THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Pursuit of Happyness—inspiring, heart-tugging, well-told story—carefully outlines the process of turning a series of tough life circumstances into realization of the American Dream. Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith blow this story out of the water and to the moon. It’s a great, not-to-be-missed story which does not flinch in its theme that hard work and a non-stoppable positive attitude literally ignite universal forces to materialize better positions in life. Kudos to Director Gabriele Muccino for presenting an uplifting story with high creativity and well-timed sequences.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Chris Gardner (Will Smith) makes a dramatic choice for a better life by taking an unpaid internship with Dean Witter Reynolds, a San Francisco brokerage firm. His wife, Linda (Thandie Newton) leaves him and he soon finds himself living on the street with their four-year-old son, Christopher Jr. (Jaden Smith). The film follows their struggles as Chris Gardner attempts to finish the internship and win the single coveted position Dean Witter Reynolds firm offers.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Gabriele Muccino for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers David Alper, Mark Clayman, Louis D’Esposito, and Teddy Zee for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jay Twistle (Brian Howe), Martin Frohm (James Karen), Alan Frakesh (Dan Castellaneta), Walter Ribbon (Kurt Fuller), Mrs. Chu (Takayo Fischer), World’s Greatest Dad (Kevin West), Chinese Maintenance Worker (George Cheung), Doctor at First Hospital (David Michael Silverman), and Tim Ribbon (Domenic Bove).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This based-on-a-true story film is well worth the investment of time and money.

Video Critique available Here:

Ben Meyers