Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith
Directed by Gabriele Muccino
Rated PG-13
3 Pulses

The Pursuit of Happyness is one of those unfortunate cases in film where the trailers tell most of the story, leaving the viewers left without that crucial element of surprise.

Not that it isn’t interesting. Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, Smith plays the down-on-his-luck salesman searching for a better future for his family. After a chance encounter with a man and his Porsche, Gardner decides to pursue a career as a stock broker.

With no formal training, an unhappy wife and an innocent young son, the odds are stacked against him as he struggles to make ends meet, vying for a non-paying internship at Dean Witter in 1980s San Francisco.

But of course he gets the internship and of course he’s at the top of his game. The film would’ve never gotten made otherwise, but the truth is?it’s just not that fascinating.

Despite being known for his one-dimensional action and sci-fi performances, Smith is a good actor. He’s just not a great actor. He floats through this performance with the arrogance of a marquee star and it doesn’t work with this character. Smith as Gardner lacks heart and compassion, which in this movie is a bad thing, especially when he gets shown up by a eight-year old.

Eh, at least it’s his eight year old. Jaden Smith, product of Will’s union with Jada Pinkett-Smith, shines in the role of Gardner’s son, Christopher. Obviously comfortable with his father as his co-star, his debut performance here is touching and effectual.

Christopher’s innocence is never compromised (despite his father’s lack of a living situation) and he is the anchor, providing the elder Gardner the strength to persevere.

If you feel like you already know how the story’s going to go down, believe me, you do.

Even with the outstanding shots of San Francisco, there’s nothing here we haven’t seen.