Watch Sonny

Sonny is a drama film released in 2002, directed by Nicholas Cage and stars James Franco, Brenda Blethyn, and Mena Suvari in prominent roles. The film deals with the life of Sonny, a 27-year-old man who just got out of the army and is forced to return to his hometown in New Orleans. The film portrays how Sonny's life changes when he is unwillingly forced to become a gigolo.

The film begins with Sonny's arrival in New Orleans, where he is reunited with his mother Jewel, portrayed by Brenda Blethyn. Jewel is a prostitute and has a past where she used to be in the same profession as her son. Jewel introduces Sonny to her pimp, Albert, played by Harry Dean Stanton, who offers Sonny a job as a gigolo. Initially, Sonny refuses to take up the job and instead, he tries to find a job in a factory. However, due to his lack of experience, Sonny is unable to find a job and he returns to Albert, who provides him with a customer who pays $300 for a night with Sonny.

Sonny's encounter with a wealthy customer named Carol, played by Mena Suvari, changes his perspective about his job. Carol and Sonny get along well, and she offers to help him financially. However, things take a turn for the worse when Carol's husband, Henry, played by Harry Dean Stanton, discovers her affair with Sonny. He confronts Sonny and threatens to harm him if he ever sees him again. Carol offers to set him up with her best friend, but Sonny refuses and falls into despair.

Throughout the film, Sonny struggles with his relationship with his mother and his father, who abandoned him and Jewel at a young age. He also faces societal pressure as sex work is shamed and considered taboo. Despite these hurdles, Sonny tries to find a way out of the profession and plans to start up a hotel with Carol's help. However, his past continues to haunt him, and he has to deal with the consequences of his actions.

Sonny's character is portrayed realistically, with all his flaws and strengths. James Franco's performance as Sonny is commendable, and he does complete justice to the role. Brenda Blethyn's portrayal of Jewel is also remarkable, and she brings depth to her character. Mena Suvari's performance as Carol, though minimal, is noteworthy.

The film is shot in New Orleans, and the city's culture and music are used effectively to set the tone of the film. The film's pacing is slow, but it helps in building the characters and their relationships. The backdrop of the prostitution industry in New Orleans provides a fresh perspective on a movie theme that has been done before.

The film's themes revolve around societal taboos, relationships, and the consequences of one's actions. It portrays the struggles of those who work in the sex industry and deals with the stigma attached to it. It also shows the complexities of mother-son relationships and the impact of fatherly absence. The film's ending is bittersweet and leaves the viewer with mixed emotions.

Overall, Sonny is a thought-provoking film that showcases the challenges faced by a young man trying to make a better life for himself. The performances of the actors, the setting of New Orleans, and the themes explored make it a must-watch film for those interested in dramas. The film is 110 minutes long and is rated R for sexual content, language, and some violence.

Sonny is a 2002 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 31.