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6 Degrees Entertainment

'The Pursuit of Happyness'
(Will Smith, Thandie Newton, et al / DVD / PG-13 / (2006) 2007 / Sony Pictures)

Overview: In 1981, Chris Gardner was a struggling salesman in little needed medical bone density scanners while his wife toiled in double shifts to support the family including their young son, Christopher. In the face of this difficult life, Chris has the desperate inspiration to try for a stockbroker internship where one in twenty has a chance of a lucrative full time career. Even when his wife leaves him because of this choice, Chris clings to this dream with his son even when the odds become more daunting by the day. Together, father and son struggle through homelessness, jail time, tax seizure and the overall punishing despair in a quest that would make Gardner a respected millionaire.

DVD Verdict: The chemistry between Will Smith and his real son, who stars in this makes this movie very special. I don't think another child actor could have pulled it off as well. Most of the movie is factual, but the age of the child was 2 and not 5 as in the movie. Also I find it hard to believe that he would have twice lost the scanning machines he was trying to sell and then able to recover them both times (or was it 3 times)? Several friends of mine complained that the movie did not show much of the happy part of his life. But it wasn't necessary because you know that once he lands the job at Dean Whitter that he will be just fine, especially knowing the sacrifices that he went through to get it.

Some say this is Will Smith's best performance yet and it may well be. He was very convincing in the role and nothing was over done or under done. His kid was cute without being precocious or too smart. The relationship between father and son couldn't have been done any better. This is not a movie about overcoming racism, but in Chris Gardner's own words, it's about overcoming "Placeism". By that he means being born in a poor family without influence or advantage and no money of his own and having to overcome those disadvantages. The real Chris Gardner is a great role model for those who think they can't make it in this world because of who they are, the color of their skin, what they do or don't start with or where they come from.

One of the best lines in the movie is when Chris (Smith) tells his son: "Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something - not even me". The bonus features are nice, especially learning about the Italian director who could barely speak English and getting to see and hear the real Chris Gardner. The movie is a little long and even though you know that he gets the job in the end, it is still an emotional scene and one of the best in the movie when he finally gets told. I can see 'Pursuit' getting a special edition in the future, so be aware of my hunch! In the end I whole heartedly recommend watching this gripping movie at whatever emotional cost. 'Pursuit' deserves all the hype, and I feel Jaden was ripped-off in not getting a nomination last year! His "you got hit by a CAR??" line was so cute without being intentionally cute like you get from most child actors these days. Keep an eye on the kid- he's gonna be huge. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Father and Son: Onscreen and Off
The Man Behind the Movie: A Conversation with Chris Gardner
Making Pursuit: An Italian Take on the American Dream
Inside the Rubik’s Cube
“I Can” Song (audio only)
Audio commentary with director Gabriele Muccino

www.SonyPictures.com





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