SEVEN POUNDS

"Just do what you promised"

Ben Thomas (Smith) might just seem to be an average IRS agent but he has a secret that he can only share with a chosen few. He has the power to completely change the lives of seven people but this is a gift that he is not giving away lightly but as Ben gets to know one of his chosen seven, Emily (Dawson) a young woman with a terminal heart problem, things start to change. As his journey is about to reach its climax, he discovers in Emily something good again but could it be too late?

There is another side to Will Smith's career that sees him move away from his blockbuster persona and show what a good actor he actually is and 'Seven Pounds' is one of those movies but it is the correct showcase for the megastar?

Fans of Will Smith know he can act and there is more to him than just the big budget event movie. While he does like to appear in hits like 'I am Legend', 'Hancock', 'I, Robot', 'Independence Day' and the 'Men in Black' and the 'Bad Boys' movies, every now and again he like to show that there is more to his talent that just appearing in SFX filled extravaganzas. Watch him in films like 'Ali', 'Six Degrees of Separation' and 'The Pursuit of Happyness' and you will realise that he is an actor with an abundance of talent. Working again with 'The Pursuit of Happyness' director Gabriele Muccino, this is another chance for Smith, the actor, to shine but it is just a shame that the story is a little predictable.

In 'Seven Pounds', Will Smith plays Ben Thomas, a man with a secret and a guilt that is making him do something that will change the lives of seven people. Written by Grant Nieporte, the story is a thriller mystery with a hint of romance thrown in for good measure. The mystery is what is driving Smith's character to change the lives of these seven people but the problem is that big revelation as to what is driving Ben Cross to do what he is doing becomes a little predictable and even signposted at times. This takes away some of the suspense but because of the cast and Smith's presence, this is still an interesting tale to tell.

As Ben Thomas, Will Smith gets to show that he can act. Just as he did in 'The Pursuit of Happyness', Smith plays an unassuming man, riddled with guilt but fines himself opening up to a woman, when he really shouldn't be. That woman is played by the beautiful and talented Rosario Dawson, who, as Emily Posa, is the person who could scupper Ben's plan and take him away from his path. There is also a pivotal role for Woody Harrelson as blind man Ezra Turner and Barry Pepper as Ben's friend Dan. Elpidia Carrillo also stands out as Connie Tepos, a woman who really needs to get away from her abusive husband.

With a good cast and some excellent performances, the predictability of 'Seven Pounds' still makes for an enjoyable tale. Will Smith simply doesn't make bad movie and while it might not be the most original, the presence of the superstar actor alone makes this worth your time.