Posted on 01/08/2005 11:24:29 AM PST by afraidfortherepublic
My husband and I saw a movie last night that I would like to recommend to members of FreeRepublic as a break from the often overwhelmingly grim news of the day (Iraq, Indonesia). The movie is "Beyond The Sea", PG-13, the biopic of Bobby Darin, singer, composer, showman.
This movie is simply outstanding and deserves to be seen in a theater with surround sound -- please don't wait for the DVD.
Kevin Spacey wrote it, directed it, produced it, and stars in it; and he is fabulous. But -- equally fabulous is the rest of the cast -- John Goodman, William Ullrich, Bob Hoskins and others whose names I do not remember, but whose characters I'll never forget.
One of the most intriguing things about the movie is the unusual way in which it is crafted. Through a series of flash backs and flash forwards, the child (Darin) narrates the story at breakneck speed through the adult Darin's short, but highly accomplished, life. And it's all believable!
Kevin Spacey does all his own singing and dancing in this flick, and I defy anyone to claim that it is not Darin himself up on the screen. Spacey is simply perfect in the role! And he is supported by an outstanding cast who are also perfect in their characterizations.
The child who plays Darin in his youth is terrific, gradually ramping up his performance from shy/tentative to a glorius climax that makes you want to shout, "A star is born!" at the end. I think the little boy's name is William Ullrich -- Ullrich for sure, not certain about the William part. Anyhow, look for him in the future.
Spacey's writing and directing skillfully plays on your emotions, switching directions every time the story starts to get too sad. You wind up fully appreciating the brief time we enjoyed Darin's talent in our midst, rather than heartbroken that he died so young.
My husband and I are still humming tunes from the movie today, and we'll probably go see it again. It was THAT good.
There were about 3 bad words in the whole movie and one unpleasant argument scene between Darin and Sandra Dee. (They make up quickly.) Nothing any worse than what children see on TV every day. Yet, it was a very sophisticated presentation and one the the whole family will enjoy.
Who knew Spacey could sing and dance?
Splish, Splash!
That she is -- I just didn't want to write the wrong name. I saw Aviator a couple of weeks ago and the female star in that was named Cate Blanchett. She also did a remarkable jobwith her role (as Katherine Hepburn) and I just had a lapse of memory as I typed.
Kate Bosworth, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale (Ava Gardner in "The Aviator"), Kate Hudson -- there's a lot of beautiful actresses named Kate these days.
Was Beckingsale Ava in the Aviator? I didn't catch the name in the credits, andthe posters nevertell you all the supporting players. She was outstanding!
Yes it was Beckisale, check her out in "Underworld," not the greatest movie, but her body looks incredible!
Maybe not at your theater but mine does. We watched Harry Potter - Azkaban last night. We watched Lord of the Rings Return of the King Extended Edition the night before which BTW did not show in theaters. In addition we have recently watched Calender Girls (Great Movie) Spiderman 2 (Great Movie) The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, I, Robot, Memento, The Princess Diaries, The Cider House Rules, Little Voice, Nobody's Fool, Glengarry GlenRoss, 1776, and Saving Grace. And those are just the ones since New Year's Eve.
We love movies and rarely watch TV anymore unless we TIVO it except for Football and BTW Football games look great on HD Widescreen. :)
We like staying at home and now lots of friends come over to watch movies and ball games with us.
No, this one.
http://us.gq.com/
This is totally amazing as I read this thread. You are so nice to give a heads up to a film when there are so few that interest me these days, and then as I read down a little way..the criticism begins !!
Seems like every thread these days are fraught with some curmudgeon.!! Oh well, whatever floats yer boat !
Just this note to thank you ! I heard from a friend this is one great movie too !
Thanks for your review. I will definitely go see this now. You have helped me with the questions I had about Spacey playing this part.
I love going to the movies with my granddaughters. It's a special event for us - popcorn, cokes, the whole she-bang. We enjoy the movie experience. Our Tinseltown is nice & comfy. Love those matinees & senior discounts.
I just got a Cold Mountain DVD for Christmas. It was letterbox & I have a nice size TV but I wish I had seen that one in the theater.
LOL!
But you're right, some movies are just meant to be seen on a true "big screen". Besides it's nice to get out of the house and have change in scenery. I might have to see Beyond the Sea if they show it at the Rosebud, my neighborhood cinema. It's what's inside that makes it quaint and comfy.
I picked up a compilation of Darin songs on CD after I heard Spacey hawking the movie on a few talk shows. I wanted the original not the Spacey version (I'm a purist).
I miss Bobby Darin. Like Spacey's mom, my mother adored him and used to play all his records. Apparently that was the impetus for this movie; Spacey's mom adored him and said he HAD to make a movie about him. He got lots of background material from Darin's family. Originally they didn't want Spacey to sing or play him, but they came around.
Thanks for the review!
Bobby Darin was an incredible talent. We lost him so long ago (1973) that many forget how great he truly was.
What a wonderful place that is and I'd love to see a midnight movie there.
LOL Yes, I got a few curmudgeonly comments in my FReepmail too! Whatever floats their boat, I guess!
Your theater sounds great.I notice that the Aviator is coming (from the ad you linked). That's a good film too. I'm a really picky patron, so I seldom recommend a movie, but Aviator and Beyond the Sea are 2 good ones on one month! Amazing!
Thanks for the link to the article on Darin. That was excellent.
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