Each band member takes turns narrating the four acts of Broadway adaptation Jersey Boys – the story of 1960’s pop hit machines Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Vincent Piazza (Boardwalk Empire) as the group’s guitarist and ringleader Tommy DeVito provides the perfect introduction to proceedings. The man responsible for drawing a naïve teenage Frankie (played by golden-voiced Broadway original John Lloyd-Young) into the world of fenced goods, loose women and eventually his pop band, Piazza’s GoodfellasJersey swagger promises a rambunctious, zinger-filled picture.
The film somewhat delivers on that promise, but also hits a number of bum notes.
Director Clint Eastwood’s (Invictus, Gran Torino) own working class background may be what drew him to the project, but his lack of experience with more upbeat fare lets down Jersey Boys’ energy and pacing. It also struggles visually in its portrayal of the different eras in which it’s set. I’m not sure which was less convincing – 38-year old Lloyd-Young as a 16-year old ingénue or as a bewigged 56-year old cabaret singer.
The singing is fabulous and the film shines brightest during musical numbers. Most of it is performed ‘live’, a trend started by the 2012 adaptation of Les Misérables that showcases just how impressive the vocal performances are. It’s impossible to see this film and not exclaim, “They had so many hits!” The songs are still so catchy they will keep your toes tapping for a full week after leaving the cinema.
