The Soloist

Out today on DVD is the Soloist, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx. This is a story about a LA Times columnist, Lopez (Downey Jr.), who discovers a homeless man, Ayers (Foxx), with a astounding musical talent. This man is surprisingly a Juliard dropout, but can play a string instrument as if his sole purpose on earth was to do so. However, he is schizophrenic and is very hesitant to trust anyone.

But the columnist persists and wants to help this man, while uncovering an exhilarating story for him to print. As time goes on though, it is realized that some of life's challenges are not as curable as one may hope. This is the major conflict in the plot as Ayers fights for his independence and Lopez fights for well-being of his medically ill friend. But what is also realized, is the most unlikely places that you'll find the most beautiful things.

All and all this is a well-directed film but around 90 minutes it begins to slow and get tiresome. Downey and Foxx turn in very impressive performances, as to be expected. It is based on a true story but yet, I did not feel like it was up to my anticipations of the movie. This film is available for rent and purchase today.

Rating: Not great, not bad. 2.5/4 Stars

Trailer