Netflix Movie Review - “The Pursuit of Happyness”

REVIEW: Will Smith (in an Oscar-nominated role) and his real-life son Jaden star in this tearjerker inspired by a true story, meaning that it's probably been tightened and prettied up a bit. Although I thought is was a bit slow in places, Connie thought is was paced just right for the type of story it was portraying. We both agreed that Smith provided an excellent performance about a struggling single parent determined to build a better life for himself and his child. In the end, Smith wins our hearts without losing his dignity. Smith brings it. He's the real deal. We give it [4-1/2 Stars]

SYNOPSIS: Smith plays Chris Gardner, a San Francisco salesman trying to unload bulky bone scanners (don't ask) while his depressed wife, Linda works menial labor scut jobs. She splits for New York, leaving hubby and their five-year-old son, Christopher to fend for themselves. Chris Gardner is smart and talented, but his dead-end salesman job barely pays the bills. When he and his 5-year-old son are evicted from their apartment, they face trying times as Chris takes on an unpaid internship at a stock brokerage firm with hopes of getting rich someday. Soon, father and son are scrounging for food and living in homeless shelters and train-station toilets.

Master Post Date: 12/04/08; 10:38am