10 Items or Less (2006)

In researching a role for an independent film, an aging actor (Morgan Freeman) befriends a young Hispanic grocery clerk (Paz Vega). An unlikely friendship follows as the famous actor bums a ride home from Scarlet. A trip to Target is only the beginning as cultures and life experiences meet.

10 Items or Less is a seemingly improvised tale of a random relationship. It works thanks to remarkable chemistry between Freeman and Paz and the understated dialogue. It's refreshingly unassuming.

Writer/director Brad Silberling (Lemony Snicket) weaves a simple story dependent on genuine pathos and it works. The pair learns from each other. Freeman's fascination with Target (the socks, the shirt) is hysterical. Equally poignant is Scarlet's hesitation at exploring her potential. The odd couple is beautifully scripted and uniquely funny.

As I see it, 10 Items or Less is great. There's nothing to 'get' not philosophy to discover. The film is content to be and delight in a random friendship. It's a gentle film with endless conversation worth listening to.