Strictly Sinatra

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.

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

The cast in this film is terrific. Ian Hart gives a knockout performance as poor Tony, Alun Armstrong is, of course, superb, and Kelly Macdonald is a hidden gem - since Trainspotting she's been consistently excellent. And yet.....this film is diverting. Its not boring, but its not gripping, and though it leaves you with a warm glow inside and purring 'ahhh', there's nothing life re-defining in it. However, as a mildly homesick Scot, just the sight of normal Glasgow was refreshing!! I'd say, rent it, enjoy it, but lower expectations first. As usual for a British film, this has the parts, but simply cannot manage a spectacular finish. Regrettably, we still have to look to the Americans for that. Damn!!

"Strictly Sinatra" tells of a young Glasgow club singer and Sinatra wannabe (Hart) who falls in with the mob while falling in love with the mob's ex-cigarette girl (Macdonald) and must choose between the mob and fame or the girl and love. A pleasing and enjoyable little comedy/light drama, the film is flavored with lots of old Sinatra standards, some gangster skullduggery, a few poignant moments, and just a spritz of romance. Although "Strictly Sinatra" is strictly a mediocre flick, it makes for an enjoyable small screen watch for those who don't mind dreary old Glasgow and thick Scottish accents.

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.