Fletch's Film Review: The Pursuit of Happyness

The good news is that there's not a lot of bad news to deliver regarding The Pursuit of Happyness. The bad news is that if you've seen a commercial or trailer for it, you've see just about all that you need to see.

Though I'd like to blame the filmmakers for this, in the end the blame must be laid upon the marketing division for Sony/Columbia Pictures. Anyone who was putting together marketing pieces had (supposedly) seen the movie, and as such, (undoubtedly) knew that they were working with a wildly predictable film. Nonetheless, they put together advertisements that tell the potential audience everything that they need to know in about 30 seconds.

Lost in the story's lack of surprise and well, story, are great performances by actors both in and out of the Smith family. Will Smith is flawless and is yet nearly upstaged by his son Jaden, in his first film role. Expect more to come. Aside from being adorable, the younger Smith is a natural in the family business. Thandie Newton, in a thankless role, contributes as well, as does Homer Simpson, er, Dan Castellaneta in a small role.

Suffice it to say that the performances of the actors do, in the end, provide enough to make this a "successful" film. It is sad, "happi," uplifting and all of the other qualities that inspiring movies should be.

71 out of 100