The Pursuit of Happyness

Jaden Christopher Syre Smith is adorable. He delivers an endearing performance as Gardner's son, but unfortunately, young Jaden's very good work can't quite save the film's sentimental, simplistic structure. The concept of trust is central to Chris' self-image. In his voiceover, he unironically ponders the effective meritocracy of the American Dream, focused on Thomas Jefferson's phrasing in the Declaration of Independence. He's especially impressed that Jefferson was wise enough to see that the "pursuit" of happiness -- not happiness itself -- was all that might be deemed a right, at least for those considered entire people at the time (as opposed to, say, the 3/5ths people that slaves were determined to be).
It's useful for Chris' rather Reaganite worldview that the film doesn't deal with racism, on either institutional or individual levels. Instead, Pursuit of Happyness insists that all opportunities are available to everyone, regardless of class, education, or color. Chris repeatedly demonstrates a winning quickness and self-deprecating wit -- the movie, too often and slow-moving, isn't nearly as smart.