Thanks to a strong central performance by Al Pacino, and solid turns from the supporting cast, “Danny Collins” overcomes most of its dramedy clichés.

“Danny Collins” opens with a title card claiming that this is “kind of” a true story, which is a sign of the kind of tone the film is going for. The film is based off of real life folk singer Steve Tilston who, after receiving a letter that was written to him 40 years ago from John Lennon, decides to drastically change his life. That means no more drugs, fiancés that are half his age or performing another tour of just his decades old hits.

Collins (the film version of Tilston, played by Al Pacino) travels to New Jersey to reunite with his estranged son (Bobby Cannavale) and ignite his songwriting passion. While there, he stays at a Hilton Inn and befriends the staff, played by Annette Bening, Josh Peck and Melissa Benoist.

The film, from first time director Dan Fogelman, puts most of its weight on Al Pacino, and luckily for the audience he is able to carry the film. His performance as the aging rocker is easily the best he has given in years, which might not be saying much, but still should be taken as a compliment.

His ability to seamlessly move from being charming and charismatic to heartfelt and funny to even downright dirty and slimy is astonishing. Pacino is the heartbeat of the film and without this dedicated of a performance it certainly would have been DOA.

The supporting cast around Pacino is top notch as well. Cannavale in particular shines as the angry yet loving son of the rocker. His character could have been one note but in Cannavale’s hands he is able to add depth to a crucial character in the film.

 That’s an overall feeling I have for “Danny Collins,” it could have been one note and very safe, and while at times it might feel like that, the performances and solid writing keep it from being overly cliché. Along with directing, Fogelman also wrote the film and shows that he is a better writer than a director. Many of the scenes throughout the film are able to bounce from light to dramatic quickly, which Fogelman handles better as a writer than a director.

“Danny Collins” might not be the most original dramedy to come out over the last couple of years, but it is one of the best acted and strongly written ones in recent memory. Al Pacino and the supporting cast shine, which helps to get through some of the predictability that plague dramedies today.  

            GRADE: B