the pursuit of happyness

Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton

Christ Gardner (Will Smith) has hit rock bottom. Hoping against hope for his family to survive, he sells little needed bone density scanners. Inspired by a broker, applies for internship only to find out that he will not be receiving any salary for 6 months. His wife Linda gives up on him so he has to take his son Christopher wherever he goes. But all his resources are running out; his scanners have not been selling, and his landlord kicks him out of the house. The only thing keeping his spirits alive was to be able to pass the licensing exam for stockbrokers.

Will Smith and his son Jaden are the best picks for the role of Chris Gardner and his son Christopher. They already have the perfect chemistry for the roles. But Thandie's role cannot be relegated to second spot. The harmony of actors, script and cinematography makes way for the production of this great film.

There are films that give out the message that happiness is not found in possessing material things but in relationships. "The Pursuit of Happyness" runs counter to this predominant thought. The film takes great care not to overemphasize materialism. For one, Chris' family is really hard up; his wife left the family, and they had to survive each day just to live in a shelter and spend the night in public bathrooms and buses. However, "happyness" with a "y" does raise a childlike interest. Everyone deserves to be happy with the happiness of a child. And when it comes in a spur of the moment, it erases all sufferings combined. Yes, it's a wonderful feeling.

Rating: 3.5