OUTSTANDING Performance by Will Smith

Rating: 9/10 (10 March 2016)

There are very few films that have ever actually made me choke up just ever so slightly, but The Pursuit of Happiness not only did just that... but as the film was drawing to an end no less! This biographical piece on the struggles of Chris Gardner is extremely well done.
Chris is an African American father trying to survive in a hopeless America. Also a mathematical prodigy with an unbelievable work ethic, he seemingly does not stop until a task has been completed in its entirety.
Chris has the misfortune of making a very bad investment with his life savings shortly after acquiring a new home and starting a family. The financial burden and all the weight that accompanies it prove too much for his (x-)wife, and inevitably would have him and his son living on the streets.
The film shows us how one mans remarkable efforts, after being placed in a very crude situation, manages to break all kinds of social/financial barriers in order to obtain a suitable living arrangement for both him and his 5 year old son.
As I mentioned at the top, as everything came masterfully to one last crescendo, I was choking up, almost as if I could feel the "happyness" that Chris so desperately, tirelessly pursued. And having been through quite a lot of filmography, this is a sign for me that a story was told perfectly.
It has always felt like Will Smith never quite gets the attention he deserves for the numerous high-quality performances on his resume. And to be so convincing... able to draw strong feeling from the audience, with the son played by HIS ACTUAL child no less!
I will continue to watch anything Smith is a part of as there can be no argument made for his being top-tier acting talent in the business. Don't miss the opportunity to see this... seriously, you will regret missing out on such a powerful film.
OH! And do yourselves a favor and hang in there until the VERY END.... the REAL Chris Gardner can be seen in full view walking past Smith & his son (the man wearing a black suit). There was something about only just having viewed such an unbelievable story, with getting to see the ACTUAL person who went through this, that made this a perfect ending. ...or perhaps it was the curious look that Smith gives as he turns his head back as if to indicate to the audience who the man was that just walked by.
----- 9/10 STARS -------- Review by Searsino -----