A chance encounter with a homeless man named Nathaniel (Jamie Foxx), who happens to be a musical prodigy, ends up drastically changing his perspective—and providing a greater reason for living than simply for his own desires. Again because it’s Downey Jr. in this role, it works because he conveys a wide range of emotions so well, whether it’s sheer annoyance when Nathaniel insists on dragging his shopping cart full of junk everywhere they go or utter failure when Nathaniel eventually turns on him. And much like 2007’s Reign Over Me with Don Cheadle and Adam Sandler, the friendship forged between Steve and Nathaniel is portrayed in all of its triumphant, messy glory, giving a sympathetic yet realistic portrayal of dealing with mental illness.

What give the story an even deeper emotional resonance, however, are the over-arching, rich themes of the seemingly foolish confounding the wise, the real, everyday plight of Los Angeles’ homeless and the power of grace and friendship. Without a single cheesy line about Nathaniel ultimately teaching and helping Steve (even though Steve has also given Nathaniel a second chance), the audience is actually given a little credit because we’re shown that throughout the course of the amazing story—rather than told. And not opting for the easy way out writing-wise has many rewards. Not only is The Soloist not shaw-shanky in the least, but it’ll entertain and inspire with its pitch-perfect portrayal of redemption between an unlikely duo. And for Christians and otherwise, it’s also a powerful reminder that authenticity and not bailing when the going gets tough is always the best way to live.

CAUTIONS:

• Drugs/Alcohol:  Some social drinking, plus depictions of alcohol and drug abuse in the homeless community.
• Language/Profanity:  Some course language, although not pervasive, including instances where the Lord’s name is taken in vain.
• Sex/Nudity:  None.
• Violence:  The movie is honest in its portrayal of the plight of homeless people in a place like L.A. Fighting, drug use and muggings are just part of everyday life. There’s also a couple of scenes where Nathaniel’s mental illness causes him to snap—and lash out, first at his mother, then at Steve later on.

Christa Banister is a full-time freelancer writer, specializing in music, movies and books-related reviews and interviews and is the author of two novels, Around the World in 80 Dates and Blessed Are the Meddlers. Based in St. Paul, Minn., she also weighs in on various aspects of pop culture on her personal blog. 

For more information, including her upcoming book signings and sample chapters of her novels, check out her Website.