It's rare to see a movie that could be described as "a working-class musical," but that's exactly what Romance and Cigarettes ends up being. The odd hybrid recipe of blue-collar romance and musical interludes that John Turturro has had an affair with for years (he says in one of the DVD extras that he wrote a draft as far back as the set of Barton Fink) was shelved for months and given a very limited theatrical run at the end of 2007. It's baffling to see some of the junk that gets over a thousand-screen releases and yet Sony couldn't figure out a way to market Romance and Cigarettes? How is this? "Tony Soprano sings! Kate Winslet talks dirty! Chris Walken and Steve Buscemi rule!" Romance and Cigarettes is an odd film that gives birth to many conflicting feelings in this reviewer. I have to admit that it's a noble failure, a film that doesn't work despite its best intentions. But Turturro and his talented ensemble got so screwed by the Hollywood machine that I almost want to recommend it. DVD renters or buyers who love their movies more than a little left of center should take a look at Romance and Cigarettes. It might not be for everyone, but not a lot of people saw the film enough for anyone to judge on a wide scale.

Romance and Cigarettes stars James Gandolfini as Nick Murder, a typical guy who falls victim to the two vices of the title, a pair of things that can easily get you killed. The 'romance' in Nick's life has landed him in trouble with his wife Kitty (Susan Sarandon) after his fling with the sexually-charged redhead Tulla (Kate Winslet). Nick and Kitty's daughters (Mandy Moore, Mary-Louise Parker, and Aida Turturro) have their own issues with romance. All of this blue-collar drama takes place in a world where everyone breaks into well-known songs at the drop of a hat. It's like a romantic comedy/drama with a nearby jukebox. One minute characters are singing and dancing to "Delilah" (Tom Jones) or "Red Headed Woman" (Bruce Springsteen) and the next they're acting like they're in a normal movie.

It's a bizarre graft of musical fantasy on to a world that doesn't really support it, and the blend doesn't always mix. There are songs and scenes in Romance and Cigarettes that just don't work, but everyone involved always gives it their all, even if they don't seem confident enough about what they're doing. Only Winslet goes far enough over-the-top to sell her character, while everyone else seems a little unsure of it. I feel about Romance and Cigarettes much the same way you would about a loved one's failed artistic venture. Everyone involved is so likable and great that you can almost lie to yourself and think that it's good. Almost.

Fans of Romance and Cigarettes might still be angry with Sony for bungling the theatrical release of the film, but the studio makes up for it with a very good DVD. The video transfer is crisp and clear and the audio is more than adequate for a low-budget musical. The extras make the film even more likable with fifteen minutes of deleted scenes that are introduced by Turturro, a great featurette about the making of the film, and an even better commentary track with the writer/director. Don't be surprised if this awkward and forgotten musical romances you. Or makes you want to light up a cigarette.