The purposeful misspelling in the title isn’t the only thing about this film that’s a bit misaligned. I was really looking forward to enjoying the production. It’s been a bit of a hectic holiday season and I wanted to sit back and watch a sweet father & son film about happiness. Perhaps the error was mine, because this is not that film.

Although there are a few sweet father & son scenes, they aren’t nearly sweet enough or plentiful enough to overcome a picture that’s about some guy willing to push others to the ends of their patience because his plans didn’t quite go as planned. His ultimate motivation is good – to provide for and be a father for his son no matter what. That is awesome. And his relentless efforts are admirable too. But the film contrives a ridiculous shower of Bone Density Scanner chase scenes that weigh down the already too long movie. Unfortunately, I won’t be remembering the tender moments, I’ll be remembering Will Smith running through the streets of San Francisco chasing homeless crazies and hippy street musicians. And, I promise you, those won’t be inspiring memories.

While otherwise, perhaps realistic, the film is one drag after another. A string of annoyances that no doubt riddled the real life of Chris Gardner, but when put in a Hollywood film, feel quite set up like dominos that fall with cliché timing. And like that string of dominos, the film demonstrates very little emotional value or dynamic action. It’s two hours of Will Smith running, ignoring his wife, and dragging his kid around like a rag doll.

And then, thankfully, at the very end, he gets what he’s been pursuing – he becomes a stockbroker. Of course, that’s an impressive accomplishment especially given his circumstances. I’m glad for him, I wanted it for him. But, it’s a weak substitute for a title that promises happiness.

This film screened at a Laemmle Theatre.

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