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Description: Once the center of Hollywood, an aging actor finds that his fear of failure has made his career dry up, and he’s now forced to consider a role in a small independent movie. While researching for the role, he stumbles into Scarlet, a spitfire check out clerk at a Latino community market. Soon abandoned by his driver, the world famous actor must rely on Scarlet to lead him back to his side of the tracks. This trek through Los Angeles features richly unexpected situations, chance encounters, and personal revelation that neither character could ever have anticipated.Amazon.com: Morgan Freeman isn't really in every movie that's been made recently; it only seems that way. And considering the variety of roles he's had, it's perhaps appropriate that he plays himself in 10 Items or Less. Well, not exactly--Freeman's character has no name, but he is a recognizable actor who's also known as a voice-over specialist, and several references are made to a movie he made with Ashley Judd (although its title is neither Kiss the Girls nor High Crimes, two actual Freeman-Judd flicks). As directed and written by Brad Silberling (Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, plus a long list of TV credits), the actor is considering taking a part as a store manager in an indie production (his first film role in four years--nudge nudge, wink wink). His research brings him to Archie's Ranch Market, a grim spot in featureless Carson, California, where he meets Scarlet (Paz Vega, Spanglish), who handles the titular check-out line, a dead-end job which, added to her terrible marriage, makes for one unhappy rancher. Finding himself stranded at the store (his driver has vanished, he can't get his agent on the phone, and he doesn't even know his own home number), the gregarious actor takes the feisty, smart-mouthed Scarlet under his wing, prepping her for an interview for a better job, pitching in when she takes her Gremlin to a car wash, helping her pick out some new duds at Target (where the rich movie star discovers the many wonders of discount retailing), and generally bringing her out of her funk; the two bond, and she drives him back to Brentwood. Story-wise, that's about it, which makes the film almost entirely character-driven. That's not a bad thing by any means, but despite Freeman's and Vega's winning performances, 10 Items or Less is little more than a slight, amusing diversion. --Sam Graham
Customer Reviews:
- Getting back your life: He's (Morgan Freeman) not making a commitment, he's just doing research. He's a known actor, who's made a film with Ashley Judd, but hasn't been in a film in four years. The indie film company drops him off in a market where he meets Scarlet.
Scarlet (Vega) is the 10 items or less aisle checker. She's running the market while the manager and his new girlfriend (Scarlet is his ex) are messing around.
When Freeman's ride home doesn't show up, Scarlet takes him home on her way to a job interview. In helping to fix her up, Freeman regains his own confidence.
"10 Items" is an interesting character driven film, which Freeman and Vega can mostly carry. I found myself noting a bit too much product placement in this vehicle, but it's still an endearing tale of two very unalike people who are able to help each other. - Sweet, just sweet: I love Paz Vega, I have almost all her movies. This one is an example of the hollywood comedies, good production, take care of every detail... I like it, with a wide open mind.
She is gorgeous as always, in this case I felt like curious, there is Morgan Freeman, he's not Adam Sandler (sorry Sandler's fans). So, I felt satisfied watching Paz Vega in a very good acting level.
Of course, I can remember many more movies where Paz Vega is excellent in many ways, and Morgan Freeman too. - So close, why blow it for stupid reasons?: Thoughtful, sharp script. Costume design blew it for me - we're supposed to hope for the advancement of a woman who interviews for an office manager's job in jeans and a skin-tight shirt that displays her cleavage, yeah, right. Too bad, because the character was wearing a better blouse at the start of the movie.
What's with the Spaniard? Couldn't find a Mexican actress? - Brilliant: I'd have to say that this movie is just perfect. It's proof that one person really can make all the difference in another's life.
I just love Morgan Freeman as Him, and Paz Vega is my new favorite foreign actress. The two together are just golden.
I can't really describe how this movie makes me feel, witnessing these two characters changing each other's lives with every word, every emotion and motion. It's a true delight to see such a moving film that is so funny and sweet, so simple and engaging and has the perfect ending. A definite keeper in my collection. - One of the best music videos I've ever seen: Yes, it's a bit less than a movie, and the lead actress's accent can make it hard to follow some of her lines (did Freeman originally envision Penelope Cruz in the role, btw?). But what could be called the music video (or utopian vision) at the film's heart is so wonderful it's worth the price of admission, especially with the video currently selling for a penny (plus S&H) on Amazon. Feels like Freeman had this recurring fantasy of what he'd do if he could just do what he wanted, and it's all over this very loving movie.
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