The Soloist

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: Based on a book, that's based on newspaper articles, that are based on a true story, this movie explores the relationship that is formed between a homeless musical prodigy and the L.A. Times reporter who befriends him in the hopes of writing about his story.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx, Catherine Keener, Justin, Martin, Stephen Root, Rachael Harris, Tom Hollander, Lisagay Hamilton, Marcos De Silvas, Esa-Pekka Salonen

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Proceed with Caution. On every level this film tries too hard to be important, and it would have been more so, if we didn't see everyone working so hard to matter.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: I thought Jamie Foxx's hairstyle was funny.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: Not even close. Which is probably its biggest failing.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: They thought about it last year, when they started showing previews at just the right time for awards consideration, but then they pulled the release from last year's required deadline, and released it now, at a time that is no less defeatist than waiving the white flag.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Robert Downey Jr. is his usual perfect self. Jamie Foxx has the bigger challenge of playing a character with a mental disorder, without coming off like he's acting. Does he succeed? I don't know enough schizophrenic people to say for sure, but his performance may be a good argument for casting unknowns as characters who have mental disorders, so at least you don't spend the whole time knowing that the guy isn't really schizophrenic.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Not one to experiment with naturalism, or the theory that the director should be invisible, Joe Wright likes to remind the audience at every turn that THIS FILM HAS A DIRECTOR. (Also see Atonement.) Some audience members may fall for his "look at me" style, but I find his over the top visual aides distracting and pretentious.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: The true story and the book likely both had a stronger emotional impact than the movie does. The pace is slow, and by the end you feel neither inspired nor moved. That said, it's in no way hateable.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-soloist/30936/main

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Marley & Me

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: A couple of newlyweds (Owen Wilson & Jennifer Aniston) buy a puppy who grows up to be completely out of control, and in so being, ends up controlling the lives of his "masters."

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane, Alan Arkin, Kathleen Turner, Hayley Bennett, Nathan Gamble, Clarke Peters, Finley Jacobsen, Lucy Merriam

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: Proceed with Caution. This movie is a thrill ride for eXtreme dog lovers. It has an unspoken message about taking responsibility for your dog, even when you're dying to give him away to the pound. If you don't relate to that from the bottom of your soul, then this story will not likely resonate with you.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: Don't go expecting an Owen Wilson brand comedy... Or even a Jennifer Aniston brand comedy, for that matter.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: If you are that aforementioned eXtreme dog lover, you will not escape it.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: I'm sure PETA will think of some award to give it. They're always looking to jump on everyone else's publicity bandwagon.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Owen Wilson gives one of the most convincing dramatic performances of his career. Jennifer Aniston shows an emotional variation that if performed by Kate Winslet would be garnering her award nominations. And I have the rare opportunity to predict that a new star is born: 6-year-old, Lucy Merriam, in only a very small part, is reminiscent of a young Drew Barrymore in both looks and natural on-screen presence.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: They move from Miami to rural Philadelphia, and through all the seasons of the year, and all of it is shot like a travel magazine, making you want to uproot your life and go there immediately. And let's not forget the dog's performance, whose endearing facial expressions and obnoxious physicality are most likely due to good direction of seamless special effects.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: The depiction of marriage and having kids is incredibly realistic. Unfortunately, realism and entertainment value can often be diametrically opposed, especially since the true story of marriage and kids is grueling and exhausting.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/marley-and-me/25073/trailers

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