The Pursuit of Happyness

I went into the theater with absolutely zero knowledge what the film was about; I was simply accompanying a friend. Though I confess I did feel somewhat awkward walking into such a film with another guy while most of the audience were couples, the film more than compensated me for that slightly peculiar feeling.
The Pursuit of Happyness, starring the charismatic Will Smith, is essentially another example of the American Dream. Smith plays Chris Gardner, a salesman for a bone density scanner back in the good old early 80s. He's having tough luck pushing his product, which supposedly had slightly better effects than an X-ray but was far more expensive. Gardner can't come up with money for the bills, and one day is inspired by the people working at a stock brokerage. He thought they all looked so happy.
He applies for an internship at Dean Witter; meanwhile, his partner (Thandie Newton) leaves him, because she simply couldn't cope with the burden and stress. Gardner is left with his 5 year old son. He gets kicked out of his apartment because he's 3 month behind in rent.
He does get the internship opportunity (despite showing up for the interview dressed like "a garbage man"), but the 6 month internship offers no salary. He would have to figure out a way to outshine his fellow interns, take care of his son, and most importantly make sure they somehow could have a place to stay.
Of course, he eventually succeeds (which the ending credits duly show by showing off his later financial success), though the process was nothing short of dire situations. The film is unapologetic in its realism: we see them living in a motel (getting kicked out of that too), a homeless shelter, and even the men's room of the subway station.
Will Smith shows charm, maturity and depth in his role. His make-up doesn't show off his good looks and usual charm (he seems haggard and worn-out most of the time), but his character is still deeply likable, both out of his intensity to succeed, and his strong love for his son. He portrays the character's feelings clearly without overdoing it, and the film is basically his one-man show, which he carries and delivers fairly well.
Of course, his pursuit of "happyness", as the word is intentionally misspelt, could arguably be called the pursuit of money (which some have duly pointed out in cynicism), and even though he achieves financial success, it's arguable whether that would lead to real happiness. But nobody could deny that economic security is the basis for most people's happiness: let's face it, few people could be happy if they lived on the street, which is where Gardner is from.
This film certainly isn't anything special, but it tells a good story which effectively communicates. Some may deem it as cheesy material - which is a matter of personal opinion depending on how you view such dramas - but it could be very enjoyable to others.
7/10