BrianSez's Review

Summary - Good 3.0

Kevin Spacey stars as singer Bobby Darin in this self-narrated and self-directed quasi-musical film with old school recognizable crooner tunes like “Mack the Knife” and “Splish Splash”. Although it is a biopic, it feels more like fictional entertainment with a dramatic flair – as the biographical flashbacks flashing by. The biography aspect whisks on by, and although entertaining, you feel like it a fiction and dramatic act, rather than a telling of history. When you understand how Bobby overcomes significant odds, you sort of give him a hall pass for his narcissistic behavior. Kevin must have really enjoyed this role – he appears to glow, especially during the Bronx shticks and relishing all the attention. However, that’s not the best of it – the best is when Kevin and Kate Bosworth (as Bobby’s wife Sandra Dee) are together and heated; both positive heat and negative heat – the dynamics between them were fantastic. All in all, this is a very enjoyable and educating film about a great bygone era.

Acting - Good 3.0

Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth were great, seperately and togegether as mentioned above. Some other picks:

William Ulrich – a little firecracker as little Bobby.

Bob Hoskins – great as brother Charlie Cassotto Maffia and his “How yous doin?” Bronx Italian schtick

Caroline Aaron – also great as Nina and her big hair and Bronx low-brow approach

John Goodman – not bad as band member Steve Blauner

Film - OK 2.5

I would have skipped the showy musical parts.

Edge - Tame 1.4

Reality - Glib 2.0

1 Comment

• BrianSez Oct 13, 2012 6:58AM

  Regarding Wick’s Review
  You beat me to it! Just saw this a few days ago… Review soon….

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