The Jazz Singer (DVD, 2005, 25th Anniversary)

As a devout Neil Diamond follower, I found it completely impossible to not go and see this movie when it was released in 1980. I was drawn like a moth to a flame much like Diamond's fans are drawn to him from all over the globe. And there really is nothing better than Neil playing Neil.

The story is, of course, taken from the 1927 release The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson (incidentally, the first official all talkie picture). It's about a Jewish cantor that dreams of making it as a singer in popular music. The story basics are much the same in the 1980 release: enter Neil Diamond as Yussel Rabinovitz, a.k.a. Jess Robin to his on-the-side musical bookings and friends. What should be considered the most distinct difference is the casting coup of Laurence Olivier as the main character's father. When Neil Diamond was asked by replacement director Richard Fleischer if he'd ever studied acting, Neil quickly responded, yes. He'd been watching and mentally noting every move that Olivier had made. He'd apparently also run into Dustin Hoffman in an airport terminal, asked his advice and Hoffman gave him some ideas as to what Olivier was like to work with (the two had starred in Marathon Man some years earlier). Apparently, Fleischer liked and respected his approach and the two had a pretty smooth relationship during filming.

The most memorable parts in this version are, besides the concert scenes naturally, are the strong performances of the supporting players. Lucie Arnaz as Molly gives a likeably fresh, comic turn to the character in a movie that because of its serious roots would die without it. Keith Lennox is the rock singer that rather likes the lyrics to some of Jess' songs and Paul Nicholas plays him with just the right amount of arrogance and disdain for his entourage that has you picturing some of the actual rock stars of the day. Franklin Ajaye is fabulous as Bubba, the main character's best friend and fellow singer; his comic timing is superb and in all the right places. Mike Kellin is perfection as Jess' Uncle Leo and Sully Boyar is the exact stereotype of an important agent, being Eddie Gibbs that gives Jess his first big break.

The visuals in the film are excellent, from the New York City street culture to the drastic change of Los Angeles life. The comparisons to the backstage scenes in L.A. to the basement New York clubs are obvious but very necessary and they help to show the difficulty Jess has in leaving his time-honored traditions for the life he craves. While Neil's acting abilities are somewhat limited, likely due to his inexperience, there is a passion he has for the material that is unmistakeable. He feels the character, the frustration and the transition from the old ways to the new and he wears his pain well when he confronts his father. One can only imagine what he could have done with more training and another chance at a starring vehicle.

If you are a Neil Diamond fan, this is a must have in your DVD collection. If you have enjoyed his music from time to time, you will probably enjoy this as well. Because believe me, there is truly nothing better than Neil playing Neil.