The Pursuit of Happyness

Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton
Directed by: Gabriele Muccino
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
2006

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A father (Will Smith) is forced to raise his son (Jaden Smith) alone after his wife (Thandie Newton) leaves. His situation goes from bad to worse when he becomes homeless. His only hope for a better life is an ultra-competitive internship with a stockbroker.

Review:

Tim: Besides the fact that too much of the movie involves Will Smith running (for various reasons), this is a very good drama about a father and a son. This touching story is very oftentimes difficult, but it really shows how quickly good peoples' lives can be ruined. It really paints a picture that thousands of Americans have to live with in their reality- they are living paycheck to paycheck, and at any point, can quickly become homeless. It is a sad fact, and this film does an excellent job of portraying that.

Will Smith is superb in his Oscar-nominated role. It is not what you would expect from him, but he can pull off a dramatic role equally as good as an action or comedic one. He really connects with the audience, and we very easily identify with him as a father and as a human being. He has a terrific partner in real-life son Jaden Smith. The young Smith has natural talent and shines in all his scenes. I was also impressed with Thandie Newton, who gives a thankless and far-from-glamorous role.

This is a heartwarming story about an ordinary man willing to go to extraordinary lengths to protect his son and to be a good father. It is about overcoming adversity, no matter how insurmountable it may seem. It is also about family, about the hopes and dreams that connect us all. In many ways, this is a beautiful movie. By its conclusion, we are fully invested in the lives of its characters, and in them, we see reflections of our own lives. The Pursuit of Happyness is powerful, moving, and quite inspirational. It represents the best of what movies do for us.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5


If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Ali, It's a Wonderful Life, Good Will Hunting, The Legend of Bagger Vance