In Spite of All the Odds, A Solid Film

Rating: 7/10 (29 January 2017)

When I think of New Jersey -- I think Clint Eastwood.
When I think of Italians -- I think Clint Eastwood.
And when I think of rock and roll -- I think Clint Eastwood.
Even with all the obvious handicaps, I was amazed at what an effective movie this was. I was expecting the actors to lip-synch to the actual Four Seasons classics, but instead they do all their own singing (and dancing.) The results aren't always spectacular, but they're always entertaining.
I loved the way the movie didn't shy away from the darker side of the Four Seasons' story. ("I just buried a child, Jimmy. I don't want to sing another love song.") I was also pleasantly surprised that one of the key men behind the Four Seasons' musical success was openly gay and was treated with respect by both the screenplay and the other characters. Maybe the biggest surprise for me was how effectively Vincent Piazza adds humor and warmth to the tough as nails Italian gangster type he played so brilliantly for five years on HBO's BOARDWALK EMPIRE.
My hand to God, this movie was the best rock and roll musical ever produced by Clint Eastwood -- especially the big song and dance number over the closing credits!