The Pursuit of Happyness

The Pursuit of Happyness is everything you expect it to be: a syrupy sticky and sometimes silly family drama that shamelessly showcases the power of perseverance above all things. That being said, it’s hard to criticize something for being exactly what it claims. I doubt anyone with a cynic’s heart could endure the full runtime of this ultra saccharine movie, but I also doubt they would ever consider seeing it in the first place.

My main complaints are towards its by the numbers structure and complacent writing. There’s not a second of surprise here and not even the most desperately sad moments really sting. Everything that goes wrong just seems like a means of postponing the happy ending to come. What makes this otherwise mediocre film worthwhile is an impressive performance by Will Smith. He brings both resilience and charm to the role of a father struggling to support his young son. He also brings his actual dynamic with his son Jaden to the film as well. This is not just a case of Hollywood nepotism, but a real opportunity to capture an authentic connection between father and son on the big screen. Credit also goes to Italian director Gabriele Muccino who does great work here and often exceeds the quality of the material. He shoots a wonderfully vivid and gritty indie style film and then sees his vision dimmed by Smith’s all too hokey voice over and corny lines that are best left forgotten. It would have been a much better film if Muccino had loosened up the heavy handed script structure and let us enjoy his much more appropriately subdued visual style instead.

I’m not sure how much I would recommend this film on a general level. It’s mildly enjoyable and generally pleasant, but its not really compelling or exciting cinema. Though, for those in pursuit of a meager dose of happiness and some sugary low stakes drama, this will certainly do the trick. It’s good at what it is, but it’s not much at all.

Grade: B