The latest edition to a successful list of films for the mighty box-office champ, Will Smith comes in the form of the semi-blatantly titled, Seven Pounds.
Now for those expecting something along the lines of Pursuit of Happyness, I'm sorry to say you will be sadly disappointed.
Directed by Gabriele Muccino (incidentally the director of the aforementioned film), it is indeed a tearjerker and does make you think twice. But this story is logically put together so that you don’t completely realize why or what is going on until towards the end. Throughout the duration of the film you are constantly asking yourself two questions, ‘Why is he torturing himself?’ and ‘why is he seeking out these people?’
Will Smith portrays Ben Thomas with an unearring ease, and as an audience you will instantly empathize with Ben. Smith is able to channel the character's inner demons and portray them on screen, leaving the audience more involved in what is happening.
The story centres around Ben Thomas (Smith) and his need to better the lives of certain individuals. He seeks out these people in order to give a 'pound of flesh' back to seven deserving people having been responsible for the death of seven individuals in a car accident. His redemption involves seeking blind helpline employee (Woody Harrelson) and heart transplant patient (Rosario Dawson).
As mentioned earlier, the film may not hold together as well as Pursuit of Happyness, but not for a lack of effort. For me, Will was yet again brilliant; the story held well and remained thought provoking and involving. Unfortunately, a problem would be that it was just a tad too long. You learn so much about the characters early on that there is no need to iron it out with unnecessary scenes of heroichood!
Grade: B- (6.5/10)
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