We went to see this movie based on the preview we had seen 2 days before. As it said in the beginning of the movie “kind of based on a true story”. Al Pacino is a great lead as Danny Collins, a kind of aging lounge lizard (a la Rod Stewart) but universally recognized, wealthy star. His concerts are all sold out, especially to older women, and he travels around in a big tour bus.
The subtheme is about art versus fame and fortune, established in the early section set in 1971. Annette Bening as hotel manager Mary Sinclair provides an able foil.
The John Lennon soundtrack was appropriate, given that the film was inspired by a letter that John wrote to a folk singer, a letter that was never delivered. In the movie, it provides the impetus for Danny to reexamine his life, and his family, whereas in real life, the letter was retained by a collector who contacted the original singer to verify the letter’s authenticity.