The Pursuit of Excellence

Rating: 10/10 (25 January 2007)

I have always been a big fan of Will Smith, and consequently, I have always felt that he doesn't quite get the recognition he deserves. His role as Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happiness proves that Will Smith is just another action star or rapper. He has now become what I always knew he would--an actor.
The Pursuit of Happiness is based on a true story. It follows the life of Chris Gardner, a man who struggles to raise his young son during economic hardship after his wife has just left them. Gardner does his best to work his way up the job ladder as he pursues a job as a stock broker. Through the ups and downs of this pursuit and the heartwarming father-son relationship between Gardner and his son, the viewer will undoubtedly fall in love with the characters and with the film as a whole.
As of this date, Will Smith has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Hopefully the Academy won't make the same mistake the Golden Globes did and they will actually hand the award to Smith. In fact, I feel that this film has been robbed by critics and actually deserves to be nominated for Best Director (Gabriele Muccino), Best Screenplay (Steven Conrad), Best Supporting Actor (Jaden Christopher Syre Smith), and Best Cinematography (Phedon Papamichael). But since I can't change the Academy, I'll cross my fingers and hope they at least give the Oscar to Mr. Smith.
In conclusion, please see this movie. You will not be disappointed because Will Smith will have you on the verge of tears and laughter all at the same time. If you ask me, a 7.4 rating is ridiculous. This movie is truly excellent.