The Soloist (2009) Synopsis

SYNOPSIS: Hollywood heavyweights Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. team up in this drama based on a true story. Foxx (Ray) stars as Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless man with remarkable musical talent, and Downey Jr. plays a writer who realizes the man's gift. The filmmaker, Joe Wright moves away from historical Britain to direct this film ~ "The Soloist."

A schizophrenic, Nathaniel Ayers, is a homeless musician from Skid Row, Los Angeles who dreams of playing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Through "chance," he meets a journalist, Steve Lopez, who tries to help this mentally disturbed man get "back on his feet" and make his dreams come true. Based on a book by Lopez, an account of his relationship with Ayers. Dr. Oliver Sacks, a famed neurologist, authenticates the Lopez account in his most recent book, "Musicophilia."



STARRING: Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey, Catherine Keener, Tom Hollander, Lisa Gay Hamilton
Director: Joe Wright
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Theatrical Release: Apr 24, 2009 Wide

Obsessed (2009) Synopsis

SYNOPSIS: A successful asset manager, who has just received a huge promotion, is blissfully happy in his career and in his marriage.

"The Wire's" Idris Elba stars in this thriller as a man who seems to have a perfect life. He is married to Sharon (Beyoncé Knowles), and he has just earned a promotion at work. But destruction looms when a pretty temp worker - Ali Larter starts stalking him, all the things he's worked so hard for are placed in jeopardy. Find out more why "Obsessed."

STARRING: Idris Elba, Beyonce Knowles, Ali Larter, Bruce McGill, Jerry O'Connell, Christine Lahti
Director: Steve Shill
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Theatrical Release: Apr 24, 2009 Wide

Duplicity (2009) Synopsis

SYNOPSIS: Duplicity is a slick, Soderberghian comic caper in which it’s never exactly clear who is being conned. It’s easy to see that ex-CIA agent Claire Stenwick (Julia Roberts) and former MI6 member Ray Koval (Clive Owen) have a heated history together when they embark on an elaborate mission of corporate espionage.

Two rival CEOs (played by the always fantastic Tom Wilkinson and Paul Giamatti) are battling for the top spot in their industry, and a top-secret new product would determine who would wear the crown. But this isn’t just about business innovation and profit: Claire and Ray have a plan that would help them get the prized formula and walk away with millions. Tony Gilroy’s previous work as screenwriter and director--namely the Jason Bourne films and MICHAEL CLAYTON--didn’t give any indication that he could create something this bouncy and light.

STARRING: Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Tom Wilkinson, Paul Giamatti, Dan Dailey, Lisa Roberts Gillan, David Shumbris, Rick Worthy, Denis O'Hare, Tom McCarthy
Director: Tony Gilroy
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Theatrical Release: Mar 20, 2009 Wide

Slumdog Millionaire Synopsis

SYNOPSIS: Slumdog Millionaire is the story of Jamal Malik (Patel), an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, who is about to experience the biggest day of his life.

With the whole nation watching, he is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India's "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" But when the show breaks for the night, police arrest him on suspicion of cheating; how could a street kid know so much? Desperate to prove his innocence, Jamal tells the story of his life in the slum where he and his brother grew up, of their adventures together on the road, of vicious encounters with local gangs, and of Latika (Pinto), the girl he loved and lost.

Each chapter of his story reveals the key to the answer to one of the game show's questions. Each chapter of Jamal's increasingly layered story reveals where he learned the answers to the show's seemingly impossible questions.

But one question remains a mystery: what is this young man with no apparent desire for riches really doing on the game show? When the new day dawns and Jamal returns to answer the final question, the Inspector and sixty million viewers are about to find out. At the heart of its exuberant storytelling lies the intriguing question of how anyone comes to know the things they know about life and love.

Directors: Danny Boyle
Loveleen Tandan (co-director: India)
Starring: Dev Patel, Irrfan Khan, Anil Kapoor, Madhur Mittal
Awards: Won 8 Oscars. Another 75 wins & 26 nominations

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