Search - The Pursuit of Happyness [Widescreen] on DVD

The Pursuit of Happyness [Widescreen]

Actor(s): Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen
Director(s): Gabriele Muccino
247

Movie Details

MPAA Rating: PG-13
Content Advisory: Adult Situations, Profanity
Movie Release: 2006
DVD Release: 03/27/2007
Format: DVD - Color,Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV
Audio Tracks: English, French
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Number of Discs: 1
Run Time: 1 hrs 57 mins
Studio: Sony Pictures
Total Copies: 18
Genres: Drama, Family Drama, Inspirational Drama
See Also: The Pursuit of Happyness [Blu-ray], The Pursuit of Happyness [Fullscreen], The Pursuit of Happyness [UMD for PSP]

DVD Synopsis

The rousing, true-life story of a single dad who went from living on the streets to owning his own brokerage firm is brought to the big screen by superstar Will Smith, appearing for the first time opposite his real-life son Jaden Smith. Set in early-'80s San Francisco, the film charts the hard times and eventual comeback of Chris Gardner, a suddenly single salesman who has custody of his son, but finds that providing for the two of them is a challenge in the increasingly unstable economic climate. He struggles to work his way from unpaid intern at Dean Witter to something more substantial, even as life continues to offer him setbacks. Making his Hollywood debut, Italian director Gabriele Muccino was championed by Will Smith for the project. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide

Actors

Will Smith - Chris Gardner
Jaden Smith - Christopher
Thandie Newton - Linda
Brian Howe - Jay Twistle
James Karen - Martin Frohm

Member Movie Reviews

Brad S. (Snibot) from CEDAR PARK, TX wrote on 11/13/2009...

3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

Will and Jaden Smith provide excellent performances in this true rags to riches story, which is inspirational and moving. Just as good the second time watching as the first; as the character development is in depth but not tiring. The emotional connection that you get to the characters is powerful and deep. The humor that runs through the story provide a gentle relief to the horrible nature of what they are going through. This movie has an appeal to any audience and I recommend it.

EJ N. (FXANM8R) from CAMPBELL, MO wrote on 9/8/2009...

One of Will Smith's best performances. His talent truly shines.

Jessica T. (Jessie) from MATTHEWS, NC wrote on 7/22/2009...

Can you say this is everyone right now? We are all trying to make it day to day. This really made me and my husband emotional. It's touching and deep also very inspiring all at once.

Loretta B. from CRANSTON, RI wrote on 4/18/2009...

3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.

This was an excellent movie. The acting was superb and it all rings true,which it is! It makes you want to hug your kids and thank them for the gift of strength they give you to continue through life's trials.

Claudia R. (gadgetgirl) wrote on 3/7/2009...

4 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.

I loved this movie although it was quite a roller coaster to watch, keeping you on the edge of you seat from start to finish, taking you from the lowest of the lows (when the father realizes they were homeless) to the highest of highs in the pursuit of happy-ness. It’s not a date movie, rather one to watch at home with tissues close by.

Don't miss the bonus features - an interesting mini-documentary about the real Chris Gardner, who was actually on the set almost full time as an advisor; an in-depth view at how the movie was made by a foreign director who spoke very little English; the father-son relationship, on an off the set, and how Jayden was cast (yes, he was the best kid for the role out of hundreds who auditioned); and the Rubik cube, how it was invented and top "speedcubers" solving the puzzle in less than 30 seconds (the record was 30 minutes in 1981 when the movie was set), and an unbelievable bit where a guy solves it blindfolded in two minutes flat.

Will Smith's son is fantastic in this movie, but it's definitely not for children - some scenes might be too dramatic and may be difficult to explain to younger ones.

In short, simply a great story of a father's love for his child, perseverance and triumph against the odds.

Robey S. (Robey) wrote on 8/24/2008...

1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Another excellent performance by Will Smith. This is an amazing and awsome story about a man over coming hardships, like being homeless, living in shelters, no job, or money, all the while trying to pursue a job as a broker as well as trying to raise his five year old son without the help of the mother. Heartfelt and moving story.

Duane S. (superpoet) from FORT WORTH, TX wrote on 6/16/2008...

1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

This movie is based on the real life story of Chris Gardner and his son. The movie begins with his family barely eking out a living. Chris has bought portable bone scanning kits. Unfortunately they are not as big a success that they were supposed to be. He finds out from a stock broker that he does not have to have a degree to become one. He applies and is accepted into the school. Through many trials and hardships, he is accepted into the Dean Witter brokerage and his life is forever changed.

Wilma S. (Grannybeck) from STARR, SC wrote on 5/12/2008...

0 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

This movie is good but not exactly a thriller. Some very good acting by Will Smith and his son.