RELEASE: 2004; GENERE: Drama; RUN-TIME: 2 hrs, 1 mins RATED: Rated: PG-13 for Strong Language
SYNOPSIS: Kevin Spacey wrote, directed and stars in this film biography of singer Bobby Darin, a hipster in the Frank Sintra tradition and singer of pop hits such as "Splish Splash" and the films title, "Beyond the Sea". At age seven, Bobby got rheumatic fever that severly damaged his heart forever. The doctor told his mother POLLY (Brenda Blethyn) that he would be lucky to live to the age of fifteen. Modern medicine and determination kept him alive and by 20, with the help of his best friend turned manager Steve Blauner (John Goodman) and musical director Dick Behrke (Peter Cincotti), he worked his way up from tacky clubs to performing in Vegas. Finally scoring a hit with 'Splish Splash', Bobby wanted more. He told Life Magazine that he wanted to be a legend by 25. Darin eventually moved on to performing jazz standards that culminated in his signature gigantic hit, "Mack the Knife". The hits kept coming and his life kept evolving, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in CAPTAIN NEWMAN MD. Never satisfied with success, Bobby continued to reinvent himself and moved from rock and roll into pop, gospel, country & western and folk music. By the end of his brief 14-year career Bobby Darin had more hits in more genres of music than any recording artist except Elvis Presley and Ray Charles. After his marriage to popular actress Sandra Dee, they were probably one of the most talked about movie couples of their time. Unfortunately, her acting career and his touring put a huge strain on their marriage.
REVIEW: A labor of love from Kevin Spacey, this movie was reportedly more than 10-years in the making and is obviously a showcase for his singing ability. We both thought Kate Bosworth was superb in her rols as Darin's charming wife Sandra Dee. Many people under 40 probably don't even know who Bobby Darin was, let alone know about his remarkable life story. This movie rectifies that and stands as a wonderful tribute to an amazing talent who died far too young. Even though this movie only had a somewhat limited release and only got minimal reviews, Kevin Spacey's dedication is clear, both in his performance as Darin and in his wonderful direction. We enjoyed it immensely and give it [3.5 Stars].
SYNOPSIS: Kevin Spacey wrote, directed and stars in this film biography of singer Bobby Darin, a hipster in the Frank Sintra tradition and singer of pop hits such as "Splish Splash" and the films title, "Beyond the Sea". At age seven, Bobby got rheumatic fever that severly damaged his heart forever. The doctor told his mother POLLY (Brenda Blethyn) that he would be lucky to live to the age of fifteen. Modern medicine and determination kept him alive and by 20, with the help of his best friend turned manager Steve Blauner (John Goodman) and musical director Dick Behrke (Peter Cincotti), he worked his way up from tacky clubs to performing in Vegas. Finally scoring a hit with 'Splish Splash', Bobby wanted more. He told Life Magazine that he wanted to be a legend by 25. Darin eventually moved on to performing jazz standards that culminated in his signature gigantic hit, "Mack the Knife". The hits kept coming and his life kept evolving, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in CAPTAIN NEWMAN MD. Never satisfied with success, Bobby continued to reinvent himself and moved from rock and roll into pop, gospel, country & western and folk music. By the end of his brief 14-year career Bobby Darin had more hits in more genres of music than any recording artist except Elvis Presley and Ray Charles. After his marriage to popular actress Sandra Dee, they were probably one of the most talked about movie couples of their time. Unfortunately, her acting career and his touring put a huge strain on their marriage. REVIEW: A labor of love from Kevin Spacey, this movie was reportedly more than 10-years in the making and is obviously a showcase for his singing ability. We both thought Kate Bosworth was superb in her rols as Darin's charming wife Sandra Dee. Many people under 40 probably don't even know who Bobby Darin was, let alone know about his remarkable life story. This movie rectifies that and stands as a wonderful tribute to an amazing talent who died far too young. Even though this movie only had a somewhat limited release and only got minimal reviews, Kevin Spacey's dedication is clear, both in his performance as Darin and in his wonderful direction. We enjoyed it immensely and give it [3.5 Stars].
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