Synopsis: Biopic about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons who started out as small time club crooners in mob-land Boston to go on to have a string of huge hits.
Stan's thoughts: No I haven't seen the stage version, it's a musical. This isn't a musical it's a film about a band so there are no song and dance routines to get in the way of the story. And it's a great story about friendship and loyalty in a community where such things are elevated by criminal gangs.
Young Frankie Valli's (John Lloyd Young) talents are spotted early on and his career is, to a certain extent, guided by mob-boss Gyp (Christopher Walken) who appreciates his talents. As the band's fame grows tensions naturally mount. Taken away from the neighbourhood, hierarchy and life they are familiar with some find it harder to adjust than others. There are tensions too as families are forced to spend time apart while the band tours.
The four actors playing the leads step expertly from stage to screen, all have worked on the stage version on which the film is based but none are big screen stars. Yes you spend a little time waiting for the band to create their biggest hits and the run time of 134 minutes could probably be shaved a little but otherwise this is good, solid, entertaining biopic fare that has you walking out of the cinema humming "Who Loves You Pretty Baby".
Ratings
- Stan’s 60%
- IMDB 74%
- Metascore 54%
- Rotten Tomatoes 54%
- RT Audience Rating* 71%
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* Based on number of people who rated the film 3.5/5 and higher
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