Danny Collins (2015, dir. Dan Fogelman)

In this cliched, predictable story from director Dan Fogelman, Al Pacino stars as the title character, a pathetic stereotype of an aging folk-rocker.  He hasn't written a song in three decades, his personal life is in a shambles, and his lifestyle decisions are questionable.  Still, Collins draws huge crowds in his concerts where he belts out his "Sweet Caroline" clone compositions.  His life takes a more meaningful turn when he comes across a 40 year old letter from John Lennon which he hadn't received until now.  The letter gives him career advice which, had it been taken, would have meant a much more satisfying and wholesome life thereafter.  He decides that its never too late and maybe he can start now.

Al Pacino is miscast in the title role, first of all.  Although he is convincing in his off-stage antics, I never believed him as a performer.  The viewer witnesses his performances briefly, but when he or she does, Pacino's vocals are so dismal that you wonder how he could be the superstar that he is portrayed as in this film.

The film is also billed as a comedy-drama, but the comedic elements of the film always fall flat.  There are various attempts to interject humor throughout the story but the screenplay is just not strong enough to elicit any laughter.  Plus there are certain actions and lines that are so off-the-wall, ridiculous and cliched that you just have to cringe.

This is one of the worst films I've seen this year.