Stand-out performances from Foxx and Downey Jr.

Rating: 8/10 (13 December 2009)

Brought to us by the director of "Adaptation,""The Soloist" tells the true story of an unlikely friendship that grows between homeless Nathaniel Ayers and LA Times columnist Steve Lopez. Lopez is looking for a story, and after a cycling accident, comes across Ayers, a Julliard dropout and cello prodigy, now suffering from schizophrenia, living on the streets, and resorting to playing a two- stringed violin. The attraction of this film is certainly improved the fact that this is a true story, so to see what Ayers actually has gone through in his life is heart-rendering stuff. It is great to see the social improvements he makes as the film progresses, from moving into an apartment to developing a friendship with Lopez and playing the cello again. The excellent performances from Foxx and Downey Jr only add to this film's appeal.