One of Smith's best performances in a decent story

Rating: 7/10 (26 May 2007)

The Pursuit of Happiness (yes it is spelled wrong) was a film I had very few problems with. A film about dedication to family, never giving up, and doing whatever it takes to get the job done, the Pursuit of Happiness gets your attention early and does not release you until the end. In a time when pointless teen films seem to be coming out left and right with few meaningful movies here and there, the Pursuit of Happiness stands as a film with a meaning that is not out to just entertain.
Chris Gardner is a struggling salesman in 1981 San Francisco. His wife is angry with him, his job is failing, and he is on the verge of being evicted. His wife finally leaves him and Chris and his son, Chris Jr., are forced out onto the streets. As they struggle to get back on their feet, Chris takes an internship at Dean Witter that pays no money. His hope, to get a job as a stock broker and give his son a better life who resides everyday at the Happiness Daycare while he waits for his father.
Will Smith gives one of his most memorable performances. He is near perfect. Smith has always been a great actor but he really shines through as Chris Gardner. It's kind of similar to his performance as Ali. He isn't afraid to hold anything back as he portrays a struggling man trying to get back on his feet. His performance will move some to tears and others to stand and applaud him. This is one of Smith's best performances and is reason enough to watch it at least once.
The story is strong: man trying to bring himself up from nothing to give his son a better life. The story is strong for the most part. There are some slow parts between Smith and his real life son Jaden. There really isn't anything pointless about the scenes that are slow just bad dialog was written. The movie also seems to try to make a point that all corporate executives care little about the people around them no matter what the case which is mostly false.
Despite some flaws early and in the middle, the Pursuit of Happiness' meaning is clear. If you want to change something, you go change it. This message is made quite clear through Chris' actions in the film and Smith's powerful portrayal as him. I enjoyed the film very much. It's a lot better then some of the stuff that has been coming out nowadays/ It's a good family film and I recommend it to anyone especially people with children.
3.5/5 Stars