New Orleans, 1981. Sonny Phillips, just discharged from the Army, returns home. The only life he's known is as a gigolo, working for his mother, but he wants to leave that behind. However, the job his Army buddy promised doesn't materialize, and he can't escape his past.
Reviews
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.
Sonny is a brilliant story of a young man who desperately wants to leave his past behind and begin a new life. However, the past catches up with him and he has no choice but to revert to the life he so longed to leave behind. The acting in this film is absolutely brilliant. James Franco doesn't cease to surprise me with his powerful performances. He's definitely fantastic in this film. Nicholas Cage's directorial debut is not bad, but there were a couple of loopholes in the plot which he could have filled in. Despite that, he's done quite a good job. Sonny is a great drama and a must-watch. I think it definitely deserves a 9/10.
Overall I really liked this film. I thought James Franco was excellent in the title role. Certain scenes devolved into crappy melodrama, such as the dialogue outside the barn in the rain - "tell me we'll make it, baby!" -a sobbing, rain-drenched Mena Suvari as Carol in a hideous southern accent. But certain parts were very sweet in a non-saccharine way; James Franco cuddling up to the Texas junkie after sex, thinking this is his ticket to a straight life. And who could not enjoy Nicholas Cage as Acid Yellow? I would honestly give it 7 or 8 out of 10. Harry Dean Stanton is a favorite, even Scott Caan is pretty good, although, as another user pointed out, I would never, ever believe that he ever read Camus, and that scene didn't fit with the rest of the character.
Am baffled at the low ratings and poor reviews this film has gotten. Would this still have been the case if Nick Cage were not an A-List actor? I thought this film to be a phenomenal character piece that kept me gripped until the very end. James Franco once again shows his chops as one of the best actors of his generation. Perhaps the film was a little too real for many to take and showed a life of prositution that was not through Hollywood goggles (ie Pretty Woman). With the exception of Scott Caan, all the performances were stellar and the movie was a phenomenal debut for any first time director. I hope that you haters out there do not sway Mr. Cage away from his position behind the lens.
