Eastwood Goes Scorsese

Rating: 7/10 (8 July 2014)

Jersey Boys is a movie that, if it didn't exist, the film world would not be any different. BUT, that's not to say it isn't good. It works and is good, but doesn't have quite enough to propel it into "amazing" territory.
This film feels very much like a Martin Scorsese movie. The fast pace, the narration, the angry wife, it all feels like Goodfellas or The Wolf Of Wallstreet. I mean, Joe Pesci is even in this! (As a character, not the actual actor. And with a great reference to Goodfellas, I must say) While I would say Eastwood does this style well, I think it would have been more interesting to see Scorsese direct it. I think this film would have been amazing with Scorsese behind the wheel, but it just gets the job done with Eastwood. I think that sums up the movie well. Gets the job done, but doesn't blow you away.
The performances were interesting. I thought John Lloyd Young did a good job as Frankie. I think the scenes where he shined were when he was on stage or just being Frankie in his day to day stuff, but when a more emotionally intense scene came along, I felt like sometimes he fell a little short. Over all he did well, especially with the singing. I thought the other guys in the Four Seasons did a good job too, especially Vincent Piazza. They were all believable and felt real. I don't know enough about the actual guys, so I can't say if they were portrayed properly.
The sets and costumes and what not were quite good. They all were enjoyable to look at and rarely did you feel like you were seeing a modern film, aside from a scene or two where they're in a car and the backdrop looks pretty cheesy. (Which I feel like might have been on purpose as an homage to older films.) The whole film has a realistic vibe to it that may have to do with Eastwood being in his 80's meaning he was around for all of this stuff. I think his age helps the film for sure.
In the end, I enjoyed the movie, enjoyed the music, and had a good time. Would I HIGHLY recommend this film? No. But I don't think it will disappoint. (Perhaps unless you have seen the actual musical, which I haven't seen but i've heard is really great)