A heartwarming film that demonstrates how good, hard-working people can become homeless almost overnight, Pursuit of Happyness is a tour-de-force showcase for Will Smith, who convincingly portrays a down-and-out dad trying to better his family's life. Smith, who usually is cast in effortlessly boyish roles (Men in Black, Independence Day), is wonderful in the film--even in the scenes that shamelessly tug at viewers' heartstrings. Based on the true-life story of Chris Gardner, a San Francisco salesman forced at times to shelter his young son (played by Smith's adorable look-alike offspring Jaden Smith) in a men's room, there is little suspense to the film in terms of Chris' outcome. (His story and eventual success a successful and wealthy Chicago businessman was well-publicized on the newsmagazine show 20/20.) And let's face it, Hollywood's not too keen on making feel-good movies with unhappy endings.

The beauty (and suspense, to a certain extent) of this film is in the way the story is told. Though he is constantly rushing around to get to appointments and pick up his child, things do not happen quickly for Chris. When he accepts an internship with a prestigious stock brokerage firm, there's a catch: The position is unpaid, suitable more for trust-fund children than single parents with no other source of income. In many scenes, the viewer panics along with Chris, wondering how he's going to feed his child. While Smith and his son, Jaden, share many tender moments together, Thandie Newton has the thankless role of playing Chris' shrill wife, who deserts her family early in the film. It's not a particularly challenging part for the talented actress, and her departure doesn't impact the storyline much at all. As for the movie's misspelled title, it's inspired from a scene in the film. (Seeing a mural drawn by the children at a daycare center, Chris points out to the proprietor that "happiness" is spelled incorrectly. She notes that it doesn't matter how the word is written--just that the kids have it.) With Pursuit of Happyness, Smith has come out of his safety zone and, in turn, ends up playing his most heroic role to date. --Jae-Ha Kim

This film based on a true story is a moving movie and makes the point that anything is possible. Moving, heart wrenching and Will Smith's son in real life, playing his son in the movie does well.

One F word in this moving movie which reveals the ups and many downs of one man who who trying to find his break in life and...

Very good film! Will Smith and Thandie Newton played well as usual and Will was his usual comical self. However, the star of the show was Jaden Smith. The film was good as it showed very clearly the feelings of the charcters involved. Will was a tryer but always failed. Jaden was happy just to be with his father. I hope the two of them meet up again for another film. The film also showed that a simple plot will create a film which is to be enjoyed by all the family.

If you like Will Smith and his movies, you`ll love this. It`s well worth watching.

The best film I have saw in a long time. Its a real american tail
Will Smith is a great actor(Crap @ interviews) but a great actor
Don't wish to explore the in's and out you will get it.
If you like the film read the book. I bought it on amazon( ;-) cheap
The book is even better....

What a film! It moves you to tears, makes you smile, makes you laugh at times and makes you undertand that no matter what dreams you want to achieve in your life, you CAN do it! That is how strong the human spirit is and the power of belief. We all got through life, wondering if there is a light at the end of the tunnel and watching this film, is a fine example of how dreams can come true. If you just believe. Chris Gardner is a fine example of how to achieve the American Dream and how it can be done and we should learn that anything is possible if you just believe. Watch it, buy it, its worth every penny!