The Pursuit of Happyness

I've tried three different ways of introducing this movie and nothing feels right. It's such a hard movie to describe. How can a movie be both utterly depressing and yet have you walking away feeling so good?

The Pursuit of Happyness is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a single dad trying desperately to raise his 5 year old son on next-to-no money. (The mis-spelled title comes from the sign outside a daycare.) Will Smith plays Chris Gardner and is beyond amazing. I love Will Smith as an actor, but this role put him on a whole new level for me. The role of Chris Gardner's son is played by Jaden Smith, Will's real-life son. This fact alone makes the movie interesting to watch. Jaden is a natural, and completely adorable.

T.P.O.H. can at times be hard to watch. Just when you think things can't possibly get any worse for this duo, they do. But laced between the awful hardships are moments of sweetness and hope, making it not totally unbearable. You walk away being completely overcome with emotion, seeing what this father went through and the lengths he took to take care of his child. The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, as was Will Smith for Best Actor, and both were well-deserved.

I can't stress enough my suggestion to watch this movie. You will never look at parenting the same again.