The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Director:

Gabriele Muccino

Writer (WGA):

Steve Conrad (written by)

Release Date:

15 December 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Plot:

A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor.

Plot Keywords:

Salesman | Stockbroker | Hippie | Hospital | Ambition

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 9 wins & 17 nominations

Cast

Will Smith	...	Chris Gardner
Jaden Smith	...	Christopher (as Jaden Christopher Syre Smith)
Thandie Newton	...	Linda
Brian Howe	...	Jay Twistle
James Karen	...	Martin Frohm
Dan Castellaneta	...	Alan Frakesh
Kurt Fuller	...	Walter Ribbon
Takayo Fischer	...	Mrs. Chu
Kevin West	...	World's Greatest Dad
George Cheung	...	Chinese Maintenance Worker (as George K. Cheung)
David Michael Silverman	...	Doctor at First Hospital
Domenic Bove	...	Tim Ribbon
Geoff Callan	...	Ferrari Owner
Joyful Raven	...	Hippie Girl
Scott Klace	...	Tim Brophy

Also Known As:

The Pursuit of Happiness (International: English title) (alternative spelling)
Untitled Chris Gardner Project (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some language.

Runtime:

117 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

UK:12A | Ireland:12A | Singapore:PG | Netherlands:6 | Sweden:7 | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario) | USA:PG-13 (certificate #42013) | Italy:T | Australia:M | Portugal:M/12 | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | France:U | Argentina:13 | Finland:S | Brazil:Livre | Hong Kong:IIA | South Korea:All | Malaysia:U

Filming Locations:

Alameda, California, USA

Company:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Trivia:

Speedcubing champions Tyson Mao and Toby Mao and Lars Petrus were hired to coach Will Smith to solve a Rubik's Cube in under two minutes.

Goofs:

Continuity: At the beginning of the film when Chris and Christopher are walking to daycare in one shot Christopher is carrying the basketball he receives later in the film in a plastic grocery bag. Thus he is carrying the ball before he actually received it. In following shots he is no longer holding the ball. Also, plastic grocery bags were not widely available in 1981.

Quotes:

[about Chris' bone-density scanner]
Homeless Guy #1: It's a time machine... I know it's a time machine...
Christopher Gardner: [voice-over] This machine in my lap? It is not a time machine.

Movie Connections:

References "The Love Boat" (1977)

Soundtrack:

Feelin' Alright

A Good Dramedy

Chris Gardner is struggling in life to live up his tax expenses and other things. His wife now leaves him with his son. Chris will do what ever it takes to pay his expenses and to get a new job.

Will Smith is a great actor, now taking serious roles. His acting, along with Thandie Newton and Jaden Smith, were great. This film is based on a true story by the life of Chris Garner who struggles with his life and is now a multi-millionaire.

Although this film is depressing in many points, Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, lifts up the screen. Thomas Jefferson says we need to pursue happiness. That's what Chris Gardner does. He never gives up. He could even inspire some people.

This is a good, uplifting film. Great acting and has a great message. This will be a good family film and has it's father-son moments.