DVD Review: "The Pursuit of Happyness" (2007)

This is a great little flick for which producer and star Will Smith was nominated for an Oscar. Everyone is familiar with the premise of this film which is based on a true story, so I won't recount it in depth here, but will just say that the values of hard work, sacrifice, persistence, character and fatherhood are rightly celebrated. Refreshingly, the business tycoon comes off as a good guy here, while the taxman, the day care provider and the women's shelter, not as much - quite the departure for typical Hollywood fare, and nor are racism or Reaganomics ever faulted.

Imagine that.

Thumbs up in particular go to Smith's real-life son who is pretty impressive here.

This should be mandatory viewing for every single grade nine social studies across North America for a look at what happens if you refuse to play the victim in tough circumstances, and instead, put your head down and dig deep.

Overall rating: 9.25/10