The Soloist

Fabulous movie!

If you haven't heard about the movie, it's the true story of LA Times' reporter Steve Lopez's chance meeting with a homeless man, Nathaniel Ayers, a talented cellist who suffers from schizophrenia. Lopez befriends Ayers and fanatically works to help him build a better life.

I loved Robert Downey Jr! For many years the critics panned him as an actor due to his personal problems...........so, it's great to see him getting long-overdue recognition for his acting ability.

I'd be shocked if Jamie Foxx doesn't receive an Academy Award nomination for his role. He so immersed himself in this role that you totally forget it's Foxx.....very reminiscent of his role in "Ray". In 2004, the film "Ray"premiered at the Denver Film Festival.....it was so exciting as I got to meet Jamie Foxx. He was very friendly, speaking to all fans who approached him.

For another review: http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20272252,00.html

For an NPR interview with Steve Lopez: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103198515

Slumdog Millionaire

I first heard of "Slumdog Millionaire" when I worked the Denver Film Festival last November. It was the talk of the Festival but I didn't get to see it as all showings were sold out. Then last week it became the must-see movie and an OSCARS front-runner after winning 4 Golden Globes including best picture.

I finally got a chance to see it today and wasn't disappointed. Through flashbacks, this movie reveals to the viewer a true love story. It also covers a wide spectrum of societal ills including greed, sibling rivalry and crime. It's truly a fascinating story where the life-changing events of Jamal's poverty-stricken childhood uncannily provided him with the knowledge needed for his appearance on the Indian version of the "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" TV Show.

WARNING: There are a few torture scenes in the movie which I found very disturbing.

For a more detailed review:

http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/movie/20192670/review/24013911/slumdog_millionaire

Denver Film Festival

Are you a movie buff and live in Denver? Then catch a movie at the STARZ Denver Film Festival which is happening now at the STARZ Film Center in downtown Denver and runs through Sunday, November 23rd. I've met a lot of retirees there who love movies just as much as I do and enjoy the buzz of the Festival. No matter what your skills are, there's something to do for everyone from driving the directors/stars, working in the theater or at the volunteer center. I love working in the Film Maker's Lounge. There's such an electric feeling in the air when people start filtering in after a movie. It's a place where all the up and coming directors and film makers hang out and can get a bite to eat. It's so much fun, that it's my 6th year as a volunteer. Here's the schedule, in case you have some free time to catch a flick this week---http://www.denverfilm.org/_uploaded/sdff08postbookletweb2_182316.pdf
And if volunteering there sounds like something you'd enjoy, then check out their website next summer.