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An actor who is considering the role of a supermarket manager arrives at a grocery store on the outskirts of Los Angeles to do some field research. He subsequently becomes stranded, without a car or cell phone, and accepts a ride home with Scarlet, a cashier who is about to interview for a new job. The actor rediscovers the essence of his craft while helping Scarlet gain the confidence she needs to change her life.
'Him'
Scarlet
Packy
Bobby
Lorraine
Tracey with an 'E'
Kid at Target
Lee
Receptionist
Gangbanger in Lowrider
Big D
Mrs. D
Shocked Customer
Radio DJ (voice)
***A small film that somehow restores your faith in life, in people and, well, everything*** This is a drama about an aged has-been actor (Morgan Freeman) who researches for an indie after a dry spell. He meets a spitfire checkout clerk named Scarlet (Paz Vega) at a supermarket in a Latino community of Los Angeles. Impressed by the young woman, he decides to help her while psyching-up for the role. The plot is obviously borrowed from 2003’s “Lost in Translation" with the female protagonist named after Scarlett Johansson. But don’t let that keep you from seeing this minor gem because the characters are very different, plus other nuances. For instance, Morgan’s character (simply called “Him” in the cast list) reflects le joie de vivre as opposed to Bill Murray’s amusing curmudgeon in “Lost." Moreover, “10 Items” is less melancholy; and the girl isn’t naïve or overly sweet like Charlotte (Johansson) in “Lost.” It’s a small film, with the end credits rolling a mere ten minutes after the hour mark, and so it lacks the depth of “Lost” and isn’t as moving (at least as far as pulling your romantic heartstrings), but it’s arguably more heartwarming and overall inspiring. It runs 1h 21 and was shot in Brentwood, Los Angeles, and nearby Carson (to the south). GRADE: B+
September 11, 2006
'Him'
Scarlet
Packy
Bobby
Lorraine
Tracey with an 'E'
Kid at Target
Lee
Receptionist
Gangbanger in Lowrider
Big D
Mrs. D
Shocked Customer
Radio DJ (voice)
***A small film that somehow restores your faith in life, in people and, well, everything*** This is a drama about an aged has-been actor (Morgan Freeman) who researches for an indie after a dry spell. He meets a spitfire checkout clerk named Scarlet (Paz Vega) at a supermarket in a Latino community of Los Angeles. Impressed by the young woman, he decides to help her while psyching-up for the role. The plot is obviously borrowed from 2003’s “Lost in Translation" with the female protagonist named after Scarlett Johansson. But don’t let that keep you from seeing this minor gem because the characters are very different, plus other nuances. For instance, Morgan’s character (simply called “Him” in the cast list) reflects le joie de vivre as opposed to Bill Murray’s amusing curmudgeon in “Lost." Moreover, “10 Items” is less melancholy; and the girl isn’t naïve or overly sweet like Charlotte (Johansson) in “Lost.” It’s a small film, with the end credits rolling a mere ten minutes after the hour mark, and so it lacks the depth of “Lost” and isn’t as moving (at least as far as pulling your romantic heartstrings), but it’s arguably more heartwarming and overall inspiring. It runs 1h 21 and was shot in Brentwood, Los Angeles, and nearby Carson (to the south). GRADE: B+
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