Watch CBS News

Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'Danny Collins' And 'Woman In Gold'

DANNY COLLINS (R)

Based on a true story, we enter the decadent world of an international pop star, along the lines of Neil Diamond. Al Pacino plays the part with internal pain and regret.  He's lost his love of performing and the music itself.  Christopher Plummer is his manager who tries to help. But Danny disappears to find his estranged family, played by Bobby Cannavale and Jennifer Garner.  He connects with a hotel manager, a feisty Annette Bening.  This is one great cast, led by the Al Pacino, who is even good in bad movies.  But this is a good movie, filled with humanity and the question of what really matters in life  ... grounded by a terrific, unusual Pacino.

 

WOMAN IN GOLD (PG-13)

Get ready for one of the best movies in years.  After being disappointed by "The Monument Men", I remember thinking that there are so many amazing stories about the Nazi theft of art and how so many countries themselves are not letting it go to this very day.  Add to that one of my favorite painters Gustav Klimt and you have the story of "The Woman in Gold".  Helen Mirren stars as a sophisticated Austrian Jew wondering about her Aunt's portrait that was stolen from her family by the Nazi's.  Ryan Reynolds is an attorney, the grandson of composer Arnold Shoenberg, who is determined to get the portrait back from the Austrian government who keeps it on proud, public display.  From the flashbacks and compelling characters on all sides, it's a rich, nuanced film ... don't miss it.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.