Sonny

I really enjoyed the slightly unusual dimension brought to the film by Nicholas Cages's direction, showing the same characteristics as many of the films in which he has a leading role. The role of Yellow acid was a bit over the top but the other roles all believable and well acted. The much worked cliché of being drawn back into a rut was kept interesting by the unlikely paradox that a good looking and sexually adapt male could struggle to impress in normal situations simply because of the stigma and baggage of his previous occupation. James Franco was an excellent choice as Sonny portraying the on the surface shy but extremely confident individual with great believability.

Welcome to another movie that belongs to the genre of "Life is terrible and nobody's happy." If you're in the right mood for them, they can be terrifically entertaining. One of my favorite movies of its year was The Florida Project because of its realism and sorrow. Sonny is a drama about a young man who wants a better life for himself than he was born into. Okay, that's not exactly what it's about, but in a nutshell, that's the basic message that people in the audiences can relate to. In a tearful monologue, Harry Dean Stanton admits that there every single moment of the day he wishes he was someone else. "If I look too close in the mirror, I might see me. I don't think I'm quite ready for that," Mena Suvari confesses.

Those of you who've read my reviews know that I'm notoriously harsh on films that glorify prostitution. Sonny portrays it as the seedy, humiliating, disgusting business that it is. Brenda Blethyn is at her best: low-class, ignorant, selfish, with an edge of sugar that's equal to the edge of vinegar. She plays James Franco's mother and pimp, and when he returns from three years in the army, she expects him to pick up right where he left off. He doesn't want to, and in a heartbreaking scene, he seeks employment at a clothing boutique only to be recognized and embarrassed by former client Brenda Vaccaro. This is a far cry from Pretty Woman, folks, so don't expect Franco to run off with Mena Suvari, his mother's new employee. They form an attachment because they feel like they're both trapped and both know what it's like to carry the stigma of working in prostitution, but the movie spends much more time lifting the lid on how the other half lives than on a little romance.

If you're watching this movie for Nicolas Cage, he doesn't show up until the last fifteen minutes, and you probably won't even recognize him. However, since he did direct and co-produce the movie, you're still seeing his handiwork even when he's not on the screen. This is his directorial debut and it doesn't feel like it was made by a newcomer. There are no glossy edges, and most scenes are set in broad daylight so the characters have no filter to hide behind.

The performances in this heavy drama are extremely strong, and if you can stomach it, watching it for the second time will bring out previously hidden layers. Mena Suvari has the deadened look that real prostitutes wear; it's clear self-hatred replaced self-respect long ago. James Franco shines in scene after scene as he degrades himself and lets other's expectations of him take precedent over who he thinks he could be. Anyone who thinks Julia Roberts played a realistic prostitute should watch Sonny and get an education. They get treated like garbage, they get humiliated, and sometimes they don't even get paid. It's a terrible, dangerous way of life.

It's understandable that Sonny wouldn't find a very large audience, but if you like James Franco-his talent, I mean-you should consider renting it. Yes, he's ridiculously gorgeous and puts on the Southern drawl he's perfected through the years, but this is not a steamy movie to rent for girls' night. If you're renting it, it's because you want to see another facet of his versatility.

Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to graphic sex scenes, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.

The truths explored in `Sonny' are not easily accessible to those who have never faced the choice that faces Sonny Phillips: whether to `square up,' or continue in a life style with extremely limited options, and little room for growth. Many who are born into a life of prostitution never seriously consider leaving it, most who have never experienced that life style are unaware of the dishonesties and injustices inherent in living on their more socially-acceptable middle-class level. The story sums up neatly: Sonny comes home after a stint in the army with the goal of leaving behind his former life style as a male prostitute. His mother, Jewel, who turned him out when he was twelve years old, now lives off of Carol, a beautiful young whore who has Sonny's old bedroom. Jewel wants to keep Sonny with her, and have him work as a team with Carol.

Somehow, 26-year-old James Franco is able to tap into a wellspring of emotional depth to show the anguish attendant in the decision Sonny tries to make and honor. Somehow, Nicolas Cage was able to lead him to it. What these two have accomplished should not be overlooked or undervalued. `Sonny' is a magnificent achievement. It is a movie that explores many themes, paramount among them that each of us is worthy of love, capable of innocence and growth. Real affection can be found in the unlikeliest of places, respect shows itself in many ways, trust is fragile, and love doesn't protect anyone from anything. Franco's performance could be considered nothing short of miraculous, if it weren't known how hard-working an actor he is. This range of talent hasn't been seen since 1955; his slight frame belies his power, and his smile is an endearing joy. Mena Suvari, as his love-interest, Carol, is also an unexpected delight, bringing to mind nothing so much as Carroll Baker's performance in `Baby Doll.' Her combination of innocence and sexuality is reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe's, and it's nice that someone is on the scene to keep that flame alive. Also noteworthy is Brenda Vaccaro as Meg, an old trick of Sonny's who's eager to spend time with him again. She brings a warmth and generosity to a role that could seem ludicrous in a lesser actress. Not least among all these terrific talents is Brenda Blethyn as Sonny's mother Jewel. Although her southern accent seems questionable, it's difficult to think of another actress who could make someone who's done something this despicable to her child, seem genuine and likable. As her friend, Harry Dean Stanton also pulls off something unexpected, bringing depth of character to someone whose occupation as a shoplifter could otherwise lead us to think of as shallow. But it is a director's vision that pulls a movie together, and Nicolas Cage is to be heartily and enthusiastically commended for what he's accomplished here. `Sonny' is a wonderful movie.

I had the wonderful opportunity to see the debut of Sonny at the Virginia Film Festival on 26 October 2002. This is a gritty and raw portrayal of a young man's attempts to change his fate. Mr. Cage has made a daring film about the difficult life of a male hustler.

This is a film that spares nothing and finds us rooting for each character's redemption. This is not to be missed.

Nicolas Cage directed, "Sonny" is a title to be remembered as a past time to the Ryan Gosling "esk" movies of yesterday. Featured as a dark horse humor of the deep south, with the contrast of the all to familiar promiscuous and underworld venues of "The Bad Lieutenant," James Franco puts on the convincing mask of a '1980s Nawlins" trick turner. Very independent and distant from his present day roles, Franco's performance is raw and distinguished. The plot is as simple as it is compelling. Despite this little known title, for those movie goers with the need and appetite for films of Leaving Las Vegas magnitude, "Sonny" is the enthralling feature to curb your hunger. If your search for a cinematic hallmark leads you here, I urge you to venture elsewhere. The simplicity and brutish complexion of this early 2000s artwork makes it an appealing plunge for viewers of unassuming admiration. "Better than Spiderman, not as good as 127," gage as you see fit.