Academy Award-winning actor Nicolas Cage made his directorial debut with the 2002 theatrical release, Sonny. Meet Sonny and his mother Jewel. Sonny has returned from the Army to his mother's loving arms, to the sultry, sordid streets of New Orleans, to his mother's whorehouse. He's one of Jewel's most sought-after "employees," but he's thinking about a career change. Sonny is back to start his life anew. Maybe with Carol, one of Jewel's girls, and one of the few who dream of a life outside "the life." Or maybe in Texas, where the promise of a real job seems almost too good to be true. Until now, he's survived in a business where women pay to sleep with him. But how much will it cost to set him free?
Nicolas Cage once acted in a notably sexy and atmospheric New Orleans movie called Zandalee, so nostalgia may have recommended Sonny as a directorial debut project. The handsome young title character (James Franco) returns to his bordello-district home after Army service, wanting only to lead a normal life, work in a bookstore, meet a nice girl, and settle down. Sonny spent his pre-Army years expertly pleasuring well-to-do ladies, having been taught "everything he knows"--as we are oft reminded--by his own mother (Brenda Blethyn in sub-Tennessee Williams rampage). After discovering that "normal" people can be as fallible as lowlifes, our boy reluctantly resumes his former trade, with dispiriting results. Not half as dispiriting, though, as Cage's maiden directing effort. Marginal compensation is supplied by Harry Dean Stanton, sweetly weary as an old family friend, and the copiously zaftig Brenda Vaccaro (cf. Midnight Cowboy) as a once and future client. Cage himself turns up as a poodle-toting pimp named Acid Yellow. --Richard T. Jameson
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
Sonny:
Excellent film. James Franco is truly a great actor...just wished he'd get more recognition for his body of work. He's outstanding and this movie is a perfect vehicle for his rare talents.
James Franco shines:
You really do not want to miss James Franco's soulful and raw portrayal of Sonny. This movie would be easily forgotten by most people after watching it, if it weren't his performance that fleshes out this character and burns him into your mind. A very passionate, gritty, and sad movie. Worth watching.
Great house!:
I love the campiness and the awesome house in which it was filmed!
best indie:
Despite absolutely being obsessed with James Franco, this movie was really great. The direction by cage is great and i ab. loved the ending. The only thing i found irritating was Sonny's mothers accent and overzealousness. Worthwhile film! loved it.
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