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ArtsNFashion
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| Fading Rock Star Finds Salvation |
Cast: Al
Pacino, Annette Bening, Jennifer Garner, Bobby Cannavale, Christopher Plummer
Review by James Colt
Harrison
In a one-man show, Oscar® winning actor (8
nominations) Al Pacino dominates the screen throughout the comically dramatic
film. Turning in a fascinating performance of a self-centered rock star of mega
proportions, he has a change of heart and tries to be less selfish with his
family and friends. Does it work? Partly, as he uses all his star power to be
funny, touching, ashamed, contrite, and a power to be dealt with all at the
same time.
As an aging rock performer, he still fills
stadiums and concert halls with nostalgia-lovers who have seen more events than
can fit on a thousand-year calendar. Collins may be aging, but so are his fans,
loyal to (almost) the end. They gum his lyrics and happily sing along. He seems
to be a compilation of Neil Diamond, Bruce Springfield, and his idol John
Lennon. Pacino has all the swagger and braggadocio of someone who has been
catered to all his musical life as a star. It’s not entirely his fault he is
spoiled and bowed to like a king. Perks come with the job and he is, in effect,
a victim of all that adulation.
Being on the road for years, womanizing every
fan who will throw themselves at him, drinking gallons of liver-killing
alcohol, and flying in private planes has turned his head and fatefully made
him neglect his son back home. He actually has never met his son, played
angrily by the handsome Bobby Cannavale, a perfect choice and believable as
Collins’ offspring.
A turn of events happens when Collins’ road
manager Frank, played smoothly by Christopher Plummer, brings some good news.
At a glorious 85 years-old, Plummer seems to be one of the oldest living actors
in Hollywood. Good for him---he’s marvelous. There’s not much trace of his Sound of Music days, but still charming
nonetheless. Frank presents Danny with a 40 year-old letter from John Lennon
that had never been delivered. Lennon was an unabashed fan and sent words of
encouragement. This is a revelation to Danny and inspires him to have a change
of heart and become a better father. It’s a bit schmaltzy and completely out of
character for the self-centered rock star. But, the event helps propel the
storyline, written by director Fogelman.
Collins makes a feeble, yet sincere effort to
meet his son Tom. After years of neglect and non-contact, Tom wants nothing to
do with his father. Cannavale, as Tom, is all grown up with is own family.
Jennifer Garner and he have one hyper-active daughter (Giselle Eisenberg) and
another baby on the way. They are not rich. They can use some help, but Tom
wants nothing to do with his absent dad. Cannavale is one of the best male
actors in films today. He always gives a good performance, and in this film he
shows just the right amount of hurt, resentment and anger as is warranted.
The treacle flows by the gallon, dad and son
make an uneasy peace pact, and they attempt to bring the family together. A
twist of an unexpected illness helps to smooth things over, but it is an old
Hollywood cliché to bring people closer.
With an uninspiring script to contend with, all
the actors do their best with their parts. Pacino and Cannavale excel as well
as they can. It’s not all drama and gloom.
There are many funny scenes, and Pacino is also a master at comedy. In fact,
he’s the entire picture.
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