Film Review: “Danny Collins,” “The Longest Ride” and “Freetown”
“Danny Collins”
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 106 Minutes
Toscano’s Take:
Rating: B
Inspired by a true story. Al Pacino stars as aging 1970’s rocker Danny Collins, who can’t give up his hard-living ways. But when his manager uncovers a 40-year-old undelivered letter written to him by John Lennon, he decides to change course and embarks on a heartfelt journey to rediscover his family.
Along with Pacino, the film stars Bobby Cannavale, Jennifer Garner and Annette Bening. This a wonderfully paced and acted film about regret and reconnecting .
We have seen so many films where a family falls apart, Danny Collins offers us a chance to witness a family coming together while redeeming its main character.
I liked the film and I think you till, too. It gets a B and is rated R.
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Starring: Studio:
Al Pacino Bleeker Street
Bobby Cannavale
Jennifer Garner
Annette Bening
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“The Longest Ride”
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 139 Minutes
Toscano’s Take:Rating: B
Based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel, this film, like “The Notebook,” deals with the past and present intersecting as two love stories are interwoven.
The main story deals with a career-bound young woman who meets a bull-rider. Nicholas Sparks’ trademark theme of coming together from different worlds is in full force as Sophia played by Britt Robertson and Luke played by Clint Eastwood’s son Scott meet and fall in love.
The other story is a widower, played by Alan Alda, who is remembering his life and the time with his wife.
“The Longest Ride” is a formula film, but in this case the formula works and delivers an emotional punch. It’s a three-hanky movie, ladies . . . and that translates into a B. It’s rated PG-13.
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Starring: Studio:
Britt Robertson 20th Century Fox
Scott Eastwood
Alan Alda
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“Freetown”
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 113 Minutes
Toscano’s Take:Rating: B –
Based on true events. Six Liberian missionaries caught in the middle of a civil war flee the widespread violence of their native country. Their destination: Freetown, Sierra Leone, 370 miles away. With the help of a driver named Phillip (Henry Adolfo), the missionaries begin to make the difficult journey out. But their troubles are compounded by a rebel fighter bent on killing one of their own.
The film is written and produced by Utah filmmakers Adam Abel and Garrett Batty, who brought you “The Saratov Approach” in 2013.
“Freetown” is well worth seeing. It offers some thrilling moments and although the acting is a bit underwhelming, the intensity of the film grows with each mile the boys travel.
Overall, “Freetown” actually manages to entertain and keep you interested. It gets a B- and is rated PG-13.
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Starring: Studio:
Henry Adolfo Three Coin Productions
Michael Attram
Alphonse Menyo
