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"Creativity"

The Pursuit of Happyness Review

Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton

Director: Gabriele Muccino

Year: 2006

The Pursuit of Happyness, but with the y as for the I, and italicized, and I don’t know why. The Pursuit of Happyness is a straight up drama, based off a true story, and damn good one at that. This movie to me is very underrated, as I feel it really is not only entertaining and gripping, but inspiring. It takes the role of Chris Gardner, basically a average guy from first glance who is living the hard life. Soon his wife leaves, and he and his son are on their own, and Chris must make it out as he tries to land a very nice job. Playing Chris is Will Smith, and I think this personally the best role I’ve seen Will betray, and I think he’s at his best. Alongside him is Jaden Smith, his own son. Normally I wouldn’t like this, but Jaden Smith in this movie is believable, and you can’t him, just listen to his little jokes. Sure he’ll probably grow up and be rich and famous cause of his dad, and go on Justin Bieber tracks, but for now he’s not annoying me. I mean in a movie about the poor man rising to fame and show something about the rich it just doesn’t make sense to have one of the richest and most famous kids out there right now. (Well maybe not during this movie’s release) Anyway, I don’t give two shits about who the people are behind camera, and neither should you… except Chris Gardner, cause he’s pretty awesome. I’m not sure where to begin, so I’ll start with story and dialogue. The story itself is the ultimate underdog tale, but in a much more realistic fashion. I’m not saying movies have to be realistic, but in other media that is actually realistic, it does make that world feel more cool, and in this case relatable. Although there are at least a dozen little inspiring messages, like don’t give a shit who tells you what you can and can’t be. Life itself can’t be happy, there is only the pursuit of happiness, and that is infinite. And the one guy becoming famous. Come on, we’ve all dreamt this shit, the poor unappreciated hardworking dude who is going through hell making it. Life ripped his shirt off and beat him over the head with a bat and karma is troll facing him. And the dialogue? This is a clean cut drama, and all the dialogue is believable and as real as it gets. Will Smith and his son have something on screen that just really isn’t seen in movies. It’s real, and movie at the same time. As far as the characters go, I actually had to think on the Character Badge. There aren’t many, and the ones that are there are single sided. But just cause your characters are single sided doesn’t mean the movie is bad, this is a perfect example. But just Chris Gardner and the others on screen have just enough depth and quality for me to give the character badge. But going back to the story, I will say it does have some faults. Being similar to real life some scenes come across a little boring, and some I just don’t love. But they hardly hold the movie back, because what is there is great. I haven’t actually read the autobiography this was based off, but I will say having Will Smith’s character for narration was a great idea. When he starts narrating, something is going on. And it always captures your attention, and he’s not just narrating for the sake of it like some movies, he’s actually narrating the prime story of his life. And when he is narrating, he delivers some of the best moments ever. This is also one of those feel good movies. I know, a movie about a father and his son sleeping in his basement feel good? Surprisingly yes. The falling action and conclusion to this movie is really heart warming, and I’m sure for many they’ll need to whip out the ol’ tissue box. That being said, another problem, there is no real climax. I just love climaxes in movies, but this is a drama, so It’s not so bad. It is executed well, so I don’t mind. And yes, this movie does throw you in this world. And there are some things it says about the rich and the poor without really saying anything. Chris is hiding up that he’s poor to look professional, and meanwhile a bunch of rich white kids are driving past a homeless shelter. And just the idea of happiness, and Jefferson’s meaning behind it getting fully analyzed and becoming a theme is really cool as well. And I like that there really is no antagonist, only life and poverty and all real life things are the antagonist. I remember as I saw this movie in theaters as a kid remembering Will Smith’s wife in this movie the antagonist, but she’s not. She’s just a person, and although the story teller in me would have her do more than she does, the real world established in this movie won’t allow that, and somehow it just works. Same with his bosses. Only one man can get the job. For the others, we’re sorry, but just one job, that’s the way it is. Not your fault, not our fault, just the way it is. And I do believe it is inspirational. Ultimately it’s an elite, and easily is. I feel it’s a wonderful movie, and more people should be talking about it. It makes you want to give money to the homeless, talk shit to the rich kids, and most of all strive to be that guy. Or I guess strive isn’t the word I’m looking for, it’s pursue.

The Pursuit of Happyness gets a 5/5

Spoilers: Yes, little Easter egg at the end. The real Chris Gardner walked across the screen, and Will Smith just kind of barely notices him as he walks by. Also, the toy. Yes, the toy didn’t make it. I’d like to dedicate this review to that toy. It was a special little toy, and didn’t deserve to be left behind. R.I.P. little toy, that was by far the saddest scene I saw as a child. Disagree? Did you not see Toy Story? That could have been Woody! How do you not feel for him!? Sure sleeping on the ground in the bathroom was sad, and really emotional, but come on, the toy. That, and you got to feel for that man and his time machine. It’s a time machine! I need to get back to the 60’s man!