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Chris Gardner (Will Smith) once dreamed of all the things he could do with his life. But in 1981, he finds himself struggling to support his wife, Linda (Thandie Newton), and his son, Christopher (Smith’s real-life son, Jaden), by selling bone-density scanners, which most doctors see as an expensive—and unnecessary—luxury. Even though Linda’s working double shifts, they still can’t seem to pay the rent.
One morning, he watches as a man parks his Ferrari in front of an office building. The man, he discovers, is a stockbroker. And as Chris looks around at the people coming in and out of the building, he realizes that they all look…happy—and he decides that he wants that happiness, too. Determined to make a better life for his family, he applies for an internship.
But things only get worse for Chris. Linda decides she’s had enough, and she leaves. Then Chris and his son are evicted from their home. And when the good news finally comes that Chris got the internship, he discovers that it isn’t a paid position—and, after six unpaid months, only one of the twenty interns will end up with a job. But Chris decides that it’s a chance worth taking. And though he and Christopher rarely know where they’ll be sleeping from one night to the next, Chris does everything he can to try to get the job—and to take care of his son.
In the beginning, The Pursuit of Happyness is almost difficult to watch. It’s painful to see the mistakes Chris makes and the bad luck he runs into along the way. He spends so much time running—and seemingly getting nowhere. But his dedication is inspiring, and his devotion to his son is heartwarming. Although the story’s outcome is really no surprise (even if you haven’t already read about the real-life story on which the film is based), by the end, you’ll really care about what happens to Chris. You’ll want him to get the job and find a new place to live. You’ll want everything to be okay.
Once again, Smith gives a captivating (and, as usual, noteworthy) performance as a hardworking but seriously unlucky man who will do anything to be the dad he never had. And, for eight years old, Smith’s son, Jaden, gives a great performance, too—managing to be cute without being cutesy.
The Pursuit of Happyness is the perfect movie for this time of year—it’s a little bit sappy, but it’s touching nonetheless. It tugs at the old heartstrings and leaves you feeling warm and cozy in the end.
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