Sonny

2002, Drama, 1h 50m

27 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

Sonny is sunk by debuting director Nicolas Cage's evident inability to locate the heart of his movie's story - or properly modulate his cast's performances. Read critic reviews

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Sonny Photos

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Movie Info

After a stint in the army, former male prostitute Sonny Phillips (James Franco) returns to his home in a run-down New Orleans in search of a stable life. However, the financial difficulties faced by his mother, Jewel (Brenda Blethyn), who is also a prostitute, make escaping his former life difficult. With few job prospects, Sonny reluctantly begins working the streets. The only bright spot in his otherwise difficult life is his relationship with Carol (Mena Suvari), Jewel's new protégé.
  • Rating:
    R (Violence|Language|Strong Sexuality|Some Drug Use)
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Nicolas Cage
  • Producer:
    Nicolas Cage, Paul Brooks, Norman Golightly
  • Writer:
    John Carlen
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $17.6K
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    IDP Distribution
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround

Cast & Crew

James Franco
Sonny
Brenda Blethyn
Jewel
Mena Suvari
Carol
Harry Dean Stanton
Henry
Scott Caan
Jesse
Seymour Cassel
Albert
Nicolas Cage
Acid Yellow
Nicolas Cage
Director
John Carlen
Writer
Norm Waitt
Executive Producer
Nicolas Cage
Producer
Paul Brooks
Producer
Norman Golightly
Producer
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Critic Reviews for Sonny

All Critics (27) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (6) | Rotten (21)

View All Critic Reviews (27)

Audience Reviews for Sonny

  • Nov 05, 2011
    I like Nicolas Cage, honestly...for the most part. So, when I heard he directed a film starring James Franco as a male hustler who tries to get out of the life, I figured, "hey, this might be a good, gritty, indie drama". Well, it's not. It's sometimes sleazy and gritty, but it feels undercooked and slightly polished. It's also really draggy asnd boring, which I didn't think was possible. Franco does what he can, and he's okay, but he can't quite save it. Stanton also helps elevate things, but he could have been used a lot more...and better. Suvari was okay, probably the best out of all the ladies here, but even then she's not given much to work with, and her performance isn't all that great. She does have a bit of chemistry with Franco though, and she's nice to look at. Overall, this is a plodding, dull mess. It's also about 20 minutes too long. Avoid.
    Chris W Super Reviewer
  • Jan 19, 2011
    Uneven, seemingly indecisive direction from Nicolas Cage leads this potentially affecting film astray. As it stands, it is mildly interesting. The best aspect of it is James Franco, who gives solid evidence of his considerable abilities as an actor.
    Mike T Super Reviewer
  • Dec 19, 2007
    It's no secret that Nicolas Cage is incapable of saying no to any script - except he decided to direct this one. Doesn't make it any better.
    Marcus W Super Reviewer
  • Sep 11, 2007
    I hated this movie. I wasn't interested in anything that happened.
    Sunil J Super Reviewer
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