The Pursuit Of Happiness Much Better Than Expected

Rating: 8/10 (12 June 2009)

The Pursuit Of Happiness was much better than expected mainly because of the great performance by Will Smith who continues to show his talent as an actor in this film. Director Gabriele Muccino has done an admirable job of making this movie based on an inspiring true story about a struggling salesman who tries to find a steady job so that he can support him and his son after losing nearly everything but finds a chance to get his life back on track with a stockbroker internship at Dean Witter. Will Smith is fantastic as Chris Gardner the struggling salesman giving one of his best performances in this film. Smith continues to show why he's one of Hollywoods best actors today in this one. Well done. Will's real life son Jaden steps into the role of his on screen son Chris Jr. and he is equally impressive. They both have great chemistry together and because they are rally father and son they didn't have to try hard to make that believable in the movie. The rest of the cast are good in their roles. Thandie Newton makes a brief extended appearance as Chris' wife who leaves him. Newton may lack screen time but she's still effective in the role. The pacing for the movie was a little slow at times but it does offer some humor, drama, and a touching story about the bond between a father and his son which makes up for it's one flaw. Overall The Pursuite Of Happiness was much better than I thought it would be. The movie has drama, some small doses of humor, characters we come to care about, and terrific performances by the cast especially Will Smith who makes this inspiring true story enjoyable to watch.