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Beach Movie Rating
Don't Miss, Yes, Maybe, No,
Avoid

The Soloist
Read the book (and for a little more info, check out my review of the book)...The Soloist is Nathaniel Ayers, played by Jamie Foxx, a mentally ill, homeless violinist who becomes the subject of a series of columns by Steve Lopez of the LA Times, played by Robert Downey Jr. Both leads are fine, and the movie captures some of the spirit of the book, but the point of view is different. The book's point of view is that of Steve, putting the focus on Nathaniel. The movie's point of view is third person, changing much of the focus to Steve to the story's detriment. Among plot changes, the movie adds a "divorced and working for my ex" device that seems designed to make sure we understand that Steve has changed by the end of the movie, and Nathaniel displays a violent streak that is not evident in the book.

Star Trek
Excellent. A continuation of the Start Trek mythology that pays homage to the original and credibly establishes a jumping off point in which new stories can operate independently from the old. The spirit of the original series is maintained, with the casting  and development of the younger versions of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, etc. feeling true to the characters we have come to know.  And it is a good story with action and special effects that complement, but not overwhelm.

A prequel to this movie may be found in the 4 part comic book series Star Trek: Countdown, now collected in a trade paperback.

Links

Oman

Alydan
Consulting

France 2005

American Music Abroad 2003

The Pennsylvania Flute Choir

Chester County Concert Band

Barr Art Works

Matt Brown (old time fiddle music)

5-String Productions