Beyond the Sea

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Beyond the Sea ★★ 2004 (PG-13)

Energetic if superficial biography of Bobby Darin is the personal labor of love for director/star/producer Spacey—even if he's technically too old for the role (Darin died at 37 in 1973). His conceit is showcasing the older Darin in his own fantasy autobiography, beginning with his childhood self (Ullrich) and advancing confidently as Darin finds success crooning at the Copa, becomes a teen idol with the ditty “Splish Splash,” and falls in love with teenaged golden girl actress Sandra Dee (Bosworth). This being showbiz, things eventually take a downward spiral for the insecure Darin as his smooth style becomes irrelevant in the hippie sixties before he attempts the inevitable comeback. It's Spacey's show (and he supplies his own morethanadequate vocals) but supporting actors Hoskins, Blethyn, Aaron, and Goodman all run with their screen time. Title is taken from a 1960 Darin hit. 121m/C VHS, DVD . US Kevin Spacey, Kate (Catherine) Bosworth, John Goodman, Bob Hoskins, Brenda Blethyn, Greta Scacchi, Caroline Aaron, Peter Cincotti, William Ullrich, Tayfun Bademsoy; D: Kevin Spacey; W: Kevin Spacey, Lewis Colick; C: Eduardo Serra; M: Christopher Slaski.

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