Running time: 1hr 56 minutes.
Go see “Pursuit of Happyness”
This movie really impressed me. If I was only going to see one “feel good movie” this season I’d probably pick Rocky over this one, but this is still an incredible film.
What about the “PG-13” Rating?
There is one “F” word written and said. It’s graffiti on a wall and it’s complained about not gloried in. Other than that no nudity or anything. Even though young Christopher figures prominently in this film its’ not a film even a 13 year old would enjoy. I think the film-makers were really hoping for a PG-13 so that they could be taken seriously as a drama.
Larger Story
I anticipated liking this movie but I worried that it would be about driven-ness. If Mr. Gardener had been about making money and his son was merely an excuse this film would be a dud. Instead the film clearly shows how easy it is for family and friends to fall behind when a man chases success instead of chasing happiness.
I worry that the subtle difference might slide by most viewers though. In some ways this film is similar to Rocky Balboa. It’s about men fighting for their families and fighting to make a change. Both men are willing to endure incredible hardship to achieve there goals. Another similarity is that both movies succeed in making a positive statement that is subtle.
In “Happyness” Mr. Gardener is chasing his dreams throughout his life. His wife left him because she couldn’t conceive of his vision. To her Christopher was a dreamer and a schemer that lived off her hard work. Hopefully no one watches this movie and sees an excuse to maintain dreams as dreams. Both of these films are about fighting for your dreams.
Rocky isn’t trying to convince anyone of anything, he’s just putting himself out there to make his statement. Like Gardener there are people who don’t understand and try to dissuade him. Rocky makes his point by just stepping in the ring win or loose, Gardener makes his point by being chosen and eventually becoming rich. That’s the difference that makes me prefer Rocky.
PS
The scene when Smith tells his son that his dreams are unrealistic then realizes his hypocrisy will not disappoint.
