Jersey Boys - Review

In the world of Western, there was one man whose presence was felt throughout time, and continues to this day to be a staple of the spaghetti western genre. No I am not talking about the wondrous John Wayne, I am talking about a face of a generation, Clint Eastwood. Whether or not you are a fan, you know the name, Clint Eastwood, and for years he has delivered us with some illusive performances. These days he has hung up the acting boots for the Directorial chair, delivering audiences prodigious films such as ‘Million Dollar Baby’, ‘Mystic River’ and the latest ‘Jersey Boys’.

‘Jersey Boys’ is taken hot from the Broadway show of the same name, and splashed into a silver screen adaptation. The story follows along the upcoming of Jersey hero, Frakie Valli along with his adept group the ‘Four Seasons’. The film follows along the journey of Tommy, Nicky, Frankie and of course latecomer Bobby, as they progress through to stardom, while battling the predicaments that face them along the way. The narrative point of view from the characters throughout the film is a refreshing touch as they constantly break the fourth wall relating back to the audience and placing you within the story, as if you are a member of the cast. The story at times is a romantic play upon a dreary comedy, which just so happened to be their life. Crime, music, women and family were always key factors throughout and Eastwood, managed to capture them perfectly as the film seamlessly blended together to create a wholesome and invigorating show that any Jersey fan would come to love, new and old.

The film itself, is of course a Musical following along it’s Broadway brothers footsteps, and what a musical it is. I am not talking about an abhorrent, whimsical performance much like the late ‘Les Miserables’ dragging musical lovers hearts through the gutter and laying them on a Anne Hathaway flooded plate of disappointment, I am talking about a film that has the potential to staple itself as one of the great pieces of Cinematic Musical history to this date. The film is sure to be a shoe-in with the Oscars taking out the ‘Best Musical’ Category, while we will have to wait to see if it will be up to par with later releases for ‘Best film’, could be any ones guess. But with the caliber of film that has been released this year, I have to say that this will most definitely be in the top 4.

Overall if you are looking at a film to sing the night away, take a date too, or simply sit back and enjoy the melodic tunes of the Four seasons, then go check this film out while you can. It is sure to be remembered for a while to come.

I give it an 8.5 out of 10 and a Jersey shake.

Reviewed by Mase Shaw - Follow Mase on Twitter @MaseShaw