Even when we know by heart the music and lyrics of a song that we love, we are able to enjoy it again and again as long as it’s played well. You can say the same about a story. There are many redemption tales with protagonists trying to amend past mistakes, rediscover themselves and find true love.

We know exactly where DANNY COLLINS is going, but the execution is so enjoyable that you can’t help yourself but fall in love with an incredibly talented cast, a well crafted script, one of the best soundtracks ever (Imagine!), and a very confident first time director (Crazy, Stupid Love writer Dan Fogelman).

Al Pacino is irresistible as the titular worn-out rock star, a successful singer-songwriter that enters a life crisis when he discovers a letter that John Lennon wrote to him many decades ago. Ignoring the advice of his manager (the always phenomenal Christopher Plummer), he begins a quest in search for more personal artistic creations as well as meaningful interpersonal connections.

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Collins’ bigger than life personality contrasts with the more mundane existence of a Hilton manager (a delightful Annette Bening), the son he abandoned at an early age and his daughter-in-law (a very solid Bobby Cannavale and Jennifer Garner).

The script takes full advantage of the actors and vice-versa. The dialogue -thanks in part to all the swearing- feels incredibly honest and believable. A great example of that is a scene with Pacino and Cannavale inside Collins’ tour bus at night; a father and son moment that’s amusing, tense and moving at the same time.

It’s hard to tell if DANNY COLLINS will have a place in a future “Pacino’s Greatest Hits” collection. But if you are looking for a recent example of the living legend’s talent, or just a new and uplifting feel-good flick, no other option sounds better than this.

DANNY COLLINS is now playing in theaters.