The other problem is the voice-over narration. I rarely enjoy movies with a lot of voice-over and find very few do it well. The Pursuit of Happyness has far too much voice-over and little of it adds to the story on any level. It just made me nervous. Not nervous in the sense that the movie was tapping into my emotions, but anxious that the movie was never going to end. Will Smith’s voice-over simply made two hours seem to drag on forever.
This isn’t to say I don’t admire the real Chris Gardner. I find it incredibly admirable that he overcame all that he did and wrote about it. I think it is wonderful to see his story used to teach others their dreams are achievable. I just think the film bastardized his story. The Pursuit of Happyness had great potential to be an amazing movie, but it simply lacked any follow-through.
Watch the trailer to see a far better version of the movie.
Article comments
1 - movie watcher
I don't know who Cara de Pescado, but as a "filmmaker" I think he or she needs to find better things to do than criticize. The movie is called the "PURSUIT" of happyness, not happyness...the director showed us the pursuit not the actual outcome. You ppl find problems with everything. Will Smith did a great job.
2 - Cara
If you enjoyed the movie, perhaps you should register on Blogcritics and write a review saying why. I didn't like it. While I don't think Will Smith was horrible, I don't think it is an Oscar winning performance. I actually *like* him as the man in black. He's sexy in the suit and glasses. I just didn't care about his performance either way in Pursuit of Crappyness. His son (who is his real life son) was adorable though.
3 - ProfEssays
I haven't watched the movie. But I feel it's boring.
4 - Vinod
I enjoyed the movie on each moment as real life replica.