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THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS

With Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton, Dan Castellaneta, James Karen, Brian Howe, Takayo Fischer, Kevin West

Directed by Gabriele Muccino

This beautiful tale is based on the real life struggle of Chris Gardner who fell on hard times when his business plan went pear shaped and his wife left him and his boy. This led to the duo ending up homeless, having to fend on the streets. Always maintaining his sense of pride and dignity, he tries to keep his head above water. Along the way he meets a man on the street working at a wealthy stock market firm. Each year they take only a few unpaid interns to complete the course, with one getting the job. He throws himself into this with his entire being, not only for his own sense of self and to get off the street, but to give his son a better life. Through all of this they have to race for the night shelter before its quota is filled, refuse to beg, and still remain sane in this hectic situation. This inspiring tale of perseverance and triumph of the spirit is a moving one, and has a lot to do with the choice of Italian director Muccino. Smith and his real life son Jaden interact very well on the screen, the young man doing a fine job in his first screen role.
Extra features include documentaries on the making of the film, the real Chris Gardner, as well as the Rubik Cube (featuring in a scene), which became popular during the ‘80s, the time during which these events transpired.
PS. The title of the film is misspelled for a reason which will become clear in the film.

5 / B
- PB

1 2 3 4 5 6
A
- B - C



6 - Volcanic
5 - Blistering
4 - Hot
3 - Smolder
2 - Room Temp.
1 - Fizzled
0 - Extinguished

A: Multiple Viewing Potential
B: Deserves Another Look
C: Once Should Suffice

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