Brilliant performance by Will Smith!

Rating: 8/10 (26 December 2006)

A very standard "rags to riches" story that is lifted to another level by the absolutely masterful performance by Will Smith. Of course, being filmed in the SF Bay Area definitely brings the story "home" that much more.
"Pursuit of Happiness" is about a very poor family with a 5 year old kid trying to survive in a big city. Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, a smart man who for some reason or another (wasn't explained in the movie), never achieved all the dreams he went out to achieve. Instead, he's stuck selling medical devices that nobody wants and barely surviving with his wife (played by a very good Thandie Newton) and son (Jaden Smith, Will's real life son). Without going into a summary of the movie, the "Pursuit of Happiness" explores what has happened to the idea of the "American Dream" and the famous guarantee that all Americans have the right to "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness".
The plot is predictable, some parts were "cheesed" up for dramatic effect. The social commentary about the rich-poor divide and homelessness issues are also valuable. But overall, you really appreciate the father-son interactions (definitely helped by being real life father and son) and all the sacrifices that a parent has to make to provide for a better living condition for their kids. It is also a story about one of the few who "made it" in our modern world pursuing a better life. If not for Will Smith, this movie would just fade into the drowning roar of "inspiring movies", especially during this Oscar season. But I now firmly believe Will Smith to be one of the premier young(ish) actors out there and am truly impressed by the acting range he had in this movie.
Definitely recommended in this holiday season!