the pursuit of happyness [B-]

moviemcpeake snippet: i am in an "ehhh" slump for films right now. we should have seen shrek this weekend but elected to stay home and watch our netflix rental instead. an "ehhh" means that nothing is bad about the film but i didn't want to jump on my couch tom cruise style and profess my love for the film i just experienced. and right or wrong, that is actually what i am always seeking is the couch jumping film experience. the film that inspired me to start sharing reviews (like the hours, sideways, moulin rouge, etc).
so in my pursuit of happyness, i got an "ehhh" experience but hey! i even stayed awake through the whole movie so it wasn't bad. however, something or some things were lacking. i can't put my finger on it. the story was already created as it was based on the true story of a man (chris gardner) who went through all odds to pursue his dream. so how did the script not capture the magic of one pursuing a dream? it ended up being a feel good fictional movie instead of a powerful, inspirational film. or maybe i am just too corrupted on my opinion of the financial industry and corporations that i didn’t buy into when it seemed that it wasn’t about a lifelong dream but an escape to a world that was centered around the fancy car that crosses his path. which i know is not what his dream and life was about. the film also leaves out important details that make moments unrealistic, even though it happened. the dvd extras missed a great opportunity to load itself with extras on chris gardner, his son, and more on his life, instead of just one little clip/interview about the making of the film. i didn't read his memoir but i am guessing it captures the essence of his story better then will smith and this film.

recommendation: rent it for a lite summer fix or pick up the book instead