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The Soloist

(2009, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx, Catherine Keener)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Memorable, sometimes gritty drama about music, friendship.

Themes in this movie include:   friendship

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The movie has an inspiring message about friendship -- two men from very different walks of life become very close friends despite mental illness, professional pressures, and difficulties beyond the realm of daily life. The movie depicts mental illness in a realistic light and goesn't shy away from L.A.'s grittier side.
  • Role models:

    The main characters are certainly flawed, but they value each other and their friendship. Steve goes out of his way to help Nathaniel.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A character suffering from schizoprenia lashes out at a friend, beats him up, and threatens his life. The same character also bullies his sister. Skid Row denizens get in skirmishes; a woman's dead body is found, and there's blood caked on the spot.
  • Sex:

    Some moments of tenderness -- and tension, too -- between a former couple, but no kissing or any other physical activity.
  • Language:

    Swearing includes "s--t," "damn," "hell," "goddamn," "son of a bitch," and very limited use of "f--k."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    A man (not a main character) smokes a crack pipe in public. Some discussions about addiction. Characters are shown drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Soloist

Parents need to know that this stirring drama about friendship and the beauty of music depicts mental illness in a realistic light, neither overdramatizing nor underemphasizing it. Scenes that take place in L.A.'s gritty areas include some skirmishes and shots of drug use, and a dead body is found. The authentic feel of those scenes (which feature real-life Skid Row regulars) could be upsetting for sensitive viewers. But aside from that and some harsh language (including sparing use of "f--k"), the movie is age appropriate for teens -- there's no sex or blatant product placement.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what the film is trying to say. Why do you think the filmmaker lingered on the gritty Skid Row scenes? Is it to shock or to educate? Were you aware of the massive homeless problem L.A. faces?
  • How is this movie different from many other films set in L.A.?
  • Families can also discuss Steve and Nathaniel’s relationship. At what point do they become friends, and why?
  • The movie is based on a true story -- how accurate do you think it is? Why might filmmakers decide to change some details in making a movie?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 3.0

    allright 12 and up

    it all right truth is kids might see it kind of boring 12 and up

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    pretty good drama

    brief strong language,and a kinda disturbing fight scene

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Excellent film a tinch mature for 7-11

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 3.0

    Jamie fox was a great actor, but the movie was draging a bit

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    4 11 and up great movie

    this movie was good and the message was great. it was u can still be ill and do your best. the language was deep with 2 f-bombs, but i got 2 see it cause the message was great.this movie is for 11 and up

  6. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Jamie and Downey give it their all

    A fine movie for most teens who don't mind some strong language, lot of talk of addiction, a fair amount of real life violence, and ESPECIALLY cello music, which I thought was pretty classy.

  7. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    im a 12 year old and it was kind of boring

    it was good at some parts but as a twelve year old i didnt like it that much it didnt keep my interest...

  8. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Mississippi
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

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