Danny Collins

Date: 03/10/2015 Times: 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

This is our third and last film in the Villages Film Festival.

Al Pacino stars as aging 1970s rocker Danny Collins, who can’t give up his hard-living ways. When his manager (Christopher Plummer) uncovers a 40 year-old undelivered letter written to him by John Lennon, he decides to change course and embarks on a heartfelt journey to rediscover his family, find true love and begin a second act.

Writer Dan Fogelman (Tangled) chose Danny Collins as his directorial debut film.  It’s hard to imagine Pacino as a singer, but he pulls it off.  Plus, Fogelman includes both humorous and serious dialogue in most scenes, which enhances the movie’s entertainment value.  He also picked a wonderful supporting cast, including Annette Bening, Jennifer Garner, Bobby Cannavale and Christopher Plummer.

Bening and Pacino create a fun chemistry together and seem to enjoy playing two characters who are so different from each other.  Bening portrays a businesslike hotel manager who can’t help being surprised that someone famous like Danny wants to spend time with her.  The more they see each other, the more their feelings for one another grow, even though serious problems stand in their way.  Cannavale excels as Danny’s estranged son who wants nothing to do with his biological father.  Icing on the cake is provided by the great Plummer as Danny’s caring manager who starts the ball rolling by giving Danny the letter.   All this plus background music including some of Lennon’s memorable hits

Venue: William Loveless Hall