Pursuit of Happyness

Looking for a great film to see? This is it, trust me. Marie and I saw this movie the other night, and the story has been on my mind all day. This is one that generates all kinds of emotions- while watching what I think is a stellar performance by both Will Smith and his absolutely adorable son.

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The story centers around a lower class family struggling to make ends meet. After his wife leaves him, Smith's character attempts to bring some happ"y"ness to not only his life, but to his son's as well. Having just landed an internship at a prominent stock broker's firm, Smith must try to prove himself worthy to the company before being hired on as a salaried employee. After being evicted from his apartment, Smith and his son are forced to live the life of a homeless family- seeking shelter each night at various shelters and even public restrooms. The film gives an extremely disturbing insight into the plight of the homeless and insensitivity of the general populace towards the less fortunate.

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Both Marie and I left the theatre last night somewhat speechless. This is an issue that we all have probably witnessed- like when we roam the streets of a downtown area and are confronted by the numerous people whom we label as panhandlers. But, I cannot fathom what it would be like to roam the city streets- with my kids at my side- and be uncertain where the money is going to come from for tomorrow night's dinner. This is such an enormous societal problem, and it would seem- at first- so naive that just one person could make any difference in the lives of so many folks who have nothing at all that they can call "home". But I have to believe that there is some difference that we can make in the lives of folks who are struggling in life.