Movie Review of The Pursuit of Happyness (Rating ***1/2)
Rated PG-13
By CK Movie Critic Jonathan Lack

No, I did not spell the title of this film wrong. The spelling of the work happiness in the film's title deals with an ongoing theme in the movie. I won't go into that, because it's something that should be discovered by the viewer.

Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, a man whose job is selling bone density scanners, a portable x ray that gives a denser image then normal x-rays. But sadly, they cost twice the price of normal x-rays, and aren't something most hospitals need. It probably goes without saying, but Gardner is overdue on three rent payments, his taxes, and ten parking tickets. He's also trying to support a family of three. His wife, his son, and himself.

His wife gets fed up and leaves. Gardner convinces her to leave the son, which she does. Now Gardner must care for his son without his wife's income, sell bone density scanners, and compete in an internship at stock broking agency Dean Witter. One of 20 interns will get a high paying and very good job. Sadly, the internship doesn't pay. Gardner and his son go from an apartment to a motel to a bathroom in a train station to a homeless shelter while he's in the internship, but all the while Gardner is able to care for his son and not lose sight of what's important.

Will Smith gives the performance of his career, one that's already been nominated for a golden globe, and would be criminal to be forgotten at Oscar time. Smith makes you laugh at some points (though the film is not a comedy) and cry at others. I've rarely gotten teary in a movie, but his performance hits hard, his emotions translating directly to the viewer. His on screen son is played by his real son, who is a fine young actor, and the chemistry between these two leads is excellent and what makes the film hit so hard and emotionally.

You might have noticed that the title is also an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence, where Thomas Jefferson wrote that the basic rights of all humans were life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Well, it isn't coincidence that that's the title of the film. Early on, Gardner tells us that's he'd started thinking about Jefferson and the Declaration. He asks how did Jefferson know to put the word Pursuit in there. Gardner thinks Jefferson thought that none of could ever truly achieve happiness, but only pursue it. Gardner thinks the same.

And that's the main theme of the movie. As much as you pursue something, it might never come to you. But you have to pursue, you have to try, because trying and failing is better than not trying. The film also states clearly that you get back what you give. Gardner gives it his all in the film, and he does not go unrewarded.

The film is not without flaws. It has a slight pacing problem that stops me from giving it 4 stars. For the first hour or so, the film has a trouble deciding between heavy or light drama. The last hour is certainly a heavy drama through and through, but the first hour cuts between heavy, emotional scenes and lighthearted, somewhat comedic scenes. They're there to lighten the mood, obviously, but it doesn't always work and gives the film an unbalanced feel.

I would recommend this film for ages 11 and up. There is really no questionable content except for some brief language, but there are lots of strong, emotional elements, many of which may be over the heads of younger viewers.

And it is now time to add the fourth film to my list of personal best picture nominees. If you've been reading my reviews, you'll know what this is all about. Basically, I choose five 2006 films that I would nominate for Best Picture at the Oscars this year. They are all PG-13 or under to keep with the kids and teenagers theme of this site. The list now goes as follows.

1. World Trade Center
2. The Illusionist
3. Stranger Than Fiction
4. The Pursuit of Happyness
5. ?

One more movie can make it on. If I don't see anything worth adding (that is PG-13 or under) by the end of the year, I'll look back at all the films this year (some of which were not reviewed) and choose one to be number five. I'll then pick my personal choice for Best Picture.

And if we're looking at Best Actor, then Will Smith certainly has my vote, tied with a few others, to win that award this year.

My final words are an adaptation of line Will Smith says in the film: Go see it. Period. (Dec.15, 2006)