Movie in Review: THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS

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My opinion and thoughts on the film. THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS is the title of the film based on the true story of a man named Chris Gardner. Chris rose from being a homeless salesman to being a millionaire stock broker while all the time trying to be a good role model and raise his son. Will Smith fills the role of Chris with his real life son Jaden Smith playing the role of his kid. Italian director Gabriele Muccino made his English speaking feature debut with the project. THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS has been dogged by some critics as a depressing chronicle with a claim to facts that must surely be stretched miles from the truth. Chris is portrayed as such a good guy with so many hardships that the constant obstacles arising in his path and his steadfast coping could be considered either too sweet or too sour. I did not find the film too sweet or too sour because I was too busy letting it take me down the middle road of entertainment. It was an enjoyable stroll. Will Smith’s son is going to have no problem growing up and becoming an actor if that is what he chooses. He has two very charismatic parents in Will and Jada Smith and his debut here is commendable. The father and son duo have wonderful on-screen chemistry and I am sure they made the real Chris Gardner proud. The weakest link in the acting of the film would be Thandie Newton who plays Chris’ wife. Her attempt at using the vocabulary and speech patterns of a meagerly educated woman tends to come off sounding a bit silly. Or maybe I am being picky and am the only one going to be put off by her pronunciations, however I was taken back to her role in CRASH and when she goes over the top in that film for a moment…well it seems to be her full character here. Unfortunately for this movie the movie trailer shows too many of the key moments and marketing-wise it was shown way too many times. Audiences will be more receptive if they are being entertained by something new. Many may skip renting this under the assumption it is just another by the numbers inspirational story. Those assuming that are actually 100% correct, however in this case that isn’t a bad thing altogether. The main characters are very likeable, as are the actors playing them, and the story works just fine and has many points of interest. THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS came out on DVD March 27, 2007. Will Smith is a pleasant actor to watch and this movie is worth a rent. However, to be on the safe side you may want to wait a while and put it lower on your viewing list just so it feels more fresh and your experience isn’t ruined by all the advertising.