The opening of Danny Collins claims that it’s “kind of based on a true story a little bit”. It’s kind of a good movie a little bit too.

The slew of classic Lennon songs is a nice touch, but as late-in-life redemption tales go, it’s pretty standard, saccharine stuff. Everyone breaks up and makes up just like they’re supposed to, with no real surprises to speak of along the way.

What makes it work is Pacino; he sells the hell out of Collins as a wayward soul trying to make amends, and his charm is undeniably infectious.

Zeal (Annette Bening reminds us) may not be great, but it isn’t awful either. For better or worse, Danny Collins is a film with a lot of zeal.

RATING: 3/5

INFORMATION

DIRECTOR: Dan Fogelman

WRITER: Dan Fogelman

CAST: Al Pacino, Annette Bening, Bobby Cannavale, Jennifer Garner, Christopher Plummer

SYNOPSIS: An aging rock star decides to change his life when he discovers a 40 year old letter written to him by John Lennon.