Click to read the article
Beyond the Sea (2004)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:39
Fresh:13
Rotten:26
Average Rating:2.9/10
Consensus: Kevin Spacey’s bio of singer Bobby Darin is either a fearless piece of showmanship or an embarrassing vanity project, according to critics.
Rated: 12A [See Full Rating] for some strong language and a scene of sensuality.
Runtime: 1 hr 58 mins
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release:26-11-2004
Synopsis: For BOBBY DARIN (Kevin Spacey), performing was his life. It kept his heart beating. He came alive onstage, even when he was near collapse offstage. In BEYOND THE SEA, Bobby tells his own story.... For BOBBY DARIN (Kevin Spacey), performing was his life. It kept his heart beating. He came alive onstage, even when he was near collapse offstage. In BEYOND THE SEA, Bobby tells his own story. At age seven, Bobby gets rheumatic fever that damages his heart forever. The doctor tells his mother POLLY (Brenda Blethyn) he'll be lucky to live to the age of fifteen. Polly and Bobby's older sister NINA (Caroline Aaron) take care of him, along with Nina's husband CHARLIE (Bob Hoskins). Modern medicine and determination keep him alive, his heart's still ticking, and by 20, with the help of his best friend turned manager Steve Blauner (John Goodman) and musical director Dick Behrke (Peter Cincotti) he's working his way up, from tacky clubs to performing in Vegas, finally scoring a hit with 'Splish Splash'. But Bobby wants more. As he tells Life Magazine, he wants to be a legend by 25. MACK THE KNIFE makes him the star he's dreamed of becoming but for him this is only the beginning. The hits keep coming and his life keeps evolving, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in CAPTAIN NEWMAN MD. Never satisfied with success, Bobby continues to reinvent himself and moves from rock and roll into pop, gospel, country & western and folk music. By the end of his brief 14-year career Bobby Darin he's had more hits in more genres of music than any recording artist except Elvis Presley and Ray Charles. When he kicks off his acting career, he meets movie star SANDRA DEE (Kate Bosworth) while filming COME SEPTEMBER in Italy. He falls for her, but has to jump through hoops to get around MARY (Greta Scacchi), Sandy's possessive and overbearing mother. Despite her protests Bobby and Sandy get married and seem like the perfect Hollywood fairytale couple. But the conflict of her acting career and his touring puts a strain on the relationship. His dogged pursuit of fame and fortune isolates him from the very people who love him and believe in him. His master plan for 'Bobby Darin the star' doesn't leave much room for 'Bobby Darin the man'. [More]
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, Brenda Blethyn, Caroline Aaron
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, Brenda Blethyn, Caroline Aaron, Bob Hoskins, John Goodman, Greta Sacchi, Peter Cincotti
Director: Kevin Spacey
Director: Kevin Spacey
Screenwriter: Kevin Spacey, Lewis Colick
Producer: Kevin Spacey, Andrew Paterson, Jan Fantl, Arthur Friedman
Composer: Christopher Slaski
Studio: Lions Gate Films
Reviews for Beyond the Sea
A two hour shoulder shrugger for those too young to even know who Bobby Darin is, and what all this fuss is about.
Beyond the Sea is a heartfelt gem, so earnest, so joyful and so celebratory of Bobby Darin's spirit that the movie's flaws or embarrassments are completely irrelevant.
Spacey has a blast and gives a great workout to Darin’s signature hits...
Beyond the Sea drowns in misplaced fantasy flashbacks, nonsensical dance numbers, and annoyingly unbearable stretches of melodrama.
Latest News for Beyond the Sea
June 29, 2006:
Critical Consensus: "Superman" And "Devil" Are Certified Fresh
This week's wide releases both involve publishing. In "The Devil Wears Prada," the setting is a fashion magazine, and in "Superman Returns," it's The Daily... More...
More DVDs
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 83% 83% | Harry Potter and the H… |
| 67% 67% | Public Enemies |
| 75% 75% | Julie & Julia |
| 95% 95% | The Cove |
| 85% 85% | World's Greatest Dad |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- Beyond the Sea at Rotten Tomatoes
- Beyond the Sea at IGN
- Beyond the Sea at AskMen
Fresh Links
Featured

Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.

Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.





