Reel Facts & Opinions: Everything You Need to Know About JERSEY BOYS

Quietly being released this weekend is an adaptation of a Broadway smash by one of Hollywood’s living legends. Here is everything you need to know about JERSEY BOYS.

What is this about? – JERSEY BOYS is an adaptation of the jukebox musical which tells the story of the formation, success, and break-up of the 1960’s rock ‘n roll group The Four Seasons. The musical opened on Broadway in 2005, and in 2006 won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Who is directing? – One of Hollywood’s long-lasting icons, Clint Eastwood, is behind the wheel of JERSEY BOYS. This is Eastwood’s first directorial effort since J.EDGAR in 2011.

Who stars in this? –  A host of young newcomers will be bringing The Four Seasons to life; John Lloyd Young as Frankie Vallie, Erich Bergan as Bob Gaudio, Vincent Piazza as Tommy DeVito, and Michael Lomenda as Nick Massi. Christopher Walken is playing mobster Gyp DeCarlo, and Joey Russo will be playing a young Joe Pesci; who was acquainted with the group during their run.

What to expect? – The Broadway production presents its story in a unique format; it is structured as four “seasons” narrated by a different member of the band. It will be interesting to see if director Clint Eastwood takes this approach to film. Eastwood is certain to bring his gentle touch to the film; a touch which has served him very well in the past in crafting technically perfect films. However, in the past few years some cracks have begun to show in his craft. Recently, his films have ranged from dull (HEREAFTER in 2010), to pointless (GRAN TORINO in 2008), to downright awful (J. EDGAR in 2011). He’s become far and removed from his Oscar-days, and the world has to be pulling for him to bring us at least one more gem before he rides off into the sunset. Pass or fail, with JERSEY BOYS being Eastwood’s first venture into musicals, this will certainly be a curious entry in his long career.

*

JERSEY BOYS opens June 20^th.