Written by: Steve Conrad
Director Gabriele Muccino
Producers: David Alpher, Teddy Zee, Mark Clayman, Will Smith
Genre: Drama
Rated PG-13
*Sony Motion Picture
The Cast:** Will Smith, Thandie Newton, Jaden Smith, Dan Cartellanety, Zhair Haddad
Theatrical release: December 15, 2006
The Pursuit of Happyness is an outstanding and inspirational heartfelt movie that I enjoyed. The response from the audience was very enthusiastic and touching as they applauded at the climax of this movie which clearly echoed their enjoyment of this new theatrical release that stars Will Smith.
Will Smith does something extraordinary in his new release The Pursuit of Happyness, he provides an excellent and moving performance in his leading role as a desperate and single father. He also includes his son Jaden Smith to co-star. Will Smith also narrate this film in a wonderfully comedic and charming manner that keeps the viewer’s interest. This movie is based on the true story of Chris Garner, a hero and successful salesman who lived homeless on the streets of San Francisco with his son while interning to eventually become a millionaire stockbroker. Chris Gardner also vowed to be a better father to his son because he didn’t know his father, his father deserted him.
While this cast may not be the perfect ensemble of cast members for this film, their performances certainly makes this movie’s message of hope, and inspiration plausible. The cast provides very appealing and well-done performances. The Pursuit of Happyness presents a very positive portrait of an African American father who has positive family values. This movie is a wholesome and clean movie that doesn’t cater to negative stereo types its genuine message of family, manhood, education, inspiration, and endurance is powerful. It is also a heartwarming and tear dropping motion picture that will make you laugh, and cheer.
In this movie Will Smith portrays Chris Gardner an intelligent hard working father and salesman whose sales of medical equipment decline. Thandie Newton portrays the frustrated wife of Chris Gardner who becomes fed up with the financial disparities of her husband along with the pressures of working two jobs herself. The breakup of Chris’s marriage would only be the beginning of his life of pain, and suffering. Later, Chris is evicted from his apartment and despite his hardship he is determined to keep his son. They ultimately live on the street and in a shelter for the homeless.
Chris finds a job at a stock brokerage company and works with no pay for a six-month probationary period, he must prove himself to be a success at his job to be hired as a paid employee. What happens to Chris Gardner? Will he be hired to work at the stock brokerage company in six months? What’s happens to this father and his son? You’ll find out when you see this movie.
Final Thoughts
As I mentioned earlier Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith provide excellent performances in this heart touching motion picture. The Pursuit of Happyness has a well-balanced and moving storyline that’s realistically depicted. There is never a dull moment in this movie. It is very funny at times, and keeps the viewers attention. I found the scenes of dialog between this father and son to be very amusing along with the humorous antics of Chris losing his medical machine to homeless people, and street people who attempt to steal it. I agree with the critics that hail this film as Will Smith’s saddest role-played, Will’s portrayed performance as Chris Gardner is very sad and moving, yet still maintains its comedic moments. Overall The Pursuit of Happyness is a very good film that’s sure to touch your heart. Will Smith give us his best performance.
Five stars for The Pursuit of Happyness.