Little Voice

(Miramax)

Set in a somber seaside town in Northern England, this adaptation of Mark Herman's affecting, pathos-laced comedy stars Jane Horrocks as the agoraphobic songbird who, when she does sing, produces the smoky soul of Bassey, the round tones of Garland, the breathy coo of Monroe -- and she doesn't lip-synch a note. Brenda Blethyn is her pub-floozie mum, Michael Caine the washed-up talent scout who discovers her. A funny, wistful allegory about the whims of self-expression, Little Voice promises Horrocks a big future.