THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS

"Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something, even me"

In 1981, Chris Gardner (Smith) was only just getting by selling medical bone density scanners but one day as he was walking through the city centre of San Francisco he met a stockbroker. That day changed his life as he decided that was the career he wanted. The only way he could get it however was to become a six month internship at a leading brokerage firm but out of the twenty interns only one would get a job. Before he starts however, his wife Linda (Newton) leaves him, meaning that Chris was left to complete his internship, sell his remain scanner and take care of his son.

There are two different versions of Will Smith, there is Will Smith the action star and Will Smith the actor and this movie he is definitely the later.

One of Hollywood's biggest and brightest stars, Will Smith can open a movie just because it name is on the top of the billboard. This also gives him the power to make what he likes and give him the chance to showcase his acting ability. 'The Pursuit of Happyness' is one of those movies. Just like he did with his performances in 'Ali' and 'Six Degrees of Separation', Will Smith gets the chance again to prove that he is actually is more than just the big action star.

Based on the life of Chris Gardner, 'The Pursuit of Happyness' charts how one day changed him forever. After seeing a stockbroker step out of a Ferrari, Chris became intrigued with what he did and decided he wanted the same things. Having always been good with numbers but instead of going to college he joined the army and then ended up selling medical bone density scanners to support his wife and child, his only chance to achieve his dream was to get onto a internship but these are for six months and are unpaid. For anyone else this might not have been a problem, but for a family man with responsibility, this was going to be the hardest thing he would ever do.

This is a story of fighting for your dream. In a world were fame, money and prosperity is wanted by everyone and they expect to be given it on a plate by reality TV or the lottery, this is a refreshing story of actually working for what you want. Chris Gardner and his story is what the youth of today should be aspiring to and not having the latest Pop Idol or lottery winner as a role model. The movie is a positive message for working for your goals and that nothing comes easily.

Watching Will Smith as Chris Gardner struggle to support his son, while still excelling in the internship is a story that is meant to inspire but this would have been nothing with a supporting actor who could be convincing as Will Smith's son. Therefore director Gabriele Muccino cast Will's own son Jaden. While casting family members in a film doesn't always work, look at Sage Stallone in 'Rocky V' and Sophie Coppola in 'The Godfather Part III' but five year-old Jaden is extremely good and very natural. Of course the chemistry between Will and his son is guaranteed but it is the connection Chris and Christopher that is created that makes this the heartbeat of the film. Jaden steals every single scene he shares with his famous father, but is never annoying and does save the day making him a character that you cannot help but adore.

'The Pursuit of Happyness' is a feel good movie with a message that has been lost to most of the developed world for many years, you have to work hard to get what you want out of life. It still suffers from what all 'based on true events' stories suffer from and that is the predictable outcome but the performances from Will Smith and his son make this all the more watchable and a movie that will stay with you longer than it should do.

BONUS FEATURES

Pursuit of Happyness: A Look at the Inspiring Dream (26.58 mins)
Director Gabriele Muccino, executive producers Louis D'Esposito, Mark Clayman and J. Michael Riva, production designer Phedon Papamichael, producers Steve Tisch, James Lassiter and Jason Blumenthal, set decorator Laura Gaffin, costume designer Sharon Davis, hair stylist Pierce Austin, composer Andrea Guerra and stars Will Smith, Kurt Fuller, Thandie Newton, James Karen, Dan Castellaneta, Brian Howe and Jaden Smith come together to talk about the inspiring story of Chris Gardener. Joined by the man himself, the featurette covers the entire production of the movie and talks about the theme of the movie, the relationship between a father and son. The look of the movie is also discussed, with the recreation of the 1980s setting and the cars, clothes and office the film took place in, all of which have to be brought to life on the screen. This is a decent featurette and fans of the movie should enjoy.

Ali

---

The Usher Home | Hush, Hush... | The Big Story | The Usher Speaks

Stuck @ Home | Coming Soon | Links | Contact the Usher

2007