The Soloist

Every once in a while a good story comes along that reminds us how we could and maybe should treat each other. I think this movie is one of those.

Jamie Foxx is a genius. How does one prep for this job? Here we find a great craftsman at the top of his game. Any comparisons to Rainman characters are completely founded. Foxx does as well with his portrayal of mental illness as Dustin Hoffman or Jack Nicholson in As Good As It Gets. As I look back at the excellent role choices Foxx has made over the last 5 years I'm sure he has a lock on more in the future.

Not since Chaplin has Robert Downey Jr. turned in such a great dramatic performance. I foresee more nominations on the way; for both these actors. I'm glad Downey's recent successes as fictional super heroes has allowed him the chance to take on roles like this one.

This story answers a great question which may apply in many other situations. Sometimes all someone needs is a friend. We don't need to rearrange their whole world to match ours. Sometimes all we need to do is validate their existence with a smile and a kind word.

Watch this movie with someone who loves Beethoven.