KEY POINTS:
Herald rating: * * *
Verdict: Depressing and mildly inspiring drama
The Pursuit of Happyness (yes, it is spelt with a "y") is a drama set in San Francisco in the early 80s. It's inspired by the true story of Chris Gardener, a medical-equipment salesman struggling to pay
the bills and keep his family together, and who, against the odds, manages to turn his life around.
Will Smith stars as Chris, and it's pretty much a one-man show. Thandie Newton puts in an impressive performance as his wife who can't cope with the financial strain of their lives any longer, reluctantly leaving Chris and their 5-year-old son Christopher, played by Smith's real-life son Jaden.
Not since Ali have we seen Will Smith this serious. Even though the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have rewarded him with a best actor nomination for this role, it's not until about three-quarters of the way through the film that Smith convinces you he's not on the edge of cracking a joke, and has the dramatic ability to play this part.
The Pursuit of Happyness should be an uplifting tale, but it's pretty depressing viewing. The entire film is a series of ups and downs as Chris suffers constant hardship in his personal life while trying to hold down an unsalaried internship with an eminent brokerage firm.
Occasionally something does go right for Chris, but there's always a catch, and before you know it he's hit rock bottom again. We're talking about a guy who can't even find a pen when he needs one.
This is a story about a man pursuing his American dream and trying to break the poverty cycle. It's also a story about a dad determined to be a better father to his son than his father was to him. And this is the redeeming feature of the film.
The casting of Smith's own son in the film might appear as narcissism, but they work together brilliantly. In this portrayal of events, Chris' character is a fraction too flawless, which makes the story feel manipulated and less believable. However Chris' relationship with his son does offer the most truthful and moving moments in the film.
The Pursuit of Happyness which, if it sounded sexier, should really be called The Pursuit of Financial Security, might take most of its lengthy 118 minutes to evoke some emotion out of you, but it gets there in the end. It's called relief.
Cast: Will Smith, Thandie Newton, Jaden Smith
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Running Time: 118 mins
Rating: M, low-level offensive language
Screening: SkyCity, Hoyts and Berkeley cinemas