There are literally dozens of pop musical groups who have made an indelible mark in the world of entertainment and earned their place not only in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but their fans hearts forever. Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons are one of them. They burst onto the scene in 1962 with the infamous hit “Sherry,” which to this day is still one of the hallmark songs of the 1960’s rock-‘n-roll era. Their distinctive sound and Valli’s incredible voice took them to the pinnacle of the entertainment world. They sold over 100 million records and, until the Beatles arrived on the scene, were the number one recording group in the world. Even after the Beatles, they had several number one hits on the charts.
The movie Jersey Boys is based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which premiered in 2005, garnering one award after another and, to this day, is still playing in various theatres around the world. The attraction, of course was, and still is, the music. The Producers, working with Frankie Valli, were able to locate singers who could duplicate the sounds and voices of the original group. Many people swear, including me, that these guys are as good as or better than the originals. Both the Broadway production and the movie showcase these entertainers, principally in concert, mesmerizing their fans with amazing performances.
Jersey Boys
Entertainment Rating: ★★★
Rating: R: Punctuated throughout with profanity, (New Jersey style), several suggestive sexual scenes and language pertaining to the same, no nudity.
Possible Oscar Nominations: John Lloyd Young, Best Actor (and singer too)
The story, however, goes beyond that. How these guys met, formed a singing group, and achieved their success is the meat of the story. Three of them, including Valli, grew up on the mobster controlled streets of Belleville, New Jersey, and petty crime was part and parcel of their existence. They eventually formed a trio, performing at Holiday Inns and bowling alleys with little or no future apparently forthcoming. Then the fourth guy showed up, Bob Gaudio, an incredible song-writer looking for someone to play his music. He heard Frankie Valli’s voice and, in minutes, wrote Sherry. The rest is history.
While the movie is a tremendous showcase for the Four Seasons singing performances, it is also a realistic look into the lives, trials, and tribulations of the performers and their families. At times, it’s not pretty and, despite money and fame, things are not always what they seem. There are a number of fine performances by the whole cast, including the ageless Cristopher Walken, as many of the challenges and hidden secrets of the performer’s surface and how they impact their lives but never their performances.
The bottom line is, if you are already a fan, the movie is a must. If you saw the Broadway production, its’ not quite as good, principally because live performances are always a touch better, but the music never changes. For an old time rock-‘n-roll fan like me, it doesn’t get any better.
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