Strictly Sinatra (2001)

User Rating:

5.6/10   

Director:

Peter Capaldi

Writer:

Peter Capaldi (writer)

Release Date:

9 November 2001 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

Toni wanted a crowd... he got the mob

Plot:

Small-time crooner find himself on the receiving end of the threatening attentions of a gangster, whose wife has fallen for the singer's Sinatra-like aura.

Plot Keywords:

Singer | Dream | Gangster | Lounge Singer | Cigarette Girl

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Ian Hart	...	Toni Cocozza
Kelly Macdonald	...	Irene
Brian Cox	...	Chisolm
Alun Armstrong	...	Bill
Tommy Flanagan	...	Michaelangelo
Iain Cuthbertson	...	Connolly
Una McLean	...	Dainty
Jimmy Chisholm	...	Kenny
Jimmy Yuill	...	Rod Edmunds
Richard E. Grant	...	Himself
Jimmy Tarbuck	...	Himself
Stewart Ennis	...	Doorman
Paul Doonan	...	Nicol
Anne Lacey	...	Coat check girl
Alex Howden	...	Kojak

Also Known As:

Cocozza's Way (UK) (working title)
Strictly Sinatra (USA)

MPAA:

Rated R for language.

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Argentina:Atp | Finland:K-15 | Spain:13 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland, UK

Company:

Arts Council of England

Trivia:

Alun Armstrong was cast at the 11th hour after the actor first cast died in a car crash in the early stages of production.

Quotes:

Toni Cocozza: Are you saying I'm stupid?
Bill: You couldn't stand the pace of stupid!

Movie Connections:

References Pal Joey (1957)

Strictly entertaining

A gem of a movie that needs more exposure so more film fans can appreciate its luster. It encompasses a wide variety of cinematic flavors, from subtle doses of dry Scottish humor, to classy musical productions and to everyday life drama played out on the streets of Glasgow. Yes, Toni (Ian Hart) wants the fame that accompanies a successful singer/entertainer, but at what price is he willing to pay? Not an especially original story theme, but the way the cast and crew twist this basic theme in their metaphorical fingers, it comes out refreshingly entertaining.

The cast is marvelous, using well scripted lines with flawless delivery in their native brogue with all the accompanying idiomatic expressions. Brian Cox, who is equally adept at American film roles/brogue, stands out in his role as a ruthless gangster. I think his all-round talent is under appreciated by too many film goers. Ian Hart, as the lead, Kelly Macdonald and Alun Armstrong are on the mark in their role interpretations. Too bad that many American film goers will probably eschew this film because of the hard to follow Celtic accents. Hey, if that's the case, turn the close caption "ON" and sit back and enjoy two hours of fresh fun!