The Soloist (2009) (Blu Ray) - 6/10

I was anxious to see The Soloist on Blu Ray after missing it in theatres but I was ultimately disappointed by this obvious Oscar bait for the way it intentionally tried to influence the audience by being over emotional one minute and then comedic the next. Joe Wright won me over on Atonement's one take long shot but in this he tries a more realistic approach to uncover the homeless problem in L.A and give Jamie Fox another role to act like part retard/part musical savant who is befriended by a columnist for the LA Times. I like some of the musical pieces Fox plays and the relationship they build but it ultimately seems forced and not fleshed out as much with the supporting cast to be worthwhile. The extras and commentary talk about the real life people they used in the slum scenes and interviews with the real guy who's life this is based on. Overall, a big letdown.