About a year ago, when I first heard about the casting news for The Soloist [1], I thought it sounded similar to a movie in theaters at the time, Resurrecting the Champ [2]. Both feature a white guy helping an exceptionally talented black homeless guy. So, I created a helpful chart [3] pointing out some of the similarities and differences between the two movies. Resurrecting the Champ didn't do too well in box office sales [4] (approximately $3 million total) and received a so-so critical response [5].

I'm sure The Soloist will find more success. Though it seems like an extremely familiar story (and not just because of the Champ), it may be aided by its director (Atonement [6]'s Joe Wright) and the two acclaimed actors at the center of it all: Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. In the real life story [7], RDJ plays journalist Steve Lopez who "discovers Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a former classical music prodigy, playing his violin on the streets of L.A. As Lopez endeavors to help the homeless man find his way back, a unique friendship is formed, one that transforms both their lives." The drama opens Nov. 21. To check out the trailer, .

Source [11]