I love Morgan Freeman. For my money, he is arguably the finest actor in Hollywood today. Although some of his film choices have been questionable (see Dreamcatcher, Hard Rain, Chain Reaction, and The Big Bounce), you simply can’t help but watch him when he’s onscreen. That being said, I blindly purchased 10 Items or Less on DVD simply because I was told that Freeman was in virtually every frame of the film (there’s a selling point if I’ve ever heard one). Therefore, I watched the little-known film not knowing what to expect. By the time the end credits rolled, my admiration for Freeman had only been solidified.

A small film that received absolutely minimal studio support or media coverage, 10 Items or Less is a simple tale of an actor (Freeman in a semi-autobiographical role) contemplating a return to the silver screen after a four-year hiatus. While researching a potential role at a small-town supermarket, the washed-out actor (simply referred to as “him” throughout the picture) meets Scarlet (Paz Vega), a disgruntled but obviously sharp cashier. Instantly fascinated, the actor persuades her to give him a ride home, and thus their relationship unfolds over the course of the journey. Admittedly, the film revolves around a bare-bones story. As a result, those expecting a typical beginning/middle/end may find themselves disinterested due to the picture’s lack of structure. The real joy of the film, however, lies in its wonderful performances. Clearly enjoying his creative freedom, Freeman delivers an effortlessly charismatic and light-hearted performance. Vega, meanwhile, reminds us why she was the best thing about 2004’s Spanglish. I imagine that playing off of Freeman for an entire film is a daunting task, but the lovely actress manages to hold her own, while bringing a real sincerity to her character.