Bobby Darin - Mack Is Back
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Movie Reviews of Bobby Darin - Mack Is Back
Movie Review: Nice Show - Not Perfect - But Fun
Summary: 4 Stars
Bobby was a bit before my time. As a young child of the 70's I can remember the plethora of TV variety shows before the days of cable. However, I was only familiar with Darin by hearing "Splish Splash" during commercials tauting "The Best of the 50's" record compilations. So, it wasn't until his son Dodd Darin, produced a PBS special in 1998 on the life of his Dad that I understood the man and his talent. So, I'm rather new to this Darin fandom, and have made room in my indie/alt.rock/folkie/rock Gen X-er CD collection for a bit of Bobby D (gladly next to another favorite Bobby D - Mr. Dylan.)
This DVD of Bobby Darin's last TV performance (uncut) shows him during an era where polyester ruled. In fact, anyone from age 10 to 30 at that time ran for the hills at the sight of someone like Darin in his tux, bowtie and lavelier microphone. Back then, if it didn't have denim, long hair and looked like Robert Plant - forget it. Bobby looked corny in this taping, but please - the whole 1970's were cheezy, so don't blame him for glitzying it up. The only thing is - there was so much more to him that the glitz. Knowing this, it's good to be open minded to the dazzle of such a performance, and just let oneself go with the Bobby flow...comb over, frills and all in this DVD. It's the style of an era long gone, and worth watching.
I found this uncut variety show a hoot to watch. You see all the errors and banter that would be edited for air. Bobby was the ultimate showbiz performer with a spectacular voice, sweet face and a nice rear-end if I must say, but the performance does have some cringe inducing moments. The chatter is fun and the songs are cool. However, when you see him try to get down and be funky, he gives comedian and comedic musicians - from Paul Schaffer to Bill Murray - fodder for their Vegas-y, showbizzy parodies.
Still, he looks like he's having a blast. It's amazing how energetic and well he looked for a man who sadly had to run off stage to take a hit off an oxygen tank during live shows. I was disappointed that he did a bit too much vamping during a gorgeous song like "Beyond the Sea". I will say, his self deprecating humor and honesty with the audience was refreshing. Too bad he didn't shed the toupe and bowtie for a more down to earth version of himself in this show. And what a shame he died so soon after. It would be wonderful to have him around today.
This DVD has some nice special features of Bobby's various television appearances, film trailers and comedy sketches. So, there's more to feast on. Bobby deserves to be remembered, and although there are some moments that don't soar, it's worthwhile to hear those golden chops, and see that smiling face one last time.
Movie Review: Loved it! What a great entertainer....
Summary: 4 Stars
I had to see this after watching Spacey's Beyond the Sea. Kevin was good but can't hold a candle to the real thing. I was shocked at how thin Darin was in this show. Several people seem to be upset that this wasn't a Bobby Darin's greatest hit DVD. I think those are probably available but this was created to showcase his diverse talent and genres. He was the quintessential nightclub performer and this was a wonderful example of his talents. I thought it was funny someone even commented on his lavalier microphone since he always uses a handheld mike not a clip on although his hair and tie probably are clip on! He has extraordinary energy in this show and minimal trips to the wings for hits of O2. I do think his patter can get a little in the way of the songs but this goes with the nightclub performer territory. Give them their money's worth.....and that he did!Movie Review: LOUNGE MUSIC MASTER
Summary: 4 Stars
I ordered this after watching Beyond the Sea. Wanted to see the real thing. Darin is the pinnacle lounge performer (right down to the bad toupee), with kitchy renditions of his big hits and some terrific covers. Just can't keep from grinning as you watch this video. I expected an SNL Bill Murray version of Bridge Over Troubled Water, but Darin was masterful in his understated interpretaion of the S & G classic. I remember watching shows like this with my parents, sitting at our TV trays in front of the tube, which we did every night of my childhood. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the variety shows of the late 60's and early 70's. It's a classic!Movie Review: A good look at Bobby Darin
Summary: 4 Stars
Much of this film has been shown on public television. But, this video includes more than what was shown on public tv. The visual images are very clear and it is great to see what Bobby Darin looked like toward the end of his life. His performances of his traditional hits are somewhat "jazzed up" versions of those hits and might be kind of aggravating for the viewer who wants to see and hear the hits as they were done originally. But, Darin's showmanship and talent on stage definitely comes through. He was a stage performer through and through and does not disappoint.Movie Review: Forgive the few bad reviews
Summary: 4 Stars
If you are not stuck in a time capsule mood, and don't mind an artist who wrote songs, sang everything from folk to rock to swing to protest songs, then take a ride with Bobby Darin. What a fascinating career but more importantly what an energetic singer. Don't buy it if you don't want to hear Bobby do songs other than his classics. He does them too, but they were almost 20 years old when this was recorded. He sang from the late 50s to the early 70s and clearly loved the music, all kinds. You get the last concert from a truly gifted artist. You should give it a try.