A movie review written by: Lee Sonogan
Ihr57min (2006) Biography, drama
Christopher Gardner: [narrating, at a payphone, raining, after learning Linda is taking Christopher away from him] It was right then that I started thinking about Thomas Jefferson on the Declaration of Independence and the part about our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And I remember thinking how did he know to put the pursuit part in there? That maybe happiness is something that we can only pursue and maybe we can actually never have it. No matter what. How did he know that?
This may be one of the most interesting stories based on real life. The movie is based on entrepreneur Chris Garner’s nearly one year struggle being homeless. With a budget of $55 million it mad $307.1 million at the box office. Starring Will smith as the main protagonist, he was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Actor. The unusual spelling of the film’s title comes from a mural that Gardner sees on the wall outside the daycare facility his son attends.
Also it is the name of the book by Chris Gardner. This movie has its own original soundtrack released by Varese Sarabade with it being composed by An Andre Guerra in 2007. There is 16 original songs in this soundtrack and a few originally recorded from the past. Receiving generally positive reviews by critics and reviews it gave Will smith widespread acclaim for the movie and his performances.
Interesting facts about this movie:
- The real Chris Gardner walks past Chris and Chris Jr.
- Homeless people, who worked as extras, received $8.62/hour and free catered meals. For some, it was the first money they had made in a while.
- Speedcubing champions Tyson Mao, Toby Mao, and Lars Petrus were hired to coach Will Smith to solve a Rubik’s Cube in under two minutes.
- Dan Castellaneta, who voices Homer Simpson on The Simpsons, co-stars in the film as one of Gardner’s superiors and requests a donut from Gardener. This is a nod to Casellaneta’s animated counterpart who shares a similar taste for donuts.
- Based on a true story, though some elements have been changed from the book. For instance, Gardner’s internship was not unpaid; he received a modest stipend. He and his son’s mother were never married. The son was an infant during the internship.
One of the best pure dramas out there that I have enjoyed. Going out of my prefered genres to watch I was not disappointed. Absolute emotional scenes to cause a reaction with its viewer. strong acting all round. And maybe most importantly, an interesting story that keeps your attention. The ending is the happy ending you will be hoping for. I recommend this movie to everyone
Christopher Gardner: [voice-over] This part of my life… this part right here? This part is called “being stupid.”
8.1/10