Strictly Sinatra

A gem of a movie that needs more exposure so more film fans can appreciate its luster. It encompasses a wide variety of cinematic flavors, from subtle doses of dry Scottish humor, to classy musical productions and to everyday life drama played out on the streets of Glasgow. Yes, Toni (Ian Hart) wants the fame that accompanies a successful singer/entertainer, but at what price is he willing to pay? Not an especially original story theme, but the way the cast and crew twist this basic theme in their metaphorical fingers, it comes out refreshingly entertaining.

The cast is marvelous, using well scripted lines with flawless delivery in their native brogue with all the accompanying idiomatic expressions. Brian Cox, who is equally adept at American film roles/brogue, stands out in his role as a ruthless gangster. I think his all-round talent is under appreciated by too many film goers. Ian Hart, as the lead, Kelly Macdonald and Alun Armstrong are on the mark in their role interpretations. Too bad that many American film goers will probably eschew this film because of the hard to follow Celtic accents. Hey, if that's the case, turn the close caption "ON" and sit back and enjoy two hours of fresh fun!

While there isn't anything fantastic about this film, there isn't anything bad. It's all about entertainment, and this film will hold your attention if you have moderate film intelligence, and you are not falling down tired or otherwise dulled. It has a realistic story about believable characters.

There is no Hollywood here. This is another great testament to the growing (in quality and volume) non-England British Isles film industry. The acting is good and the story is quaint. The direction is tight for the most part, except when it tries to be "action-oriented." Still good. Enjoy it.

6.3/10

I attended the Premier of Strictly Sinatra on Sunday Night. I was extreemly impressed by this movie. It had a great cast including the fantastic Ian Hart as Tony Cocozza. Brian Cox also put in a fantastic performance.

The Movie is set in Glasgow and revolves around the life of Tony Cocozza and his dream to rise to Sinatra like stardom. Tony sings in pubs doing his act which is 'Strictly Sinatra' until one night one of Glasgow's gangland bosses request a song which is not in Tony's regular act. After performing an Elvis classic the young man is invited to join the man and his associates to a night in a casino. IT's here he meets a pretty cigarette seller, played by Kelly McDonald. Tony soon gets caught up in the local mob, after accidently asking for a favour, one which he'd have to return. His friends find out and he has to make a descision....fame, at it's price, or the girl of his dreams.

Ian Hart stands out in the brilliant cast with his fantastic vocals for the movie. If it had been made in America he'd be nominated for an oscar, sadly this Scottish movie will probably be ignored.

I tuned in to see Kelly Macdonald (Trainspotting, The Loss of Sexual innocence), and was rewarded with what was the best performance I have seen of her so far. She was just alive and incredible as the love interest.

I got a bonus because the lead, Ian Hart (Breakfast on Pluto, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) was excellent in the role of a hack lounge singer that got involved with the mob to get a break. He was lucky he didn't get a break - on his legs or arms. Watching him get sucked in for a chance was a great experience.

Along the way, we also got some fine performances from Brian Cox (The Ring, The Bourne Supremacy) and Alun Armstrong (Eragon, The Mummy returns.

And the music! You can just imagine from the title. Stupendous.

As a lifetime Sinatra fanatic, I was drawn to this movie with interest and little knowledge of the plot. I thought the film was a fairly well told story of a "star struck" wannabe with a gentle heart, who decides he willing to do anything to realize his aspirations, and follow in Ol Blue Eyes footsteps. The musical score is excellent and lends to the period of work that Cocozza's idol gave to the world. Ian Hart does his best to detail what a 28 yr old "loser" feels like, and the depths he will sink to "make it".The one drawback was the often difficulty in understanding the Scottish dialect that too often impairs the ability to discern key dialogue exchanges. All in all, I'd recommend it..especially to the millions of Sinatra fans still around who continue to perceive his talent/persona in a "god-like" fashion.