The Pursuit of Happyness

Director: Gabriele Muccino
Year Released: 2006
Rating: 2.0

One of those 'if you work hard enough you can do anything' message movies, this time with the poverty-stricken Will Smith character facing Job-like conditions trying to climb the ranks of the same capitalist hierarchy that oppresses him. The old "inspired by" allows for screenwriter improv, and the key reason to see this - if you must - is the Smith performance, the sole source of anything tangible in here (mainly because I'm convinced Smith believes the story himself). I'm not one to give life advice, but many of the decisions the main character makes appear foolish, and I know if I should find myself destitute (highly likely, I might add), getting out of one of the most expensive cities in America (San Francisco) to someplace a little slower paced would be a good beginning. The slap directed at Reagan, however, is completely earned - he was one of our many despicable Presidents (I maintain the best thing he ever did in his entire life was Kings Row ... and I mean it).