Seven Pounds

Synopsis

Ben Thomas (Will Smith) is an IRS agent who has the ability to change seven strangers’ lives, including one whom he falls for, without explaining what his motivation is. This incredibly depressing, but good flick is also from the director of The Pursuit of Happyness.

Review

This movie is a great film...but...I can’t recommend you go see it unless you want to be extremely depressed or you feel like you have a knot in the back of your throat for 124 minutes. Seven Pounds is one of the most melancholic movies to watch—even more so around the holidays. If you opt to venture out and peep this film, I can only suggest having a comedy lined up to watch when you get home. I surely did. I watched a few episodes of the nineties sitcom Martin to get the taste of Pounds out of my mouth. People, this is by far one of the hardest films I ever had to rate.

I can’t say too much about what Pounds is about because if you know too much, it can ruin the entire movie. This story is told in a mysterious way that will have you trying to figure out what the heck is going on. I had an idea, but it did take some time in trying to piece what parts to the puzzle fit together to make the answers. Once I did, I was thinking…”Ohhh okay. I thought so.” After watching so many movies, you start to figure out exactly how they’ll end.

Pounds is about a man named Ben Thomas (Will Smith), an IRS agent who just looks pain stricken with a secret. He begins an expedition by choosing seven strangers who truly need a miracle—which he hopes he can bring . One thing he makes sure of is that these recipients are “good people” and deserving of his act of kindness. And a brotha does his research. They all question, “Why me?” however, he never answers that question. So Smith’s motive in Pounds is kept a mystery—somehwat.

Rosario Dawson (Rent) plays Emily, one of Ben’s “strangers” who is very sick and needs a new heart. Rosario is excellent in this movie and I sure hope she gets the recognition she deserves. I’m very proud of her. I could feel her character’s joy and pain. And I still sit and think, “What if I was in this situation?” She and Will are POWERFUL onscreen together. Oh my word. I felt their every emotion and for once we have some bleepin chemistry. The way they touch, look at each other and cry was so natural, which makes this depressing movie even more so.

Will… Will…Will, what can I say? Will has range in this flick. I couldn’t tell if Will’s character was good, bad, crazy or all of the above. Just looking into his eyes you just could see and feel his character Ben’s inner turmoil. Ugh! Will never broke character. I bet he was drained every night after filming for this movie. This role is dark and depressing. No wonder home dude decided to take 6 months off from working. Those 6 months had to be a recovery period. I bet he was in therapy with Dr. Phil after this role.

I truly felt horrible watching this flick. It’s very painful. Yes, the story is written very well and doesn’t leave any loose ends, which I find to be refreshing. Yes, the movie is brilliant and I can believe everything that happened in it could have happened in real life, but all of these wonderful things don’t cancel out how unbelievably depressing and hurtful it is. My heart felt broken after watching this movie. It truly brings out the emotion and Will is superb in this role. I really have to give him his just do. GO BIG WILLY!!!!! Anyhoo, I can't imagine anyone wanting to rent this movie, or buy the DVD. When would you pull it out—when you need a good cry? Cause this movie will make you sob for days if you’re in the “right” mood.

People, you are on your own on this one. I could give this movie 4 or 5 reels, but it wouldn’t matter. I can’t tell you to rush to the theaters to see this movie. I don’t want you to feel that knot in the back of your throat or have you sitting around afterward feeling sad or blue. Good luck with your decision.

My Rating ~ 3 Reels

Audience Rating (What's Yours?)