The SoloistMovie Reviews

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  Written April 24, 2009

  Feel good movie

  by KILLTHEBATMAN86

  Please, everyone listen. As it says in the descroption: "The Soloist is a biographical drama about real-life musical prodigy Nathaniel Anthony Ayers". This is not an action movie, this is not a movie that will have great digital effects. It is a movie that portrays this man for who he really is. I saw the movie tonight at a special screening, and i enjoyed it. It goes through the whole life story about Nathaniel and his relaionship with L.A. Times reporter Steve Lopez. It is a movie that makes you feel good. I thought Foxx did a tremendous job with the role of Ayers throughout the movie. It shows you the obstacles that one has to go through to achieve a dream and be who he or she is.I suggest you go see this movie. It is a slow paced movie but it is meant to be like that since it is a "biographical drama". Good movie. It is a movie for adults, not kids since they will probably get bored and wouldnt understand what was going on.

  • 52 out of 59 found this review helpful.
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  Written June 8, 2009

  Very Well Thought Out Movie

  by Garrett_Ross32

  This movie was very deep, somewhat sad, and had a great plot. If you want to see a well-acted out movie with a great meaning then this is a movie for you. The only thing I didn't like about it was that it got a little bit too slow for me at times. This movie is very similar to The Pursuit of Happiness with Will Smith if that gives you an idea of the synopsis. Robert Downy Jr. & Jamie Foxx are a great acting duo and I liked this movie a lot, go see it.

  • 18 out of 23 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written May 22, 2009

  The Soloist

  by cat1036

  This was a very impressive story. The acting was Academy Award quality for Robert Downing and Jammie Fox. The music was outstanding. The scenes in L.A. of the homeless people was like looking at a Charles Dickens script. Les Miserables also.
  The timing of this movie couldn't be better. Too bad the critics didn't pick up on that.

  • 10 out of 11 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written April 25, 2009

  Truely awe inspiring

  by behindthecamera

  The Soloist was an extremely emotional and tear jerking story spreading the importance of friendship and trust. As an experienced critic, I have to say that this should be labeled as a Go or Must Go movie and nothing lower. It would be considered a Go for some reasons such as it was honest look at street life, however it's a little too real. The focus on Nathanial's sickness is a little troubling, and some people might get a little uncomfortable with the whispering that he's imagining. The movie can be considered a downer. But many people (including myself) feel it should be labeled a Must Go. Sure, life has it's down sides. Many people aren't lucky enough to have homes or be treated for their illnesses. The Soloist shows that friendship and purpose can be the only help those people can get. I wouldn't have the casting any other way, for Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx portrayed their roles beautifully. It is hard not to call this film anything other than spectacular.

  • 8 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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• So-so
  Written June 25, 2009

  A Ray of Hope for the "Hopeless"

  by GRgenius

  Initially when presented with this movie, I was not interested in seeing it. I usually like my movies to end happily, or at least as expected (sounds cliche even typing it...if it ends as expected why ever see a "new" movie?). Why the change of heart? I picked up the book at my local BAMM store (clearence, $3.97!) and began to read. I must say that thus far, as I have not finished it at this time, it is very good. It draws you in to Nathaniel's life as well as that of the reporter. You see sides of LA that are a bit hidden under the plushy exterior and bright lights. The movie does well in putting additional images to match the written words beyond what the reader imagines, but I didn't get as much of a connection to the characters in they way they were filmed and introduced. That said, it is still a touching film well worth at least one viewing.

  • 11 out of 14 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written May 16, 2009

  Very accurate portrayal of schizophrenia

  by hines8695

  My wife works with this disability and she raved about how accurate this movie portrays this illness. I had my doubts, and am not a big fan of RDJ, but he was really good and Jamie Foxx played another great role!!

  • 10 out of 12 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written June 1, 2009

  The Soloist

  by kaynebb

  Foxx and Downey each provided a superb performance. Music was well incorporated to support the emotional impact of the film.

  • 11 out of 15 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written May 2, 2009

  the soloist---INCREDIBLE

  by trumpete1

  if you don't "respond" to this movie, you're dead inside.
  there are so many layers.
  but what makes it spectacular is the two actors.....it was RIVETING. they are beyond amazing.
  you walk away speechless.
  then you process what you have just experienced.
  
  AMAZING.
  

  • 7 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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• Go
  Written May 15, 2009

  The Soloist

  by escomama

  Dave White obviously has never listened to, appreciated, or played classical music. Anyone with any attachment at all to Beethoven's 3rd symphony will enjoy this movie. Also, anyone who's had a friend or loved one who is poor, different, mentally ill etc... will appreciate that it's a true story. It's not sappy, it's what really happens when people care about each other.

  • 6 out of 6 found this review helpful.
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  Written May 20, 2009

  The Soloist

  by peeklw

  Well done. Well acted. Heart moving story. Should be an Academy Award contender. Would have liked a happier ending, but life isn't always happy.

  • 7 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written May 25, 2009

  the soloist

  by llilgagal

  the soloist was a very good movie.it show the kindness,caring of someone,it also show that people dont have to give up so easy on each other.

  • 7 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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• Go
  Written May 8, 2009

  An unanticipated

  by

  If your looking for a quiet movie with no end, then check this out. This wasn't the greatest movie but it is worth watching for the performances from Mr. Foxx and Mr. Downey Jr. Foxx once again hides himself in a musician lost in the slum world of L.A. Downey Jr. once again does a good job, acting on another level for potential nominations. Both actors did outstanding in this Joe Wright film that was lacking the same quality as his other features (Pride and Prejudice, Atonement). I found myself intuitive to the struggle of Steve Lopez (Downey) persuade Natihaniel Anthony Ayers (Foxx) to reconect with the world. He had this deep passion for watching Ayers play the cello and other string instruments. His only wish was to see Nathaniel reach his fromer Julliard status. So check this movie out and let the music move you throughout and witness a bond between to guys from completely different worlds.

  • 7 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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• So-so
  Written April 29, 2009

  The Soloist

  by cpolitte

  Although I think Jamie Foxx did a great acting job and I appreciated the realism, I would not recommend this movie to my friends. It seemed disjointed and the storyline seemed sparse with a lot of holes. It seemed to actually be more about the homeless situation in LA, which is very real and deserves attention, but I bought a ticket expecting a different experience. Wait for the DVD and don't expect a "feel-good" movie.

  • 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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• Must Go!
  Written May 26, 2009

  The Soloist

  by kmankat

  I thought it was a wonderful movie, very real, very moving and the acting was superb. I definitely would recommend it.

  • 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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• So-so
  Written May 8, 2009

  Good movie, not my genre.

  by MikeGlass

  This movie was actually very good, in the aspects of acting and portrayal of real people. It is very believable, aside from some of the times Nathaniel has spasms- which I guess are just the directors view of schizophrenia. You must also have a passion for listening to slightly long bits of classical music every now and then, the movie seems to really be in touch with Beethoven. I don't recommend for those who don't like listening to music of said genre. There is absolutely NO action, gunfights, or anything exciting about it, more of a mental or spiritual movie if you will. Otherwise, if you really like this kind of music, or movies about "making friends" then you'll love it.

  • 8 out of 11 found this review helpful.
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