imdb Photos
Plot: LA Times reporter, Steve Lopez (Robert Downy Jr) finds homeless, street musician Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), befriends him, and writes stories him. The movie is about the homeless people, the newspaper business, and a redemption story for Nathaniel Ayers. The movie is generally sad and depressing as it focussed on mentally ill people who are living on the street, but it takes breaks for dull musical interludes, and then a treacle-sweet ending ending that drags on and on. Here is a link to the real LA Times initial article.
Review: The first two-thirds of the movie is fine, even good; Steve Lopez's own story is interesting, and his exploration of the homeless community is touching without being exploitive or moralistic. Downey's performance is top notch and always enjoyable. Nathaniel Ayers' psychotic verbal patter is delivered by Jamie Foxx in an fascinating way. Katherine Keener steals her scenes as Lopez's ex-wife. The dialog among the newspaper staff was all fun; there should have been more of that. The sad and depressing parts are the best; the happy parts ruin the movie.
Cast and crew:
Robert Downy Jr, Jamie Foxx; directed by Joe Wright; based on the book by Steve Lopez.
Rating:
More:
A little treacle goes a long way. [SPOILER ALERT] The movie is not enjoyable because the slow pacing and the awful ending with dancing homeless people.
