Watch Jersey Boys
- R
- 2014
- 2 hr 14 min
-
6.8 (37,155)
Jersey Boys is a biographical and musical drama film released in 2014, directed by Clint Eastwood, based on the musical of the same name. It is about the rise and fall of the 1960s rock n' roll group, the Four Seasons. The film paints a picture of the group's formation, musical success, and the inevitable internal struggles that led to their ultimate disintegration.
The main focus of the movie is the story of the lead singer of Four Seasons, Frankie Valli, played brilliantly by John Lloyd Young. From humble beginnings in New Jersey, Valli is a hard-working, talented singer with a unique high-pitched voice that catches the attention of local musician Tommy DeVito (Vincent Piazza), who is trying to form a band. Together with songwriter Bob Gaudio (Erich Bergen) and bassist Nick Massi (Michael Lomenda), they form The Four Seasons.
The movie shows the band's struggles in their early years, as they try to make a name for themselves in the local circuit. They barely make ends meet, playing in small clubs and bars, facing rejection, and juggling day jobs. However, there is a spark of hope, and their fortunes start to change when they sign with producer Bob Crewe (Mike Doyle), who helps them put out a chart-topper hit, "Sherry." The Four Seasons skyrocket to fame, with subsequent hits like "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man," and "Oh, What a Night."
As the movie progresses, tensions within the group start to emerge, with Tommy's debt troubles and Nick's increasing discontentment, adding to the mounting stress of touring and making music. Eventually, Tommy's impulsive behavior and financial scams forces the group to sever ties. The Four Seasons are left to move on without their co-founder, and as they struggle to reinvent themselves, Frankie Valli must deal with personal losses as well.
The movie is visualized in classic Clint Eastwood style, with great attention to detail, and stunning cinematography. The music and songs are, of course, a significant part of the movie, and the way they're incorporated into the narrative is seamless. All the songs are recorded by the actors themselves, and their performances are impressive.
The character development is spot on, and the actors convincingly portray them. John Lloyd Young's portrayal of Frankie Valli is undeniably the standout performance in this movie, and his command over the songs is admirable. Erich Bergen's portrayal of Bob Gaudio is impressive, and his chemistry with Young is noteworthy. Michael Lomenda as Nick Massi brings the much-needed humor, and Vincent Piazza's portrayal of Tommy DeVito has the right amount of arrogance and vulnerability.
The storyline is quite predictable, and the movie drags on a bit too long, clocking in at two hours and 14 minutes. That being said, the movie isn't without its flaws, and it struggles to keep its pace at times. The ending, although fitting, is a bit of a letdown, as it feels rushed and ends somewhat abruptly.
Nonetheless, despite its shortcomings, Jersey Boys is a powerful movie that captures the essence of 1960s rock n' roll era and pays homage to the Four Seasons. It is a movie for anyone who loves music and appreciates the journey of musicians and their eventual triumphs and defeats.
Jersey Boys is a 2014 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 54.