Common Sense Note
Parents should know that Bobby Darin suffered from painful rheumatic fever as a child, was physically unwell and died from his illness at the age of 37. This movie portrays his suffering as well as his death, which younger audiences might find scary. Mature themes, complicated characters and implicit alcohol abuse make this movie inappropriate for sensitive viewers. Also, two characters die. There is frequent cussing and insults, strong angry language and references to sleeping around. A committed couple shares a scene of implicit sexuality. There is a raging marital dispute, ongoing arguments between friends and family, as well as questionable priorities for characters.
Families who watch this movie might want to talk about the factors, including ambition, that kept Darin alive long after doctors thought he should have died. Why is it so important for him to be successful? Darin is not portrayed as an entirely likeable character: what do you find moving about his choices? Do you think he redeems himself?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Alyssa Ellsworth
Kevin Spacey was on a mission to tell the story of nightclub singer Bobby Darin, of "Mack the Knife" and "Splish Splash" fame. Spacey's bravery in choosing this subject is as evident as the bravery Darin exhibits in overcoming painful illness to succeed on stage. The challenge is that Darin is not all that likeable. His ambition and disconnect with others results in the sense that we are watching a tightly self-controlled character actor (Spacey) play a tightly self-controlled performer whose story is interesting and at times like a soap-opera but ultimately devoid of real feeling.
The story is told as a musical, a movie Darin is filming about his own life, while he relives many of the moments that changed his path for better of for worse. At the prompting of a young boy who is set to play Darin as a child, Darin remembers his highs and lows from his illness in youth to his triumphant return to stage prior to his death. With a superb supporting cast including Bob Hoskins, Brenda Blethyn, and Kate Bosworth, it's easy to feel the loyalty, love, and support that his family gave him throughout his life. Perhaps that is why it's so much harder to sympathize when Darin clearly is more open and loving with his inner-child (represented by the actor set to play him as a youth) than with his son or any other of his family members.
Spacey, older than Darin at his early death, was criticized for playing the part himself. That critique is unfair as Spacey gives a fantastic, nuanced portrayal of a performer who was a complicated man, who lived by his façade. Darin ultimately beat the odds and become one of the most successful multi-genre singer/actors in history. This movie detracts nothing from the toe-tapping appeal of Darin's music, while adding nothing to the appeal of the man himself.
Still, there's not much here for kids -- they aren't likely to care. Some may want to watch to see Kate Bosworth, but otherwise you might want to save this for a night when the kids are out.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentAn intimate scene between committed couple, references to sleeping around, teenage pregnancy. |
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ViolenceCharacter attacks a car with golf clubs, threatened violence. |
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LanguageJoking insults and name calling, strong language used by angry characters and an angry marital dispute. |
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Social BehaviorSelfish behavior and references to marital strife. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSocial drinking, reference to drinking problem, references to pills. |
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