Pursuit Of Happyness

[gringo]

The movie is a true story of a man named Christopher Gardner.It is an inspirational movie without failing to  neglect the soft spot of the poor in the man. Gardner shows his  goodwill and determination by helping the needed people of South Africa. According to his Biography. I quote:

"Which is why, on this October day, Gardner keeps working those phones. It's why he's already begun writing his next book. It's why he's in talks with several networks about doing a primetime show, and why, earlier this year, he sold a minority stake in Gardner Rich to a major hedge fund. But most of all, it's why he's about to close a second round of financing -- reportedly to launch a private-equity fund focused solely on investments in South Africa."

Biography of Christopher Gardner:
http://www.mastermindtrader.com/Christopher_Gardner.html

[Lynne]

Hey Gringo!

First, Welcome to BetterMost!   

And thank you for posting about Pursuit of Happyness and the Chris Gardner story it was adapted from!  I haven't managed to see it yet, but it's on my list.  I think Will Smith is a great actor, and the story looks like one worth telling.

Has anyone else seen Pursuit of Happyness yet?  Stop in and let us know your thoughts!

-Lynne

[jpwagoneer1964]

HI I saw it last Saturday I thought it was great. Very well done, moving story. 
The one thing I would notice a seemingly disportionate amount of AMC cars used in the film.

Mark

[oilgun]

At the risk of sounding curmudgeonly, I decided not to see this movie because of the spelling mistake in the title, lol!  

Is the reason explained in the movie or is it just some bizarre marketing thing?  

[cmr107]

I'm late to this party, but I saw it back when it was in theatres and absolutely loved it! I think it's out on DVD now, so I highly recommend it if you haven't seen it yet. Will Smith gave a really great performance and his son (who plays his son in the movie) is adorable and a really good actor at such a young age.

At the risk of sounding curmudgeonly, I decided not to see this movie because of the spelling mistake in the title, lol!  

Is the reason explained in the movie or is it just some bizarre marketing thing?  

I crazy about spelling too, but don't let it stop you! It is mentioned briefly in the movie, but it's not a big deal.

[delalluvia]

At the risk of sounding curmudgeonly, I decided not to see this movie because of the spelling mistake in the title, lol! 

Is the reason explained in the movie or is it just some bizarre marketing thing? 

Yeah, it's the name of a business in the movie.

[oilgun]

Yeah, it's the name of a business in the movie.

Thanks Delalluvia and CMR, I appreciate the response.  I still have no interest in seeing it, though I'm not sure why.   I may still have some residual animosity toward Wil Smith from way back when he refused to kiss a man for Six degrees of Separation, lol!

[shortfiction]

I actually saw this movie a few days ago, on a bus coming back from a casino.   Really.

Very good flick, though sad in parts.   You know your life has really hit rock-bottom when you and your kid have to sleep on T.P. in a freaking subway bathroom.   Yeesh.   

[bec]

I watched this movie with both my kids (5 & 10) when it came out. while my youngest didn't really watch it all my daughter was glued to the screen, they reason i believe she enjoyed it was because about a month before we were in a similar situation being homeless with no money so on, while we did not have it as bad as in the movie (sleeping in toilets) it still wasn't a pleasant time for either of them having to go from place to place every day or so. i think she could relate to what was happening it wasn't just another fictional movie to her, she cried a few times in it and has also watched 3 more times.

[BelAir]

Thanks Delalluvia and CMR, I appreciate the response.  I still have no interest in seeing it, though I'm not sure why.   I may still have some residual animosity toward Wil Smith from way back when he refused to kiss a man for Six degrees of Separation, lol!

I didn't care for the movie at all oilgun...
 

[BelAir]

I watched this movie with both my kids (5 & 10) when it came out. while my youngest didn't really watch it all my daughter was glued to the screen, they reason i believe she enjoyed it was because about a month before we were in a similar situation being homeless with no money so on, while we did not have it as bad as in the movie (sleeping in toilets) it still wasn't a pleasant time for either of them having to go from place to place every day or so. i think she could relate to what was happening it wasn't just another fictional movie to her, she cried a few times in it and has also watched 3 more times.

oh bec, that is a very interesting and moving perspective...
 

I didn't like it very much, because I was frustrated with his choices sometimes.  Not that I wasn't sympathetic, I just felt like the movie was like, "Oh well, it doesn't matter what happened to him, cause look everything worked out in the end."  i.e. there wasn't enough anger in the movie for me, if that makes any sense...

[MaineWriter]

I didn't care for it either, and I am beginning to wonder if Will Smith is overrated as an actor. People rave about him but I often feel like he is good, but not great.

L

[Kelda]

Interetsing side note - the blonde hippy from Amazing Race fame (he and his friend won S9) played the hipp that steals on of his machines in the film....

I quite liked the film.... but I'm no film buff and enjoyed the film for what it was....

[BBM-Cat]

Just FYI for those who did not care for the film - I am currently reading the book of the same name. It goes into much more detail such as Chris' upbringing and childhood that were not depicted in the movie.

Watching the movie felt like a series of defeats until the very end, like how much worse can things get for this guy? Anyway, I decided to read the book and so far so good.

[forsythia12]

yep, i watched it, and really liked it.
i felt very uncomfortable during the whole film because you just want this guy to get a break, but things just keep getting worse.  i cried a little, and appreciated the ending.  what made the movie good was the fact it is based on a true story.  hard to believe. 
makes you want to aim for your goals though, and maybe work even harder on achieving them.
as far as wil smith?  i think he did pretty good in the role.