Anyone who has read my reviews before know that they are never novel length contributions. Nothing against those that do write novel length reviews, but I always feel that a movie can typically be summed up with far fewer words. In the case of The Soloist, I am having a tough time even writing a short and detailed review -- which is the crux of the problem with the movie.

The Soloist follows the true story of Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx) and Steve Lopez (Robert Downey, Jr). Lopez is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times who, after lamenting about the newspaper and it's struggle to overcome the internet, has a chance encounter with Ayers -- a homeless schitzophrenic who plays a two string violin on the side of the road. Lopez quickly discovers that Ayers is an extremely skilled musician who actually specializes in the cello. Feeling that he has finally found a story worth writing, Lopez starts writing a series of columns about him. The columns are a success and he starts looking into Ayer's past. Lopez learns that Ayers was once a student at Juliard before his illness set in and sets out to try and help him live what he views as a better life.  

While it is a very interesting story, it didn't seem to translate well into a movie. As I have had a hard time stretching out this review, the director seemed to have a hard time stretching out the basic premise into a two plus hour movie. Honestly, this review could stop with me simply telling you what happened and what the movie was about and nothing more and it would sum it up perfectly. The movie just ... happens. There is little of note that occurs and you find yourself yearning for the end.   

The elements of a supposedly good drama are all there. Downey, Jr cries, Foxx goes ballistic at times and at other times is docile and serene. But, you just don't feel anything as you're watching the film. Catherine Keneer plays Lopez's ex-wife to give some sort of semblance of a secondary story, but she feels interjected into the main storyline and forced on you. You really don't end up caring much about Steve Lopez and his marriage.

Most annoyingly, when Robert Ayers listened to music the scene shifted to this odd psychedelic light show on the screen. I am guessing it was showing you how he felt or what he saw when he listened to music and spaced out, but it was over the top and extremely long. Instead of feeling what Ayers feels, I was more concerned about a possible seizure.

I'm sure that if this movie were pitched to me, I would think it was a great idea as well. It does have everything that you need for a good drama, but I also would not envy the man that had to turn it into a feature length film. The drama is weak, the plot is basic and straight forward, and you don't feel anything but boredom while watching this movie. I understand they wanted to keep it accurate, and that's fine. But maybe if the subject matter can't make an interesting film, one should not try?

Having said that, the previews drew me in. I sat there before several movies and said "Man, that looks excellent. I want to see that!" So, you know, mission accomplished there.

On the plus side, the film's bottom line message is a good one. Lopez tries really hard to give Ayers what he feels is a better life. As if the only way Ayers can truly be happy is if he is picked up and forced out of what he perceives as the gutter. Demanding that Ayers be medicated or hospitalized, it takes one very large (and violent) outburst before he realizes what Ayers needs most -- a friend. Someone who will listen to him. Someone who will be there for him. Someone who focuses more on being his friend and less on "helping" him. I think a lot of us can learn something from this story in regards to that issue.

Also on a positive note, Downey Jr and Foxx did good jobs with their roles and I cannot complain about the acting. Despite her minimal and largely useless role, Keener was up to the task as well. The solid acting, however, was not enough to save the film from mediocrity. It was sort of like ordering meat and potatoes and only getting the potatoes. 

Recommended: No

Movie Mood: Feel-good Movie
Viewing Method: Other
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Pacing