caa821
There is something which, for me, is more compelling about films set in Europe which are made by filmmakers in their home areas. Even if Spielberg, Allen, Mamet or the like, from America, with all their talent and resources, make films in Great Britain, France, Spain, etc. - they never seem to gain the true "feel" of the locale as well as native producers and directors. As an example, absolutely nobody can evoke the true character and feel of Madrid and the rest of Spain like the great Amodóvar.Although this small film is hardly in the category of one of Amodóvar's, it provides a true "feel" for Scotland and Glasgow, including its often gray, dreary atmosphere, in the most authentic manner, making the amusing, light story even better.The music is great, the acting and characters engaging, and somehow the characters seem both realistic and fanciful, sometimes simultaneously, a trick many larger films miss.As a bonus, we also can now see where Mike Myers likely obtained the accent he employed for the "Fat Bastard" character in his Austin Powers work.
ginmoses
Don't miss this film. I came across it by accident and I was hooked after 2 minutes. I love this movie. Brian Cox is, as always, perfect. What a range he's got! Ian Hart as Toni is so believable you don't even think he's acting. Alun Armstrong plays the perfect heart of gold cum voice of conscience. Tommy Flannagan manages to be vicious and evil but somehow sexy at the same time. Must be that "bad boy" thing. I was fascinated by the Scotland portrayed here. I think of Scotland as lovely hairy men in kilts. Truth to tell, there was not one kilt to be seen here. This is the real urban Scotland (Edinburgh?) and nothing like what I pictured. The script is flawless. The ending...I won't spoil it for you. Oh, and Kelly MacDonald performs beautifully and believably. You won't be disappointed with this one. I gave it a 10!
jobeblanc
While there isn't anything fantastic about this film, there isn't anything bad. It's all about entertainment, and this film will hold your attention if you have moderate film intelligence, and you are not falling down tired or otherwise dulled. It has a realistic story about believable characters.There is no Hollywood here. This is another great testament to the growing (in quality and volume) non-England British Isles film industry. The acting is good and the story is quaint. The direction is tight for the most part, except when it tries to be "action-oriented." Still good. Enjoy it.6.3/10
losdal
As a lifetime Sinatra fanatic, I was drawn to this movie with interest and little knowledge of the plot. I thought the film was a fairly well told story of a "star struck" wannabe with a gentle heart, who decides he willing to do anything to realize his aspirations, and follow in Ol Blue Eyes footsteps. The musical score is excellent and lends to the period of work that Cocozza's idol gave to the world. Ian Hart does his best to detail what a 28 yr old "loser" feels like, and the depths he will sink to "make it".The one drawback was the often difficulty in understanding the Scottish dialect that too often impairs the ability to discern key dialogue exchanges. All in all, I'd recommend it..especially to the millions of Sinatra fans still around who continue to perceive his talent/persona in a "god-like" fashion.
AD
