Reviews of The Pursuit of Happyness

Will and Jayden shine

Posted : 1 year, 10 months ago on 28 January 2008 09:26 (A review of The Pursuit of Happyness)

One of the best films of 2007, and with high expectation in the Oscars one year ago, The Pursuit of Happyness is a film that essentially exalts the model: America - Land of Opportunities, but is a great film nevertheless, with remarkable acting by real life father and son Will and Jayden Smith.

Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, who in the early 1980's, faced many difficulties, because of an investiment on an expensive and almost useless medical device, it takes him into a spiral of misfortune from being abandoned together with his young son, by his wife, to having to sleep on shelters at night. But in spite of all, Chris must not lose hope for his son.

In the hands of a less talented director, the film could be turned into a cheap melodrama, but Muccino does his job very well holding the story when its needed to be held, not to fall in a cliche valley of tears.

Will Smith also does his job as Chris, portraying a character completely different from what we're used to see him in. With real life dramas, such as finding a place for his son to sleep, instead of shooting this or that alien that blew up a government building.

Jayden Smith steals all scenes that he's in, with a charisma as big as both his parents' (Jada Pinkett-Smith is his real life mother) his naturality is amazing, far away from those "genius kids" who look more like small adults saying fake lines all the time.

But the film slips. In portraying Chris' ex-wife as a cold hearted woman who gave up her husband and her son without much of a fight and on the ammount of "convenient coincidences", such as allowing Chris to see (three times) in a big city, the very same people who stole from him earlier.

But still The Pursuit of Happyness is an entretaining film with a nice message, and most important of all, it's not corny.

1 comments, Reply to this entry

Posted : 2 years, 1 month ago on 21 October 2007 04:16 (A review of The Pursuit of Happyness)

This movie is about Chris Gardner (Will Smith). In the early 1980s, in San Francisco, Chris invests his savings in bone-density scanners, thus financially breaking the family, and soon bringing troubles to the relationship with his wife who eventually leaves him. Without any money and without his wife's help, and only with a total commitment to his son Christopher (Jaden Smith), Chris makes a decision which will change his life: he fights for an intership as a stockbroker at Dean Witter.

Is there happiness in the movie? Certainly not at first. But eventually...

A definite tearjerker, I was surprised at the quality of the film, and of the actors' performances, particularly Jaden Smith and Will Smith's. Will is a decent actor, and it is refreshing to see him in such a dramatic role. Jaden is a promising young star.
Great script, good cinematography, it's also well-directed.

An enjoyable and very recommended movie.

0 comments, Reply to this entry

Inspirational

Posted : 2 years, 2 months ago on 15 September 2007 07:56 (A review of The Pursuit of Happyness)

This movie is amazing!
I had been wanting to get it for a while, and i'm so glad i did!

Its one of those movies where you really feel conected to the story and characters.
Its a sad but inspirational story of Chris Gardner and his tradgic life.
Soon himself and his son are evicted from their apartment, his car taken away and no real job.
Together they were left with no money and nowhere to go.
This movie (inspired by a true story) tells of Chris and his son in pursuit of happyness and a better life.

Will Smith surprised me with this movie. In a good way ofcourse. He made the movie a lot more interesting, i can understand how it must have been hard to be Chris Gardner. But he did it amazingly. No one could have done better ..

Its a real tear-jerker, so have some tissues nerby.
I found it really amazing that the acting in this movie could be so brilliant. I really felt connected to the story when watching this. I couldn't wait to find out how it would end.

Overall an amazing, inspirational film. Everyone should see it. I hope my review will convince you to, because this is truly one of the best.

0 comments, Reply to this entry

Pursuit?

Posted : 2 years, 7 months ago on 27 April 2007 03:24 (A review of The Pursuit of Happyness)

This movie was amazing. Like Flash said, it is indeed a Rocky movie. Will plays the part amazingly well, as does his son (amazing for his first acting time!)

This movie actually suprised me because although it has the word "Happyness" in the title, it really isn't that happy. It is actually very sad most of the time. You will feel bad for the main actors. But fortunately, Will keeps hope, which gives the viewer hope. It's a tad long and monotonous, but still worth it. Definately the most inspiring true story I've ever seen. Bravo.

2 comments, Reply to this entry

Will Shines

Posted : 2 years, 11 months ago on 27 December 2006 10:51 (A review of The Pursuit of Happyness)

This movie is what I call a "Rocky" film. The main character has to overcome unbelievable odds to reach a goal. This movie is supposed to be based on a real story and it is hard to believe that anyone could covercome the obstacles presented by Will's character. This makes the film that much more dramatic as we watch him get stepped upon time and time again.

Will Smith is excellent in this role. He has already started to get acting award nominations and they are well deserved. His low key somber approach to the character is just what is needed.

The movie is well made and the pacing is just right for this type of movie. You will definantely feel empathy for Will and his son while you watch the movie.

My only let down with this movie is how I felt when I left the movie. I didn't feel like I just had the wind knocked out of me or like I just finished an emotional roller coaster. I watched Charlotte's Web last week and I felt like that leaving it. Something didn't click with me on that emotional level and I was expecting it. Other than that, I think this is a movie that most people will enjoy watching.

Flash

0 comments, Reply to this entry