We see a lot of movies, in theaters, on Netflix, in fact, on our first date, discovering our mutual passion for movies was the icing on the cake. So it goes without saying that we love the experience and sadly, have had our expectations dashed often. With Danny Collins, I wasn’t expecting much. The previews did not fill me with optimism. A broken-down rock star, drinking and coming onto younger women, ugh. Michael Corlione, Godfather, Part I, come back to me! But it was a rainy,cold Sunday and Tuvia was more enthusiastic after watching Al on Charlie Rose a few days earlier.

The lights dimmed, and movieland took us over. What an idiot I was to doubt that Al Pacino would let me down. Danny Collins, loosely based on a real Danny Collins, was once a young rising rock star, often compared to John Lennon. In a flashback, a young Danny is interviewed and admits that he’s afraid that he won’t be successful and that John Lennon is his inspiration.

Back to the present: we watch Al from behind preparing to wow an audience, and he does, but it’s clear he is just going through the motions. Same in his private life, with a ridiculously younger woman who has planned a surprise birthday party for him. But later, when the guests are all gone Al sits with his manager/best friend( Christopher Plummer) hands him one last gift and his life turns around.

The journey begins and I’m hooked. Tuvia,not yet, but soon he is too.

As much as I liked Woman in Gold, it was Helen Mirren who held the movie together. For Danny Collins, Al had a great supporting cast, great direction, a great script and John Lennon music throughout.

From the first to last frame I was inside this movie, even though I really needed a bathroom break. As I write this review, I’m grinning, remembering scene after gorgeous scene of this story. I can’t wait to see it again. I’d put this one on your list if you too, remember young Michael Corlione and want to see what Al can still do to knock your socks off.