Jersey Boys

A jukebox musical on-stage, Jersey Boys plays on-screen more like Ray and Walk the Line than Mamma Mia or Rock of Ages. The plot allows the songs, rather than the songs make the plot. And of all directors you'd expect would direct, they get Clint Eastwood to do it.

In 1951, Frankie Castelluccio (John Floyd Young) and Tommy DeVito (Vincent Piazza) are frequent troublemakers. After much trouble with the law, the guys and Nick Massi (Michael Lomenda) pursue an interest in music. Joe Pesci (Joey Russo) - that Joe Pesci - introduces them to Bob Gaudio (Erich Bergen). Their group, eventually called The Four Seasons, struggles to get through the door.

Bob Crewe (Mike Doyle) finally gives them their own act. Frankie, now Frankie Valli, leads the group to many Number One hits. But Tommy's gambling debts, Nick's frustrations and Frankie's disintegrating family life tear the group apart. So it's down to a solo career for Frankie.

A cast of alumni from the stage show (including Tony-winner Young) headlines the film. The cinematic Four Seasons, who perform their songs live, act and sound like an old-time rock'n'roll band. Joey Russo, as Joe Pesci, alludes to his character's future Oscar-winning role in Goodfellas (as a Tommy DeVito!). Christopher Walken has a notable supporting role as Gyp DeCarlo, Frankie's mobster father figure.

At 134 minutes, the plot takes a long while to get anywhere. It was hard to keep invested in the struggles of the characters. Speaking of characters, there were multiple characters with the same first name! Which one was which? The slow-pace is compensated by numerous hilarious moments.

A few more things to note. The characters only perform songs when they're really performing on-stage. But the Four Seasons narrate with asides to the audience. OK. The end-credits begin with a curtain call as the cast sings December 1963 (Oh, What a Night). ODD.

What may have been energetic on-stage was slow on-screen. Fortunately, Jersey Boy's humorous moments kept up the pace more than the plot did. And this is a Clint Eastwood movie. If you want a more traditional musical, wait this Christmas for Into The Woods.