It has been said that brevity is the soul of wit … and in the case of some Hollywood films, that can be the saving grace of a picture. But for Brad Silberling’s recently released movie, 10 Items or Less, brevity is absolutely an essential part of its charm. Coming in at just under 90 minutes, it feels like one of those rare, but wonder meals that’s simple and satisfying, without leaving you feeling stuffed and guilty; tasty, but not rich and fattening. With all the “important,” BIG, Oscar-worthy films parading out before the end of the year, this quiet, yet entertaining, slice-of-life, low-budget project is indeed a treat and a welcome departure.

Another welcome departure is Morgan Freeman taking a break from his roles as usual- straddling between the thinking man’s action hero opposite starlets like Ashley Judd, and the sweet sidekick to Clint Eastwood and Robert Redford- playing a version of himself. His nameless character is considering a role in a low-budget film as a means to get back in the acting flow after a four-year sabbatical. While researching the role in a desolate and grungy grocery store somewhere in the L.A. area far from his Brentwood mansion, he has fun observing the shoppers and workers, especially gravitating to Scarlet the sassy and cynical checkout clerk (Paz Vega) in the 10 items or less lane. No, no romance ensues, but an undeniable and unlikely friendship forms and solidifies over the course of a day. Through no fault of his own, but rather the fault of pampered celebrity status, Freeman’s character is stranded. The reluctant savior, Scarlet, helps him find his way home, but only after he tags along through a series of unfortunate events in her day giving him a chance to return the favor as savior. In other words, they profoundly touch each other’s lives in a short period of time, without touching each other’s body parts … A kind of localized and de-glamorized Lost in Translation.

In the hands of another director, this could have been a set-up for sappiness and silliness, but Silberling doesn’t even come close, maintaining a light and unpretentious touch. Mix that with very believable and enjoyable performances by Freeman and Vega, sprinkled with a few brilliant and humorous cameos and you have the makings of a “good little movie.” This is what more indie, low-budget films should be: not over-reaching, short, simple, sweet, but not sappy; believable and entertaining.

 

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