Preview: The Soloist (2009)

Synopsis:

Jamie Foxx is a cello prodigy who spends his days in the street selling his music to live. Robert Downey Jr. is the journalist looking for his next big story and stumbles on Foxx. Together, they teach one another about friendship and life.

• Poster: C

Review:

Blending animation and live action is a bit of a pet peeve for me, but the creators did a solid job of blending the two. However, the scroll work on the cello blends too much with Foxx's ear which is a bit disconcerting when you first look at it. The big problem for me is that the faces are too big and too close, making it a bit unnerving to look at.

• Trailer: B

Review:

It looks like a very uneven film that could be either good, bad or a strange combination of both. Jamie Foxx seems his most toned-down in some time and Robert Downey Jr is always a treat, but here he looks a little out of his depth. It's a feel good kind of film and it just doesn't feel entirely right.

Oscar Prospects:

This is a hit-or-miss kind of film. It's eclectic enough that the Academy may ignore it, but with the director of Atonement at the helm, they could take it more seriously than expected. However, I'm not certain it will get any recognition.

Release Date:

• April 24, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (September 21, 2008) Original

-Wesley Lovell (October 19, 2008) New Release Date (changed from 11/21/08)

-Wesley Lovell (November 23, 2008) New Release Date (changed from 3/13/09)