While 'Great Balls of Fire!' may not be an exactly accurate depiction of Jerry Lee Lewis (aka "The Killer") or the characters, and people would have preferred a more serious approach considering how dark parts of Lewis' life was rather than the more energetic and "campier" one, to me it was a fun romp and very entertaining.
'Great Balls of Fire!' won't be a favourite of mine any time soon, it's not a masterpiece and there are better music biopics around. Am not ashamed however to admit to enjoying the film, though it is completely understandable why some may not like it. It does focus rather too much on Swaggart and while Alec Baldwin is a fine actor he is a little too silly and exaggerated in the role.
While it is understandable as to why it was not, there could have been more of the darker aspects of Lewis' life. The lip-synching is also sloppy, very obvious and often behind the music.
It is a good-looking film with a good authenticity of the period. A highlight of 'Great Balls of Fire!' is the soundtrack, which is unquestionably brilliant.
Scripting has energy and wit, while the story is a lot of fun mostly and never feels dull.
Dennis Quaid's performance seems to have divided viewers, am of the opinion that he did a good and on-the-edge job and that the exaggerated approach didn't stray too far from Lewis' actual persona. Winona Ryder in a relatively early role gives it a lot of sweetness without being cloying. Trey Wilson similarly fares well.
Overall, good if not brilliant. 7/10 Bethany Cox
'Great Balls of Fire!' won't be a favourite of mine any time soon, it's not a masterpiece and there are better music biopics around. Am not ashamed however to admit to enjoying the film, though it is completely understandable why some may not like it. It does focus rather too much on Swaggart and while Alec Baldwin is a fine actor he is a little too silly and exaggerated in the role.
While it is understandable as to why it was not, there could have been more of the darker aspects of Lewis' life. The lip-synching is also sloppy, very obvious and often behind the music.
It is a good-looking film with a good authenticity of the period. A highlight of 'Great Balls of Fire!' is the soundtrack, which is unquestionably brilliant.
Scripting has energy and wit, while the story is a lot of fun mostly and never feels dull.
Dennis Quaid's performance seems to have divided viewers, am of the opinion that he did a good and on-the-edge job and that the exaggerated approach didn't stray too far from Lewis' actual persona. Winona Ryder in a relatively early role gives it a lot of sweetness without being cloying. Trey Wilson similarly fares well.
Overall, good if not brilliant. 7/10 Bethany Cox