Review: Danny Collins
There's something clear about Al Pacino's speckless resume, from the Godfather series to his latest outing in Danny Collins, he has no need to remain humble and bowed over by his acting choices. Comparing the list of films done with his colleague in The Godfather Part. II and Heat, Robert De Niro nearly triples his film count. But roles in recent titles like Little Fockers, Freelancers and Being Flynn points at a blemish on his otherwise illustrious career from the 70s through to the 90s. Although this is subjective, his movie roles of recent has been short-sighted and mismanaged. On the other hand, Al Pacino only seems to mature with age as he puts in yet another sharp display in 2015's Danny Collins.
In 'Danny Collins', Al Pacino stars as the affable Danny Collins, a hard-hitting rockstar from the 70s who receives a letter from John Lennon addressed to him 40 years ago. Uncovering this letter brings about change in his life, as he checks himself into the Hilton hotel to hash out a new album and reassemble his life. In the following months, Collins embarks on a new life back on the road, rekindles relationships with his recluse son Tom Donelly (Bobby Cannavale) and finds love in the Hilton with hotel manager, Mary Sinclair (Annette Bening).
The storyline holds itself as neither fresh nor unpredictable, but the performances by the actors gleam in the spotlight. Supporting actor Bobby Cannavale who plays Collins' son, faces tremendous pressure from his low-paying job, overly-active daughter, a dubious medical condition that threatens his life and an untimely visit from his unaccounted father. These situations are less fabrications and more of genuine scenarios which call for honest acting by Cannavale. I thought Cannavale who was awarded the role in place of Steve Carrell was precise and indubitable. While the full of flaws but best of hearts Pacino reveals his many sides and facades as he swaps around between love and hatred from the audience with his bewildering actions, but at last, settles on a heart-warming aw-inducing display. Special mention to Jennifer Garner (Tom's wife Samantha Donelly) as she successfully captures the struggle between letting Collins into their lives and maintaining equilibrium in the Donelly family.
This flick focuses on the lip-biting emotions from being tangled with the difficulties of life, helped on by Al Pacino's heartfelt display, the story is given a beating heart. - Darren Ng
