The Pursuit of Happyness

Will Smith delivers a powerful performance as Chris Gardner, a medical-equipment salesman who has fallen on hard times and desperately needs a career adjustment. His decision to pursue a nonpaid internship as a stockbroker results in his wife (Thandie Newton) throwing in the towel and an eventual eviction from his home. Gardner is left to raise his son (an excellent young actor named Jaden Smith … yes, Will’s real son). Father and son make for an excellent acting team, and while the film has its hokey spots, the two manage to overcome them with ease. Will Smith, normally relegated to empty-headed blockbuster roles (which he definitely has a knack for) shows that he has real acting chops. This role is no walk in the park, requiring a wide range of emotions, all of which he handles with major success. A great movie for fathers and sons … inspirational and heartfelt. Based on a true story.