the Four Seasons came about and how they ended up (in the movie at least) The film had some great acting, singing and a solid story. The sets and cars look really nice and up to par with the time period. I almost cried at some parts and the music really puts you in the mood. Jersey boys is a little over 2 hours long and i can say i didn't get bored one bit it was funny, entertaining, sad at parts and it hit the spot for a biographical film. Expand
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8
ScribJellyJan 9, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really did enjoy the movie, but i found it fell far short of the theater production. It cut out or cut short many of the songs and scenes that made the play great (such as the silhouettes scene which was one of my favorites), and seemed to focus more on the dramatized story of the group, with the music pushed well to the side. I also disliked the use of original four seasons material, such as Stay, as background music, and would have preferred to see the cast sing it live. Expand
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6
MattBrady99Mar 29, 2015
What happens in a musical should stay in a musical. The film is about a group that would lay claim to some of the most iconic hits of the 60s and who made it though good times and bad thanks to a code of honor learned on the rough streetsWhat happens in a musical should stay in a musical. The film is about a group that would lay claim to some of the most iconic hits of the 60s and who made it though good times and bad thanks to a code of honor learned on the rough streets they called home. This is another movie from client Eastwood and so far Client Eastwood seems to lose his touch, Because this movie was way to long and it could have been shorten down. The music in the film was anything special and the main actors did a fine job. Expand
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8
katharris417Nov 19, 2015
Eastwood has wisely kept the basic premise of the stage show, allowing each member of the group to act as their own "Greek chorus," breaking the fourth wall and narrating the story as it progresses.

Watch this movie online
Eastwood has wisely kept the basic premise of the stage show, allowing each member of the group to act as their own "Greek chorus," breaking the fourth wall and narrating the story as it progresses.

Watch this movie online http://www.watchfree.to/watch-29f6c7-Jersey-Boys-movie-online-free-putlocker.html
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5
DawdlingPoetNov 28, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Jersey Boys is a musical based drama with biographical elements to it. It features themes including camerarderie, determination (to succeed) greed and extortion. Its fair to say that it portrays a typical American dream-esque rags to riches story, although it is at least loosely based on a true story in this case.

The first thing I noticed about this film was that the characters seemed to be relatively optimistic and light hearted while the film had a very dark and bleak tone, in terms of the setting and the lighting, with many scenes taking place at night. I thought it looked visually almost drained of colour, which I imagine was done to try and put across the bleakness of the area (economically and otherwse) at the time.

Given the bleak appearance, I was taken aback by just how high pitched and uplifting their music sounded, although I shouldn't have been as I'm familiar with The Four Sesasons better known tracks. There was definitely a dichtomy feel to the film. Some of the plot twists took me by surprise but then I'll admit I didn't know much about the background to the group prior to watching the film, although I had been interested in finding out more obviously. There is a fair amount of drama present in the plot, with different characters being sent to jail and dealing with other tough circumstances. The first recognisable cast member I specifically noticed was Christopher Walken, who plays Gyp DeCarlo, a captain of the local (New Jersey) branch of the Genovese family, linked to the Mafia. Other cast members include Vincent Piazza, who plays Tommy DeVito (a fast speaking wise-guy type), Michael Lomenda as Nick Massi, Johnny Cannizzaro as Nick DeVito and John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli. Their performances were quite good, they certainly sounded the part, as late teens or men of italian descent in their 20s in the late 50s in New Jersey. Of course this means that there are some moderately thick New Jersey and Italian laced accents present, which were slightly hard to follow at times. I felt that the audio levels weren't ideal in some scenes, with people talking over other people I struggled to fully follow all that was being said, which was frustrating, although it isn't an issue for the full duration of the film.

Some scenes feature characters narrating what was going on at the time, while directly staring at the viewer . I imagine this is what happens in the official musical - I quite liked it, as I felt it helped to make you (i.e. the viewer) feel more clued in to how characters felt and what was on their mind at the time. It also makes the film have a more casual feel to it.

I thought this was a relatively entertaining film overall, with decent performances and obviously numerous good musical performances present throughout the plot. Of course it has its fair share of cheese, which is very much to be expected of this genre and plot. I think that as the plot continued, I slowly became more keen on the mix of uplifting musical numbers and the bleak backdrop - I'd like to think it sends out a good message to people although how realistic it is, im not sure of. This sort of film is mostly watched and enjoyed as a bit of fun though and as that it does relatively well.

Content wise, this film contains little in the way of sex scenes, although there is a reference clearly hinting that one character had been in bed with a woman, though their not shown in bed together. There is violence present, although its mostly mild in tone, with only one scene clearly showing a bloody injury but it isn't especially graphic as such. There is, however, frequent use of strong language and offensive or otherwise racically discriminatory language, which reflects the cultural prejudices of the time the film is set in. There are also drug references, although the film doesn't actively glamorise the taking of recreational drugs, if anything it highlights the risks it can bring. The film carries a 15 rating to reflect the bleak tone of the plot overall and the content just mentioned. If anything, I was slightly surprised it wasn't given the lower 12 rating but I imagine thats because of the racially discrimantory language used.

I think that, overall, I'd say this was an ok film - it was pretty watchable, it mostly entertained me and has a good cast and interesting use of narration, plus obviously with an interesting plot. On the other hand, it was a little long winded, with a total running time of 2 hours and 10 minutes and I found it frustrating trying to entirely follow the dialogue in some scenes, when the audio levels didn't sound great (how ironic is that given its a musical film?). Plus some scenes seemed to go on a bit too long and I wasn't sure they were entirely necessary, so I suppose that, all in all, I'd go for a 5 out of 10 rating for this film, as I mostly enjoyed it but I recognise there are a fair few issues and it may be a bit long and hard to fully follow for some.
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8
r96skFeb 12, 2022
It took me a while to get into it, but the final hour or so won me over.

'Jersey Boys' is, in my eyes, very good. I only knew of the film's title and vaguely what the group did beforehand; I knew so little that I assumed their name was
It took me a while to get into it, but the final hour or so won me over.

'Jersey Boys' is, in my eyes, very good. I only knew of the film's title and vaguely what the group did beforehand; I knew so little that I assumed their name was 'Jersey Boys', rather than 'The Four Seasons'. I did recognise a few of the songs, though only ones at the end. Even with that so, it was interesting to see the story develop.

John Lloyd Young, Erich Bergen, Michael Lomenda and Vincent Piazza are all enjoyable in their respective roles, with the standouts being Young and Piazza. The support cast, which notably includes Christopher Walken, all give more than satisfactory showings.

Kinda surprised me, this one. As alluded to, I wasn't really feeling it across the opening chunk of the 134 minute run time and yet by the end I felt happy at what I had just watched. Recommended.
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0
Dostoyevsky3Jun 10, 2020
The undeniable infectious charm that magnifies its musical numbers cannot overcome the male led cast which provides irritating and excessively ugly language that dogged the entire film.
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