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THE SOLOIST (PG-13)

Plot Summary: A columnist for the LA Times befriends a homeless man who has an amazing talent.

Reason for the Rating: For thematic elements, some drug use and language.

Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) is a writer for the Los Angeles Times. As such, he's always on the look-out for a possible story, one with interest and heart. He finds one such story when he happens upon Nathanial Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a homeless man with schizophrenia. Lopez is fascinated with Ayers, who mentions  he attended Julliard for a short time. How could a man talented enough to attend Julliard end up homeless? What's his story?

As Steve researches, he also writes about Ayers in his column, telling the city of Los Angeles about Nathanial in bits and pieces. People become interested, the mayor pledges money to the downtown area, and a woman gives Nathanial her cello. A gift that allows him to enjoy what he loves most...music. Beethoven, especially. This cello also gives Steve leverage to get Nathanial off the street and to a homeless shelter. Due to his schizophrenia, he refuses to stay at night, but spends his days there, playing the cello to anyone who will listen.

The story of The Soloist is about the life of Nathanial Ayers, but it's also about unexpected friendships that don't look or feel like we anticipate. Those that sneak up on you, and take you by surprise. Steve wasn't planning on a friendship with Nathanial, he was just a story, yet despite his efforts to deny it, a friendship was formed. And, while Steve was fighting to save Nathanial's mind, to get him on medication, Nathanial is the one who changed Steve's heart. Isn't that how it happens, though? A life touches a life, and both people are changed.

The Soloist has so much going for it...talented actors, beautiful music, an excellent director, but there's something lacking from this movie. I think it has to do with the relationship between Steve and Nathanial. As the audience, we see it from Steve's perspective; something he's not committed to. Oh, he'll argue with the director of the homeless shelter in an attempt to get Nathanial on medication, and he'll set up cello lessons with the best in the business, but his heart isn't to stay connected to Nathanial. As a result, we, the audience, don't feel connected. If we had seen it from Nathanial's point of view, we might have felt more passion and energy coming from the story.

Additionally, this is a slow moving story. While it's a true story, it's nothing like The Pursuit of Happyness, or even A Beautiful Mind. There isn't the depth of character or emotion to draw the viewer in and carry you into the story. It's an interesting story, but I didn't find it especially moving.

FAMILYFANS RECOMMENDS:

Wait for this one to come out on DVD. Behind-the-scene specials should add depth and fullness to the story.

AFTER THE SHOW: 

Use these questions to spark discussion among family members who are interested in this movie:

• Tell about a difficult friendship you have experienced. Why did God put that person in your life?

• Is there a friend who has offended you, that you need to forgive? What are you going to do about it?

JW

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