The Pursuit of Happyness

Will Smith has come along way from his days in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’. He has recently been dubbed the ‘The last movie star’ and if one looks at his impressive movie career there is no denying it. a perfect example of Will Smith’s legendary status is in ‘Pursuit of Happyness’ (the spelling mistake is intended and is explained in the movie) The rapper turned actor stirs up a powerful performance, showing his versatility as an actor and proving that his isn’t just the Hollywood blockbuster hero but also formidable actor in drama genre. Will Smith stars and produces ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ an inspirational movie loosely based on the life of Christopher Gardner. As the title suggests it is a story about a poor family man’s quest for happiness against the odds. Gardner (Smith) is a struggling sales man trying to make it into the stock brokerage business as an intern. Frustrated by the poverty, his wife Linda (Thandie Newton) bails out on Gardner and his son Christopher played by newcomer Jaden Smith (Smith’s real-life son). A chance encounter leads Gardner to Dean Witter a brokerage firm where there are looking for 20 intern stock brokers from which only one will be hired. Though the film is predictable, it still manages to work your emotion.
Apart from excellent performances from both Smiths there aren’t any outstanding performances from the rest of the cast. Thandie Newton is rather weak as the unhappy wife, though I think that the script did not help her cause. Newcomer Jaden Smith is wonderful, showing that it was not just his cute looks and daddy that got him the role. Their pairing works in getting an authentic father and son chemistry. The same cannot be said about the on screen relationship between Smith and Newton. They are not compelling. There is no chemistry between them even for a loveless, failed marriage.
Smith’s brilliant performance earned him his second Oscar nomination for best actor. It was a well-deserved nomination for Smith showing that he is capable of acting the teary and emotional roles a side he has been exploring with movies such as ‘Ali’, I am Legend’ and recently ‘7 Pounds’. Even with Smith’s brilliance some of the scenes come across as overacted and exaggerated but overall Smith deserved the Oscar nod. Young Jaden is shows great depth and promise. Some of his scenes are sure to melt even the coldest of hearts.
Smith insisted that Italian Gabriele Muccino direct the movie because the actor appreciated his style in movies such as ‘L'ultimo bacio’ and ‘Ricordati di me’. The story line is not outstanding; it is simple and easy to follow. It moves in chronological order making use of unconventional narration. Gardner repeatedly says “this part of my life is called running” or “this part of my life is me being stupid”. This is unnecessary and at times redundant. We can see Gardner running down the streets of San Francisco. We did not need anyone telling us that.
Marketed with the line ‘inspired by a true story’ and the box office muscle of Will Smith the movie was bound to be a box office hit. The film is based on the values of the ‘American dream’ and having the determination of fighting for what you want. The film also deals with the issues of poverty and its effect on families. Muccino is successful in depicting the poverty experienced by some Americans in graphic detail. In one scene the Gardner family is so poor that after dinner Linda takes all the left over juices from the table and puts it back into the juice jar for the next meal.
Pursuit of Happyness is motivational and like a true under dog Gardner is down on his luck. At times you can’t help but feel like life is out to get him. The film has a number of stimulating scenes that seem to stretch for too long. The movie runs for 117 minutes and for most of it we see Gardner suffer terribly in ‘Pursuit’ it would have been refreshing to see his life after achieving ‘Happyness’.

Denzel Washington is an American Gangster

Denzel Washington is an American Gangster

Your opinion of American Gangster will depend on what you are looking for. If you are one for a refreshing organized crime drama then you will definitely enjoy this story of the rise of small time hustler to heroin kingpin bigger than mafia. Those looking for a 'good guy' versus wicked cruel 'bad guy' scenario however might be left in a moral dilemma. Set In the backdrop of marginalized and economically deprived Harlem, American Gangster is the story loosely based on the life of Frank Lucas.
This gripping drama stars Oscar winners, Denzel Washington as the ruthless business minded drug dealer Lucas and Russell Crowe as Detective Richie Roberts a man determined to bring down the Lucas drug empire.
You cannot help but like Frank Lucas. With designer tailor made suits, He has a swagger that exudes sophistication and power yet still managing to be inconspicuous. Lucas is a charming family man and gangster with the state of mind a business executive. Yet there more to Lucas than what meets the eye, he is cold-blooded killing anyone who stands in his way.
The storyline of American Gangster moves smoothly alternating from Frank Lucas’s life to that of Richie Roberts. The cutting from one story to the other enhances the sharp contrast between the two main characters and exposing an underlining irony that continues in the whole film. The film juxtaposes the organized life of Lucas against that of Roberts. Unlike Lucas Detective Roberts is a scruffy womanizing detective with a dysfunctional marriage. He is trying to balance his job where he is hated because of his incorruptible nature, law classes and a child custody case. Russell Crowe is a good actor and nails the determined detective but you do not feel his love for his son. Herein lies the irony, we can’t help but sympathise with Lucas the 'bad guy' but and though we see the determination and honesty in Roberts it is just not compelling enough to stir up emotion
As much as the juxtaposition contrasts Lucas and Roberts, the film also manages to depict the one common characteristic the both man share. That is a strong work ethic that can not be compromised.
Denzel Washington is dazzling in his portrayal Frank Lucas, successfully achieving the balance between the wicked and unremorseful cold bloodedness of the gangster and the compassion that is evident in this dark person. This makes us view Lucas on multiple levels.
The film also has a variety of other experienced actors. Brilliant British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as one of the Lucas brothers. Ejiofor who has grown in leaps and bounds is steadily establishing himself as a bankable player in Hollywood. Oscar winning Cuba Gooding Jr makes the most of a minor as Nicky Barnes. The scene between Barnes and Lucas is compelling encapsulating Lucas’s grasp of business. Rappers Common and TIP also make up the cast as member of the Lucas family. Their performances are nothing to write home about but they but they hold their weight amongst seasoned actors. Ruby Dee who stars as Mama Lucas earned her first Oscar nomination for best Actress in a Supporting Role.

The star-studded cast is directed by Oscar nominated Riddley Scott who has directed critically acclaimed movies such as Thelma & Louise, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down and kingdom of Heaven. American Gangster sees Scott working for the first time with Denzel Washington and for the third time with Russell Crowe. Scott and Crowe have worked together on the Gladiator and A Good Year.
I applaud the film. It is entertaining showing a scenic Harlem. In addition to composer Marc Streitenfeld’s score the movie sound track features 60’s and 70’s period songs which enhances the authenticity of the period. There are only two new vocal songs, performed by soul singer Anthony Hamilton's in a 1970s style.
The film how ever is too long and you find yourself waiting for the film to end. This is because film tries to tell two stories concurrently in one film.