Summary - OK 2.5

A story about a newspaper writer who befriends a talented, but homeless, street musician suffering from schizophrenia. Robert Downey Jr. plays the role of Steve Lopez, a columnist who comes across Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a musician who had once studied at the famed Julliard School, and is now living on the streets of L.A.

Downey is fairly unconvincing for the most part in his role as the newspaper writer looking for the next big story. He comes across as haughty, looking only to sell a paper by telling the story of Ayers. Foxx shows some nice versatility in his role of the schizophrenic musician, but doesn’t captivate the viewer as he did in Ray, his award winning movie about Ray Charles. Perhaps the confines of the script contributed, for I don’t think it was from a lack of effort on his part.

Ultimately the movie stumbles for me because of unclean story-telling. The constant flashbacks become bothersome and confusing, never really adding much to the present story. The movie also tries to do too much. We never seem to know if its about the man playing the music, schizophrenia, homelessness, or the downfall of newspaper columnists. Too many spices in the soup makes it difficult to enjoy. Towards the end, I found myself looking forward to its completion, never a good sign when you’re stuck at home, sick on the sofa, and looking for an escape from medicinal therapy as I am today.

Watched on DVD.

Acting - OK 2.5

Downey Jr. was adequate, although he seems to be just playing himself most of the time. Foxx gave as good a performance as possible, and continues to impress me with his range and ability to portray a variety of characters.

Film - Good 3.0

The music never really captivated me, an I consider myself a fan of classical music. The scenes with homeless people seemed to use real street survivors, a very nice touch.

Edge - Tame 1.4

Some dangerous street scenarios. So swearing throughout the film, but not too bad overall.

Reality - Glib 1.2

2 Comments

• BrianSez Jul 12, 2010 8:09PM

  Thanks for the Keener lead! I’m adding that to my see list.

• Wick Jul 12, 2010 2:55PM

  Regarding BrianSez’s Review
  “Schizophrenia meets Narcissism.” Great lead.

  Interesting that this is one of the rare movies you rated higher than me. You’re usually the tougher grader.

  Looking for more Katherine Keener? She’s the first character on screen in Cyrus.

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