|
"Happyness" delivers the passion |
|
|
|
Written by JON SINGER
|
|
Wednesday, 10 January 2007 |
“The Pursuit of Happyness” is one of those few films that makes you a better person for having watched it. It’s a film that I will buy on DVD when released. And I’m a person who rarely makes that commitment.
| | |
"The Pursuit of Happyness"
|
 Entertainment
Art
Directed by Gabriele Muccino
Written by Steve Conrad
Starring Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton, and Brian Howe
Rated PG-13 for some language.
Released December 15, 2006
|
| | |
If you have somehow missed the publicity onslaught, “Happyness” features Will Smith playing Chris Gardner in a true story of a man at his wit’s end who does the impossible: In six months he goes from impoverished, struggling underachiever to successful, rich business man. How does he do it? Gardner finally uses his God-given intellect and people skills. Instead of being like everyone else and advancing in his career in the tradition way, Gardner uses honestly and passion to take a shortcut. It is a true example of what many of us could do if we truly desired something.
Starring with Smith is his real-life son, Jaden, who does a fine job of staying out of the way. To that end, the other actors do as well. In my mind, there’s only one character who is important in this movie, and that’s Gardner. And sure, the relationship with his son is a welcome emotional tie-in. But the story is about a man and his successful drive to change his life for the better. And then resounds with every viewer. We all wonder if we could have handled that other career if we really worked at it. Gardner answered that question. We also all wonder if we could have succeeded in school if we’d tried harder. Gardner answered that question as well – his crash course in business being a class-like atmosphere.
There is some Oscar buzz surrounding this movie, and though I’m not big on talking about awards, Smith did a good job of being transparent in the film. There were no silly Will Smith jokes thrown in. It was a gritty, desperate and passionate film.
While I’m not a movie snob, I have a very high bar for movies that I rave about. This is one of them. There’s no question I will watch it again in the future, and recommend it to anyone who will listen. If you like emotion, drama, true Cinderella stories, see “The Pursuit of Happyness” right away. Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
