FILM FREAK: 3 buckets
MOVIE GEEK'S REVIEW:
Prepare to feel depressed, then uplifted, for a second time by Will Smith and his 'Pursuit of Happyness' director Gabriele Muccino.
Smith plays a man who is close to suicide for his role in an auto accident that claimed the lives of seven people.
As he prepares for his inevitable fate, he suddenly finds a reason to live, and to atone, when unexpectedly falls for a woman who is a crucial part of his plan.
This is a one-trick film. The problem with one-trick films is that you only get one shot to impress the audience, and even if you exceed all expectations, only 5% of that audience will come back for a second viewing.
'Seven Pounds' does have a decent ending, not terribly surprising, but fitting nonetheless.
Will Smith continues to prove that he deserves his big paycheck. He's great at what he does, and you can really tell that when challenged he rises to the occasion.
I've always liked that Smith balances his choices in movie roles. It's good to know I can count on him for drama, and also count on him to battle computer generated zombies and aliens.
'Seven Pounds' is a fine Will Smith film, I'm just not so sure it's worth a second viewing.
2 and a half buckets.
FILM FREAK'S REVIEW:
Ben Thomas (Will Smith) has a great weight on his shoulders that he chooses to keep secret. As an IRS agent, he uses whatever tools at his disposal to redeem himself by drastically changing the lives of seven strangers.
This is a great tear jerker movie for Will Smith. When you realize what his intentions are you are drawn even more into the story.
It may prompt you to ask yourself what you would do.
One of the seven strangers Ben targets is Emily (Rosario Dawson). Before he can deliver the life altering aid to Emily, Ben falls for Emily.
Although I understood everything at the end of the movie, I was expecting a deeper explanation.
Perhaps one narrated by Will Smith, or one of the seven.
I admit I bought into all of the talk and hype preceding the movie about how you're not sure if Ben Thomas is a good or bad.
I only questioned what the story was about for quite a bit longer than I would prefer.
Bottom line is, this is very good movie that I would recommend, although it may be a bit much for someone who has faced similar circumstances.
3 buckets.
