Film superstar Nicolas Cages directing debut, Sonny follows a very unconventional family as they struggle to overcome personal and financial adversity. Young Sonny (James Franco) returns home to New Orleans from Army service to find his mother Jewel (Brenda Blethyn), a prostitute, in dire financial straits due to her marketability decreasing exponentially as her age increases. Jewel takes heart at her sons return, however, as she had raised him to be a male prostitute and his mid-20s vitality should be able to provide a much-needed boost to her familys income -- which until now has primarily been based on Jewels boyfriend Henrys (Harry Dean Stanton) small-time thievery, as well as the income generated by Jewels new recruit, Carol (Mena Suvari). Sonny initially scoffs at the thought, having been offered a chance for a legitimate job from his Army buddy (Scott Caan), but when that possibility falls through, Sonny finds he has no choice but to work for his mother. ~ Ryan Shriver, All Movie Guide