THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS ***

This is Will Smith's picture from start to finish, and it's a drama at that. Aided by his real son, Jaden, the film attempts to show us what's it like to be poor in America and just how high you can rise if you're willing to work hard enough. Political conservatives will no doubt love this premise while others may be a bit dubious.

Smith is the father in a family consisting of his wife, Thandie Newton, and a son. In an attempt to go into business for himself he invests in a medical device he hopes to sell. Unfortunately, the device is a slow mover and economic pressures start to rise. In an attempt to build a better life for his family his manages to get an intern position at a brokerage firm, not realizing the six month internship has no salary and there's no guarantee of employment after its completion. The drama involves providing food, clothing and shelter while training every day without a steady income.

This is a very well made film and Will and Jaden are believable throughout. What you're going to have to decide, though, is whether you want to watch a story that's an absolute downer for 95% of it's length. There's very little ho, ho, ho in this holiday film.