Movie Reviews By Movie Reviews Pro

The Soloist - Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr.

Rating:

Movie: The Soloist (2009)

Studio : Working Title Films; DreamWorks Pictures

Info : Click Here

Runtime : 117min

Website : soloistmovie.com

Trailer :
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6q7js

Review:

The story centers around Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.), a middle-aged writer for the Los Angeles Times, who decides to write a series of articles about a schizophrenic homeless man named Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx). Lopez first notices Ayers as he is playing the violin; he later learns Nathaniel is a Juliard-trained musician. Based on true events, the movie follows Lopez’s evolving relationship with Ayers, as it transforms from one of strictly professional endeavors to a heartwarming tale of friendship.

Present-time scenes are spliced by brief flashbacks to Ayers’ past, such as his first cello lessons and his subsequent withdrawal from Juliard. Through this method, the viewer gets a more complete perception of Ayers’ collegiate downfall as well as his mental unraveling. Scene by scene, Lopez attempts to crack the next layer of Nathaniel’s trust to not only get more information for his articles, but to learn more about Nathaniel himself.

The story itself is incredibly touching and seems almost too good to be true, the sort of perfectly-aligned elements aimed at tugging your heartstrings that could only be manufactured by Hollywood. Unfortunately, the pace of the film seems to drag throughout which takes away from the plot. These factors melded with a pedestrian execution by director Joe Wright results in a heavy-handed display that does not match the emotional evocations of Nathaniel’s story.

Robert Downey Jr. once again delivers a stellar performance, as his nonchalant attitude paves the way for a seemingly effortless execution of flawless acting. Jamie Foxx also brings his A-game, assuming a role with a much higher, and somewhat unrealistic, standard of perfection. Playing a character with a heavy onset of mental instability is by no means a simple task, and although it was fairly unconvincing, Foxx’s wholehearted effort should not be overlooked. Despite the directorial shortcomings of the movie, the superb acting and touching story are worth the price of admission alone.

-Daniel S. Edited By: Trent M.

Drama, In Theaters, Music Drama, jamie foxx, Music, robert downey jr, soloist, the soloist

Taken - Liam Neeson

Rating:

Movie: Taken(2009)

Studio: Twentieth Century Fox

Info: Click Here

Runtime: 93min

Website: takenmovie.com

Trailer:http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x73bds

Review :

Pierre Morel’s Taken was released on January 30th, 2009, and since it’s unveiling it has created a beautiful world of magic realism. People nationwide are flocking to their local theater in order to escape the economic recession and watch something worthwhile.

A former spy finds out that his estranged daughter is being captured for an illegal slave trade operation, and uses all of his perfected skills from the past to get his daughter out of slavery’s grasp.

Bryan, the protagonist, permits his daughter, Kim, to travel to Paris with her friend Amanda. He feels that it is the trip of her dreams, and he would not play a role in preventing her from going. Upon Bryan’s contacting her in Paris, Kim finds that an Albanese gang has laid its tentacles on her and her Amanda and forcibly induced her into human trafficking. The retired spy vows to avenge her daughter’s kidnap and kill the abductors.

The remaining plot is a tireless adventure of a father ready to walk on cinder for saving his daughter and taking revenge on the Albanese gang.

Luk Besson’s screenplay is frighteningly taut and gives us no room to yawn. The entire aura of intrigue is beautifully built up, and Brian’s revenge is worth traveling miles to see.

Liam Neeson, who plays Brian, portrays many different shades of a human face. This thespian uses his powerful acting skills to portray an abject father, a resolve-filled father, a cold avenging father, an emotional father, and lastly a relieved father. Neeson did a brilliant job and has done justice to each shade. While Neeson was a well cast character, Magi Grace as Kim and Katie Cassidy as Amanda could be better cast.

If the heroes have done well, so have the villains. Overall, the movie beautifully builds up menace and lets us live in its shadow until the final credits roll. Pierre Morel is certainly not unknown to the art, and does complete justice the beautiful vision he had.

-Edited by Cole G. & Trent M.

Action, Drama, On DVD Action, daughter taken away, Drama, Horror, london, Pierre Morel, scary, taken, taking, Thriller

Seven Pounds - Will Smith

Rating:

Movie: Seven Pounds (2008)

Studio: Columbia Pictures

Info: Click Here

Runtime: 123min

Trailer:http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7bdg3

Review :

The direction of the film along with the acting was simply world class. It’s an emotional roller-coaster. Yes it is slow, yes it gets a little boring, but while you watch the movie you’re always taking in the story line and this movie does make up for the last 30 minutes when the puzzle is put together and the full plot is revealed.

I think this movie is actually better than The Pursuit of Happiness which you should know was also a great emotional film. Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy and Barry Pepper all deserve awards with there 10 out of 10 performances. This movie, for me, is a must see. I am still taking in the film because it really blew me away.

If this movie doesn’t touch every sentimental nerve in your body reaching the core of your soul, you are not human. This movie will touch your heart in places you never knew existed. Each of us has seen movies that reach deep within and cause a light tear to seep out of the corner of our eyes that we quickly wipe it away and hope no one saw. You will indeed be seen crying on this one; you will need a box of tissues. I do not know how or what the self critics are seeing, but I don’t think it’s the same movie I just finished watching. Yes it’s a little slow, but it’s real.

This is a human in tune with what he wants and doesn’t let anything stop him from completing what he started. It’s a Shakespeare tragedy in today’s society. A movie you should definitely see. This is a very sad movie but it holds a great message to the world. Definitely buying it!

BUY Seven Pounds on DVD

– Richard/Trent M.

Drama, Horror, On DVD changing lives, crying, Drama, secret, seven pounds, tears, will smith