Danny Collins

Danny Collins (Al Pacino) is a an aging rock star still making good money on tours.  He hasn't written a song in 30 years. He has sold out for the money, but he's a great performer and the fans love his old hits.  He continues to live the rock star life style, including plenty of alcohol and cocaine. (I'd still take it over the life of an aging psychiatrist!) He is engaged to a woman about 35 years younger than he is. On his birthday, Frank (Manager-Christopher Plummer) gives him a letter John Lennon had written to him 30 years ago which he had never received.  John tells him that fame wouldn't destroy his art and advises him to be true to himself. A few days later, Danny discovers that his fiance has been cheating on him. Danny takes John's letter to heart.  He stops the cocaine and takes a trip to New Jersey. He decides to stay indefinitely at a Hilton hotel a few miles away from where his only child, Tom (Bobby Cannavale) lives with his wife, Samantha (Jennifer Garner) and their daughter, Hope (Giselle Eisenberg). He has never met any of them. He also is attracted to the Hotel Manager, Mary (Annette Benning).  He has a Steinway put in his room and starts trying to write songs again. The movie is both funny and touching at the same time, as Danny tries to reconnect with his soul, involve himself with his son's family, and start a romantic relationship that has some depth. The ensemble cast is excellent, especially Pacino (there's a surprise) and Eisenberg. There's also a great soundtrack of John Lennon's solo work. The Writer/Director (Dan Fogelman - not Dan Fogelberg) is talented, and I am eager to see his next movie. This film will leave the theaters soon so if you miss it, make sure to see it on Netflix.