Will smith was great. thandie newton even better - The Pursuit of Happyness Reviews

This PoH script is simply okay, however it becomes an excellent movie because of the acting performances. Will Smith's character is supposed to be a shining example of perseverance and dedication, and Will handles that role perfectly without silly one liners and other action movie trademarks that he has used in the past. However, Newton's character is PERFECTLY acted. This is a woman who instead of abandoning her family at the first sign of trouble, decided to work 80 hours a week in a one of the country's lowest paying jobs (she apparently works as a laundry service girl in a hospital) for close to half a year so that Will Smith's character could sell the machines that he sunk their money into. Even though Chris is a hard worker, he never goes the extra mile to help her by picking up a 2nd job the way that his wife has. As the months wear on, and Linda continues to be the only source of financial support for the family, she becomes increasingly frustrated with everything reaching the boiling point when Chris's long series of unwise actions start to interfere with her shift work and consequently her ability to provide for the family. Newton could have made this character into an unrealistic sycophant who supports her husband's every whim (which apparently is what some critics wanted). Or she could have turned her character into a shrew that complains and yells at her husband all the time. Newton wisely does neither. Although, Linda nagging Chris, she does not spend the bulk of her time doing that. Rather, Newton turns Linda into a woman who is simultaneously battling to believe in her husband while coming to terms with the fact that their life is only getting worse despite Chris's persuasive words. Linda consequently alternates between tears of hope and expressions of disgust and disappointment. Newton's was easily the best, most well-rounded emotional performance in a film that featured many excellent performers. I highly recommend this movie because of the performances; and especially because of Newton's performance.