The Pursuit of Happyness

“The tough beauty of the picture is that it lets each viewer weigh the costs and benefits to Gardner. It's a genuinely transporting inspirational movie because it's also a cautionary tale. It doesn't downplay the hero's occasional clumsiness or pigheadedness.”

Michael Sragow, Baltimore Sun · 100

“I don't think I've seen a mainstream movie get fatherhood so right since "Kramer vs . Kramer": the fear, the indulgence, the snappishness, the pre-occupied "uh-huhs" as a child natters about his day, the steamrolling waves of love.”

Ty Burr, Boston Globe · 88

“My sentimentality meter never went off, and Smith proved what people have forgotten since his breakthroughs in "Where the Day Takes You" and "Six Degrees of Separation" 13 years ago: He's a serious actor.”

Lawrence Toppman, Charlotte Observer · 88

“The relationship between Chris and his diminutive namesake is at the core of the film - the determination to be there for his son, no matter what; the mentoring, the pair's goofy, lovely banter. And Smith and his bright-eyed boy pull it off brilliantly.”

Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer · 88

“It's a beautiful and understated performance, one that hums with a richer, quieter music than Smith has mustered before.”

Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly · 83