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Alan Frank reviews 'Danny Collins'

Danny Collins (15) Directed by Ben Fogelman 4/5

AL PACINO patently enjoys himself in the somewhat untypical — for him — role of Danny Collins, a 60-something, burned-out rock star whose apogee was the 1970s but who still enjoys a dissolute life with a young new fiancee and passe performances.

The star’s enjoyment shines in this charming, sentimental rom com triggered off when his agent Frank Grubman — perfectly played by Christopher Plummer and a spot-on foil to Pacino — presents Collins with a letter written to him 40 years ago by John Lennon.

Lennon’s long-lost encouragement to the young Collins triggers off a sentimental story of love and redemption which reunites Collins with estranged son Tom Donnelly (Bobby Cannavale). A romance with Mary Sinclair (Annette Benning), who manages the New Jersey hotel where Collins hides out, ensues.

Writer and debut director Ben Fogelman tells his story, loosely inspired by the experience of real-life songwriter-musician Steve Tilston, with wit and warmth.  An unexpected, star-driven pleasure.

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