The Pursuit of Happyness (C+ or 2.5/4 stars)
Will Smith is in 'The Pursuit of Happyness', a biodrama directed by Gabriele Muccino. It is based on the true story of Chris Gardner (Smith), a man who secured an internship with a stock brokerage firm while homeless with his son, Christopher (played by Smiths' real life son, Jaden). He had big dreams for himself & his family, but a spell of bad luck plagued him for years. First, his wife leaves him, then he's evicted, so he's left to live on the street & struggle to survive another day. Determined to make it, Chris uses his wit & know-how to impress. Solid acting; sturdy movie. But the BIG emotional payoff comes way too late.
It is 1981. Desperate in his attempt at a stockbroker internship (making no money), Chris has only a 1 in 20 chance at a healthy career. He's smart & talented. But we all know that isn't enough. The nasty wife (Thandie Newton) has left and he's evicted from his San Fran apartment. So he has to endure shelters, tax seizure, jail, getting hit by a car, getting robbed, dingy bathrooms, and the like. The aforementioned bathroom 'scene' is the one that will be remembered most. Chris is barely strong enough to keep his head up, no less his saddened, confused 5 yr. old. Just when you think Chris will throw-in the towel, he inexplicably solves a Rubik's cube puzzle, & his luck changes instantly! For purposes of the (real) story, it sounds utterly ridiculous. But 'happened', it must have.
The film has heart (thanks to the Smiths). We feel the weight on Chris' shoulders, just as he did. We fear for him, feel for him, & hope he can iron out his life on his quest to be a millionaire. It's a slick movie that actually emotes (usually the two attributes don't measure up). Will Smith is perfect for the role because he's easy to root for. The ending is rewarding for both Chris Gardner AND for us for having to witness/feel each hardship that he endures. It's a motivational film.
However, not everything sings. When a movie claims that it's 'based' on a factual account; it usually means some stuff is fictional. Normally I don't mind this, but in this film, it bugged me. Will Smith, capable as he is, doesn't convince me that Gardner was quite the immaculate man as portrayed. Also, as uplifting as the 'very' ending is, most of the lengthy film is painful to watch. He suffers so much that you try to feel inspired, but just want the film to be over ... quickly. So it becomes tedious & repetitive at points. When all is said and done, I thought it would've been more emotionally gripping. Decent film, shot confidently, but it disappoints.
It is 1981. Desperate in his attempt at a stockbroker internship (making no money), Chris has only a 1 in 20 chance at a healthy career. He's smart & talented. But we all know that isn't enough. The nasty wife (Thandie Newton) has left and he's evicted from his San Fran apartment. So he has to endure shelters, tax seizure, jail, getting hit by a car, getting robbed, dingy bathrooms, and the like. The aforementioned bathroom 'scene' is the one that will be remembered most. Chris is barely strong enough to keep his head up, no less his saddened, confused 5 yr. old. Just when you think Chris will throw-in the towel, he inexplicably solves a Rubik's cube puzzle, & his luck changes instantly! For purposes of the (real) story, it sounds utterly ridiculous. But 'happened', it must have.
The film has heart (thanks to the Smiths). We feel the weight on Chris' shoulders, just as he did. We fear for him, feel for him, & hope he can iron out his life on his quest to be a millionaire. It's a slick movie that actually emotes (usually the two attributes don't measure up). Will Smith is perfect for the role because he's easy to root for. The ending is rewarding for both Chris Gardner AND for us for having to witness/feel each hardship that he endures. It's a motivational film.
However, not everything sings. When a movie claims that it's 'based' on a factual account; it usually means some stuff is fictional. Normally I don't mind this, but in this film, it bugged me. Will Smith, capable as he is, doesn't convince me that Gardner was quite the immaculate man as portrayed. Also, as uplifting as the 'very' ending is, most of the lengthy film is painful to watch. He suffers so much that you try to feel inspired, but just want the film to be over ... quickly. So it becomes tedious & repetitive at points. When all is said and done, I thought it would've been more emotionally gripping. Decent film, shot confidently, but it disappoints.