The Pursuit of Happiness...

and

A father`s love for his young son...

If you don`t think this movie`s great


Your heart is made of stone


The price you paid is more than earned


By Smith and son alone



A man, a plan, a family


Until there came the spanner


Into the works somebody threw


A bone density scanner



From happiness to homelessness


They couldn`t make ends meet


And when the Government stepped in


They wound up on the street



He earned a chance to make it big


But had to pay the price


Six months without a salary


Called for more sacrifice


A father`s love for his young son


Is what made him persist


With nothing left he sold his blood


So that they could subsist


A golden turn from Jaden`s dad


And when he gets the nod


For that best actor statuette


I`ll jump up and applaud



Amanda Richards, February 4, 2007

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The Pursuit of Happiness is the true life story of Chris Gardner, who was a struggling salesman of medical scanners in the 1980s. His life hit the doldrums when his wife left him, and he has to take care of his young son. Soon he is evicted from his house and has to sleep with his son in a public bathroom (and later on homeless shelters). A small light at the end of the tunnel appears when he is accepted as an unpaid intern at a stock brokerage firm - he is one of 20 such interns, and only one will be chosen after six months to join the company in a lucrative job. Meanwhile, he has to make ends meet with his young son as he best can, facing debts, evictions, bills, etc. Some people criticize the movie as being too pro capitalist. There is some truth to that, as the rich guys who head the stock brokerage firm are shown to be all nice men, while the poor (with the exception of Chris) are bitter, resentful, unhappy with their lives. Yet, the movie also shows realistically what is to be a poor man in America as very few Hollywood movies do. All in all, a very good movie.

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The Pursuit of Happyness, based on the true story of Chris Gardner`s life, was an excellent movie. Chris Gardner was determined to beat all odds in order to achieve the success he felt was at times beyond his reach. When the mother of his son decided to leave him with full custody of their only child, he did not allow this to stand in the way of achieving his goals. Chris began his pursuit of happiness as a salesman of bone density monitors then found happiness as a stock broker.

My heart hurt each time Chris suffered a disappointment in his life. Chris seemed to be burdened with every obstacle imaginable, including homelessness. How was this man able to move forward in the midst of so many challenges? That answer is easy. Chris` son was his main motivation. He knew that his son admired him as his hero. How could he knowingly and purposely let his number one fan down? Impossible.

As far as the two main actors are concerned. I must applaud both Will Smith and his son Jaden for their incredible performances. Will Smith was Chris Gardner. Jaden was the son of Chris Gardner. As I watched the movie, I did not see Will Smith nor Jaden, I saw Chris Gardner and his son. Any accolades that Will Smith and Jaden receive are well-deserved. Their portrayals were awesome. Thank you for allowing your talents to shine. Also, thank you Chris Gardner for allowing a glimpse into your once antagonizing now prosperous life.

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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful: This Ought to be a Money Maker, February 3, 2 PROSITIVES: This heartwarming film, based on true life, once again exalts the American Dream that anything is possible with a little luck and a lot of hard work. All African Americans should watch this film. Here is the depiction of an African American hero who refuses to give up, even when the odds are hopelessly against him. All those who are facing major life setbacks should also watch this film. This film offers more than entertainment. This film offers encouragement to carry on. All those who struggle with family relationships should see this film. This film shows a love between a father and son that weathers the storms of life. This film encourages family members to hold on a little longer. Anyone not yet mentioned should see this film. This film is one of those rare works of art that has the potential to improve society. Will Smith does an excellent job in his role as Chris Gardner. NEGATIVES: I only gave this film four stars because it begins to get a little slow about 2/3 of the way through and the conclusion is predictable. The film`s media publicity probably brought a few more people to the film, but gave away too much of the plot.

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I really enjoyed his movie. Story line, and acting were spot on. It was a great message of hope and inspiration.

The only thing that I would have left out of the movie was the part where Will Smith solves the Rubik`s Cube puzzle in front of his future boss. Before that point I was really identifying with the character of a common man trying to survive and become successful.

Not many people can solve the Rubik`s Cube puzzle and by showing that part said that he was not really a common man after all. If I was the director, I would have left that part out so that the audience could fully identify and connect with the main character -- a common man.

Other than that, the movie was excellent and I highly recommend it.



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