"Little Voice" is worth seeing alone for Jane Horrocks' knock-your-socks-off performance.
She plays LV, a painfully awkward and shy woman domineered by her blowsy broad of a mother (Brenda Blethyn). The only time she's able to break out of her shell is when she does impersonations of famous singers (like Liza Minnelli and Judy Garland), and when she does, stand back, because she (and by extension Ms. Horrocks) is a whirlwind of energy. Michael Caine plays a sleazy agent who's equally impressed and sees an opportunity to capitalize on LV's talent.
Ms. Horrocks is a revelation, but only if you don't know that the movie was inspired in the first place by a live routine she was already known for doing. Blethyn received an Oscar nomination for her performance, but it's a shame the Academy couldn't find room to nominate Horrocks, as she's by far the most deserving member of the film's ensemble.
Grade: A-
She plays LV, a painfully awkward and shy woman domineered by her blowsy broad of a mother (Brenda Blethyn). The only time she's able to break out of her shell is when she does impersonations of famous singers (like Liza Minnelli and Judy Garland), and when she does, stand back, because she (and by extension Ms. Horrocks) is a whirlwind of energy. Michael Caine plays a sleazy agent who's equally impressed and sees an opportunity to capitalize on LV's talent.
Ms. Horrocks is a revelation, but only if you don't know that the movie was inspired in the first place by a live routine she was already known for doing. Blethyn received an Oscar nomination for her performance, but it's a shame the Academy couldn't find room to nominate Horrocks, as she's by far the most deserving member of the film's ensemble.
Grade: A-