April 2nd Log

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
2006, Gabriele Muccino, United States
1st Viewing, DVD

Is The Pursuit of Happyness as sentimental as the marketing promotions would have you believe? Yes, but that does not necessarily make this an unenjoyable film. This is based on the life of Chris Gardner and this type of predictable story has been made in Hollywood many times. Far from ground-breaking, The Pursuit of Happyness is inspiring even if predictable. As the title suggest the entire film is a struggle for happiness against failure. Will Smith gives a very convincing performance as the man who faces his failures head-on with the determination of the “pursuit of happiness”. So what is the deal with “happiness”, well that is quickly established early in the film and as goofy as that title may appear, it somehow seems like a nice touch. The film does take its perception of failure a bit overboard to make its point but the end result is effect as both inspiring and tear jerking.



KLEPTO
2003, Thomas Trail, United States
1st Viewing, DVD

The premise of this film is more promising the end result, but overall Klepto is not a bad film. Meredith Bishop who has developed a cult fan-base from her various commercial performances (my brother is among her supporters) plays Emily Brown, a women who is addicted to shoplifting and the thrill of nearly being caught. She eventually meets up with a mall security detective and they begin to develop a relationship. The film intertwines both of their stories all while being told through the perspective of Emily talking to her psychiatrist. The film has some charming moments and is at its best when in a more light-hearted and playful tone. However,. The film starts to delve into more serious drama towards the last act, as the security detective fights to save his life from some mobsters. Jsu Garcia gives a good performance and for the most part so does Meredith Bishop (she needs to improve on the “reacting” portion of acting). Overall this is a well made film that goes off track towards the end. There is however a great one shot at the films climax “heist” scene as the camera tracks in front of Emily as she walks into the mall, up the elevator through the store and towards the bag. From a technical standpoint it is the highlight of the film.