"You want something? Go get it. Period."

Rating: 8/10 (24 November 2007)

We've all seen this sort of story before: a poor man, through his unbreakable courage and determination, climbs the ranks of society to become the best that he can possibly be. The story's conclusion was never going to be in any doubt; we know that it is based on a true story, and nobody's interested in making a film about a failure. However, despite its familiarity, its predictability, its share of clichéd moments, something about 'The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)' really hooked me. We follow Chris Gardner through six turbulent months of his life, experiencing his ups and down, and we really to come to know and care about him. Better yet, we are told from the very beginning that the film is "inspired" by one man's true story. Though we realise that dramatic license has been taken in some regards, it really is stirring to know that the real Chris Gardner was faced with many of the seemingly-insurmountable challenges that we witness in this film, and yet he came out of his struggles a successful, independent and happy man.
I've always thought that Will Smith had a lot of potential as an actor, but he's never really had an opportunity to demonstrate his talents {he was Oscar-nominated for 'Ali (2001),' but I saw that film such a long time ago that I can't recall much about it}. In 'The Pursuit of Happiness,' he delivers an intelligent and sensitive performance, his character wonderfully understated, and Smith's chemistry with real-life son Jaden Christopher Syre Smith is genuinely touching. A rare change from his usual cocky and smart-mouthed persona, Will Smith's Chris Gardner is likable, thoughtful and surprisingly reserved, though his self-confidence and determination makes him a legitimate presence in any scene. Though he met with stiff competition in Forest Whitaker ('The Last King of Scotland (2006)'), Smith's second Oscar nomination was certainly well-deserved. Competent supporting performances come from Thandie Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen and Dan Castellaneta, though the real star of the film will always be the beautiful interactions between loving father and son.
'The Pursuit of Happiness' was directed by Italian director Gabriele Muccino in his first English-speaking film, and was written by Steve Conrad ('The Weather Man (2005)'). Technically, there is little notable about the film, but, emotionally, Gardner's story proves extremely powerful. This is the sort of film that really tugs at your heartstrings, allowing you to appreciate your current circumstances and to strive for those dreams that you had previously thought unachievable. In the film, we see that there are thousands of people in San Francisco living in poverty, and yet Chris Gardner seems to stands out among them all. Why is this? Is it just because Will Smith is such a star that even homelessness can't dampen his style, or is it because his character is a man going somewhere? At the moment, he doesn't any money, but his determination and will to succeed make him almost radiant amid the masses of pitiable derelicts. Admittedly, I'm still only working my way through the year, but 'The Pursuit of Happiness' has proved one of my favourites of 2006.