Will's son, Jaden Smith, slides effortlessly into the role of Christopher, Gardner's son. He's a natural actor, and although the role he is playing is that of his father's son, it is not without it's challenges and he shines. Gardner and his girlfriend Linda (Thandie Newton of Crash) are going through a patch of hard times - a long patch. Some years back, Chris and Linda dumped their entire savings into a home business selling specialized x-ray machines. Although expensive, they were very cutting edge for the time, but unfortunately, not many doctors saw their advantage. So Chris and Linda are saddled with hundreds of these machines to sell. Linda works as a maid at a hotel, putting in long hours and double shifts, while Chris works tirelessly at selling these machines.
After a series of depressing events that further their poor financial situation, Linda gives up and decides to take her son and move to the East Coast. Chris tells her to go if she must, but that Chris Jr. will remain with him. This couldn't have come at a worse time, however, since Gardner had just happened upon an opportunity for a coveted spot in Dean Witter's internship program. He accepts the spot in the program only to find out there is absolutely no pay. So he works selling his x-ray machines in between putting in his hours at Dean Witter. Soon, as money becomes even tighter, the pair are evicted from their apartment and have to become very resourceful for living arrangements. How Gardner copes with this trauma while keeping his son unaware and happy is both heartbreaking and uplifting.
Chris suffers through a myriad of problems such as homelessness, being put in jail, being hit by a car and more, but overcomes it all to show how dreams and determination can make a difference. The DVD is loaded with extras such as a featurette with the real-life Chris Gardner, a making-of featurette, commentary and more. The Pursuit of Happyness will make you laugh and cry and is a wonderful addition to anyone's collection. Highly recommended.
