The Pursuit of Happyness opened last night. The story is one of perseverance and persistence in spite of continual obstacles thrown in the way of one Chris Gardner, a salesman of a medical device (Bone Density scanner.) But he's tired of mediocrity; and sees others doing what he feels deep down he was destined for - happiness and success. In the Will Smith's voice over, he mentions the "Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness" credo which America was founded on. (As a side note - Thomas Jefferson originally wrote Pursuit of Property, and it was changed by Ben Franklin.)

Smith's Gardner is abandoned by his wife early on in his quest to become a stock broker/retirement planner. The job is an internship, meaning no pay, and he's struggling to just to get food for his son in selling his prior entrepreneurial effort. It is a continual fight to not only sell, but maintain and keep hold of his bone density devices to stay alive. (More than once, he is tracking down someone after his misfortunes of judgment...)

He is a natural salesman - and has something over everyone else - determination and brains.

Smith plays the part rather low key for him. He's funny when appropriate and he shows a more vulnerable human than ever before. When he cries, he reflects a triumph over the typical "ain't no problem" acting he's done prior to this movie. His real life son plays in lock step and surely will be considered for awards.

I liked the movie a lot. It reminded me a great deal of my own life's misadventures. It showed a man possessed of poise, courage and undeniable strength. Unfortunately, that is a rare occurrence, in my life, or many, many others. But I also felt the story didn't quite add enough interaction with his internship cohorts. This was intentional, and probably factual, given that he was "low class" compared to his other Dean Witter interns. I did like the fact the story didn't include a romantic interest after his wife left. Being Gardner's character was living hand-to-mouth, it would seem weird that he would suddenly attract a woman of any sort.

At the end, many movie goers are left sniffling and rubbing their eyes. It is in the tearful accomplishment of Chris Gardner that the American Dream lies.