ViewGuide

Created Oct 01, 2009 11:48PM PST • Edited Oct 01, 2009 11:48PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   OK 2.5

   A small story amplified Hollywood large, this earnest movie features a novel human interest tale, some affecting moments, and more than a little insight into the plight of the mentally ill homeless. Is it worth two hours of screening time? Only if you feel a personal connection to its themes, are an Angelino, can’t get enough of Downey or Foxx, or (like me) are stuck on a plane.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Strong performances from Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. fail the test of greatness: It’s possible to imagine other actors playing the roles. Foxx – in the more idiosyncratic role as the musician afflicted with schizophrenia – proves yet again that he’s long since become a serious actor. Downey – in the entirely standard role of newspaper columnist – reinforces that he plays edgy intelligence as well as anyone.

   Solid turns by the supporting players – especially Catherine Keener and Lisa Gay Hamilton – still don’t elevate this into anything special from an acting POV.

5. Male Stars Very Good 3.5

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Very Good 3.5

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    OK 2.5

    Oddly, the music fails to transport the viewer, even though a dominant theme of the film is how music transports the mad soloist.

11. Direction OK 2.5

12. Play Good 3.0

    Interestingly, this is the second recent movie based on the experiences of newspaper columnists. This one is based on the LA Times’ Steve Lopez. Marley & Me, the previous one, is based on John Grogan’s columns about his wayward dog.

13. Music Very Good 3.5

14. Visuals Barely OK 2.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.3

17. Sex Innocent 1.0

18. Violence Gentle 1.4

19. Rudeness Polite 1.4

21. Reality

    Glib 1.1

    Ahh Hollywood: Steve Lopez is happily married in real life but divorced and self-centered in the movie.

    More significant is the apparent truth the movie conveys about not just Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, but the tens of thousands of mentally ill homeless living on the mean streets of LA.

    Want to reach out? Check out The Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation.

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.4

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0