10 years ago, it’s likely that you missed Danny Collins during its brief stay in theaters. But Netflix is giving movie lovers a chance to rediscover it later this month.
Al Pacino stars as the title character, Danny Collins, who is a world-famous singer. The film is loosely inspired by the true story of Steve Tilston.
This underrated flick begins with Danny receiving a delivery that changes his life.
Now, Watch With Us is sharing the reasons why Danny Collins is the one new-to-Netflix movie I can’t wait to watch in December.
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Al Pacino Gives One of His Best Performances in Years
There have been times in the last few decades when it didn’t seem like Al Pacino was giving it his all. He’s a world-class actor, but he doesn’t always appear in world-class movies. Danny Collins features an energized performance by Pacino, who seems to once again be on top of his game. He’s a naturally charismatic performer, and that carries over to Danny’s public persona.
As noted above, Steve Tilston is an English singer whose life inspired this story. Specifically, the idea came from a letter that Tilston received from John Lennon decades after it was originally sent. In the movie, Danny is so emotionally moved by the letter that he resolves to follow Lennon’s advice and change his life. And that means reconciling with the only family member he has left: His estranged son, Tom Donnelly (Bobby Cannavale).
The Supporting Cast Gives the Story Its Heart
I suspect this movie is going to do really well on Netflix if for no other reason than the incredible cast that director Dan Fogelman brought together. The late Christopher Plummer plays Danny’s best friend and confidant, Frank Grubman, while Annette Bening steps into the role of Mary Sinclair, a hotel manager whom Danny is very attracted to. Even Supergirl star Melissa Benoist has a fun turn in a small role as Jamie, a clerk at Danny’s hotel.
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But the real emotionally powerful parts of this film come from the performances by Cannavale as Tom and Jennifer Garner as his wife, Samantha. Tom’s a middle-aged man who has a family of his own and doesn’t want Danny intruding on a life he was never a part of in the first place. Getting past the decades of resentment is Danny’s first challenge. As seen in the clip above, Garner’s Samantha also holds her own with Pacino’s Danny. She wants what’s best for her family, and it doesn’t necessarily include him unless that’s what Tom wants.
‘Danny Collins’ Is a Surprisingly Moving Redemption Tale
It wouldn’t be right to spoil some of the twists in this story, but it’s enough to say that Danny’s road to reconciliation with his son and a potential new romance with Mary heads into some emotionally choppy waters. There are several reasons why Danny’s life has been so lonely, and he makes some of his old mistakes again.
There are life-and-death stakes for Danny’s family as well, which is another secret you’ll have to see for yourself. The only thing you need to know is that Danny Collins isn’t going to drown you in tragedy or melodrama. This is a redemption story about a man who’s trying to be better. Danny’s never going to be a perfect father or even a perfect father-in-law or grandfather, but he’s trying. And watching him do better is something you’re going to enjoy.
Danny Collins will stream on Netflix on December 15.