Will Smith's New Black-Father-Friendly Movie, 'The Pursuit of Happyness' By Nordette Adams
Last edited: Saturday, December 16, 2006
Posted: Friday, November 17, 2006
In his new film, based on a true story about a Chicago man, Will Smith co-stars with his own son Jaden and plays a single father who has custody of his son. They are evicted from their apartment and Smith's character, Chris Gardner, has only 21 dollars in his pocket. He overcomes, attaining wealth, and this movie should inject us with a wealth of spirit as it encourages perserverence and a postive image of a black male on the big screen. It's a boost for black fathers who really want to do right by their children. Due out this Christmas, The Pursuit of Happyness promises to be just what the healer ordered, a feel-good movie for everyone. The song 'Ooh Child' in the trailer certainly brings back memories for some of us Baby Boomers.
Will Smith, his son Jaden, and the 'real' Chris Gardner recently appeared on Oprah.
UPDATE: I saw The Pursuit of Happyness today. (LINK)
Will Smith's New Black-Father-Friendly Movie, The Pursuit of Happyness
"It's the American Dream. It's a story about the beauty of what makes America great. At the same time, you know, the paradox being, it's also a story about what makes America such a difficult place to survive." ... Quote from Will Smith about The Pursuit of Happyness (link to official site)
I just heard about Will Smith's new movie The Pursuit of Happyness, and while I've only watched the trailer, I'm arleady weepy, weepy but elated. We need this movie! It's wonderful to see a movie that revolves around a black father's dedication to his son who shows his love by excelling in the business world.
In other words, in this movie Will Smith does not play a stereotype we've seen at the movies previously , that of the desperate black man robbing banks, committing burglaries, or selling crack as though these are the only ways to make life work for his child. And it's based on a true story. Yay! Furthermore, Will Smith stars opposite his his real-life son seven-year-old Jaden, the son of Will and his wife, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith.
In The Pursuit of Happyness Will Smith plays single parent Chris Gardner at rock bottom financially until he grows into success through Dean Witter's highly-competitive internship program. He tells his son in the movie, "You got a dream, you got to protect it. People tell you you can't do something, it's because they can't do it. You want something, go get it!" Oh, amen, man. Something to tell every child in America, especially a black child.
The story is based on the life of a Chicago man who went from poverty to wealth. The following is from an article at CBS4Boston.com:
Smith's new role is a rags to riches tale about a Chicago man. It's based on the true story of a homeless single father who went from living on the streets to living large, as a self-made millionaire. ... (Click here to read story at CBS4Boston.com)
In the movie, Will Smith's character Chris Gardner forges his way into a stock brokerage firm to do what he must to support his child. He's spurred to take aggressive measures toward success after they are evicted from their apartment and he has about only 21 dollars in his pocket. (See the trailer at this link.)
And you can click here to read about the real Chris Gardner. (Chris Gardner's story on ABC) Furthermore, the "real" Chris Gardner, Jaden Smith, and Will Smith joined Oprah on her November 22 show. Click the link here for Oprah's show. Mr. Gardner also has an official site of his own at chrisgardnermedia.com
The Pursuit of Happyness also stars Thandie Newton (Pictured here in a shot from the movie Chronicles of Riddick) and was directed by Gabriele Muccino. It's scheduled for release by Sony Pictures December 15 with a rating of PG-13.
As a side note, The Five Stairsteps sang the original "Ooh Child". Love that song! It brings back memories. I can't tell from the trailer which version of the song the movie's using.
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