Lost in Translation rip-off.
Not a bad movie and Paz's boobs rock.
But it certainly wasn't original.
Without a doubt. Not saying Lost in Translation is highly original itself in concept, but the way it was done on film was pretty new to many of us, and the themes, the tone, the way the characters bonded, even the ending to some extent, so many aspects of Lost in Translation were pretty much cloned by 10 Items - just put in a different setting.
Going into more depth, in both films we have a platonic relationship between a young woman and an "old" man - the former confused and unsure of what she wants in life, the latter successful with wealth and a relatively famous career, but lacking a true confident. They go through a few "ordinary" experiences together establish a deep connection, and confide in one another their true feelings. They are soulmates, kindred spirits, but unfortunately seperated by a large age gap which ensures the relationship is never really going to be anything other than platonic. They meet at an inconvenient junction in their lives, and because one already has an established life and the other is on their way to finding out what they want in theirs, the "platonic lovers" decide to go their own seperate ways at the end of their small journey.
Pretty much Lost In Translation down to a T, except that 10 items or less, even though a decent movie in it's own rights, was nowhere near as good. Freeman, as great an actor as he is, was suited to the role somewhat, but lacks the comedic genius of Bill Murray, who was pretty much born for the role. The setting was also far, far more relevant and interesting in LIT - being isolated in Japan, which to us Westerners is an exceptionally weird and strange place (on top of being wonderful), just strikers a stronger cord rather than the Mexican side of the US.
I was personally pretty sure Scarlett was named as such in homage to Scarlett Johansson.
seemed pretty on the nose... lost in translation, in LA.