December 18, 2008 @ 5:40 pm

Movie Review: Seven Pounds

Brad Wete

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The Tax Man Cometh… And Blesses

An IRS agent is the last person most would expect to be the embodiment of generosity, but that’s exactly who Will Smith is as Ben Thomas in Seven Pounds (Columbia).

Guilt-ridden from tragic accident, Ben seeks redemption by immensely improving the lives of seven complete strangers. Though the premise of the movie seems right up that nice guy Will Smith alley, this if by far the darkest character Smith has ever played.

The mission is clear. Ben is not providing anyone one with a “Get out of Jail free” card. Only those that deserve help get it. The story begins with Will’s Ben chastising a potential candidate over the phone, teasing a man for disability he has suffered through since birth. The “test” is in his and other’s responses to his sometimes torturous first encounters. Those who pass Thomas’ test and prove that they are honestly good people, receive gifts from the miracle worker.

Choosing to keep his distance after his acts of extreme kindness, the only thing Ben asks for in return is that he never be contacted and that all move on with their lives. The heart of this movie, literally, is the dynamic between himself and Rosario Dawson’s Emily Posa.

Attempting to keep his distance from this beautiful cardiac patient who is on her deathbed, proves ineffective. The romance and juxtaposition of a woman in need of a good heart and a man who thought he lost all of the love in his, makes this arguably Smith’s best acting performance and will be sure to take Dawson’s career to new heights.

This is director Gabriele Muccino’s second effort with Smith, the first being Pursuit of Happyness (Columbia). If it’s even possible, their chemistry has improved. Smith’s acting comes off as more pure this time around compared to his portrayal of Chris Gardner  in the 2006 blockbuster. And the screenplay, done by Grant Nieporte, is brilliant; giving the audience just enough guidance to piece together the story before it all comes together for one of the most powerful finishes of the year.

Stories of spiritual redemption usually are not seen as seat fillers in Hollywoodland, but Smith, Dawson, and Muccino prove unconventional tales are still worth being told.  

Seven Pounds hits theaters on 12/19/08

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