Seven Pounds (PG-13, 2008)

common sense media says

Melancholy Will Smith film is too intense for younger kids.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Will Smith + holidays usually equals blockbuster. But this drama's mysterious title and trailer may turn off younger fans who'd rather see a comedy or fantasy. And viewers in the mood for a feel-good story should look elsewhere: The movie tackles heavy themes like what it means to live a meaningful life, embracing death in the face of a terminal illness, and using grief as a motivation to act selflessly. The language and consumerism are mild, the violence is limited to (admittedly disturbing) scenes of two fatal incidents, and the sexuality is one love scene featuring a bare shoulders and backs. All of that said, the central message -- giving of yourself no matter what the cost -- may be too mature for young viewers to handle.

Positive messages: Helping others is an important message for children and teens to take seriously, but purposely endangering your life in the process isn't advisable.
Positive role models: On the one hand, Ben is incredibly altruistic and generous, but on the
other, he's also depressed, obviously suffering from post-traumatic
stress and mentally unstable. Also on the up side, the movie features a diverse cast.
Violence: Disturbing glimpses of a fatal, multi-car accident are shown. A battered woman has a black eye. One character almost dies, and another character does die in a bizarre way. Ben needs a cast after smashing up his house.
Sex: A couple kisses/embraces, and another couple makes love -- thier bare backs and shoulders are visible.
Language: On the milder side for a PG-13 film, but still a couple of uses of "s--t," "hell," "ass," "goddamn," etc.
Consumerism: Featured brands include Ford, Mercury Records, Kiehl's skincare products, and Travel Inn motel.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Ben and Emily drink wine at dinner.

More on Seven Pounds

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the film's emphasis on altruism. What messages does it send about generosity? Is it a positive message?
  • Was Ben saintly or insane -- or is it a little of both?
  • Families can also discuss how the movie develops as a suspenseful drama. How specifically was it suspenseful? Was the end predictable, or did it succeed in being a "big reveal"?
  • How does Smith's character here compare with others he's played? Do you prefer him in dramas or comedies/action-adventures? Why?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The sole survivor of a fatal car crash that killed his fiancee and six others, moody IRS auditor Ben Thomas (Will Smith) is wholly focused on finding "good people" to help in extremely personal, unbelievably generous ways -- like forgiving a beautiful-but-sick woman's (Rosario Dawson) back-taxes or giving an abused single mother his luxury beach house. He's also donating an organ to a beloved local basketball coach he barely knows. As Ben says about another possible recipient of his selflessness: "It is within my power to drastically change his circumstances." But as this mysterious drama unfolds, it becomes clear that Ben isn't exactly as he seems -- and that his purpose, while noble, is also morbid and heartbreaking.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Smith usually comes through, but watching him mope around for two hours is neither believable nor inspiring. What begins as a suspense-filled drama devolves into a "very special episode" of Grey's Anatomy or ER (let's leave the spoilers at that). It's not that the cast doesn't act well, because Smith, Dawson, Woody Harrelson (a blind man Ben takes an interest in), Michael Ealy (Ben's brother), and Barry Pepper (Ben's best friend) are all talented performers. The story is the main problem -- instead of being powerful and thought-provoking, as director Gabriele Muccino aims, it's saccharine and phony.

Although Smith, a two-time Academy-Award nominee, is up to dramatic roles -- and it's understandable why he'd re-team with Muccino, his Pursuit of Happyness director -- he's built his superstardom on playing the hopeful hero. Ben is a hero, but he's so depressed (and depressing); fatalistic audiences may consider Smith miscast. Tortured and bereaved looks good on Sean Penn, Benico Del Toro, and Don Cheadle. But Smith? Not so much.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Sony Pictures
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Cast: Barry Pepper, Rosario Dawson, Will Smith
Genre: Drama
Run time: 123 minutes
Theatrical release: December 19, 2008
DVD release: March 31, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: thematic material, some disturbing content and a scene of sensuality
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This review was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
 
 

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What parents & educators say

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Most useful reviews by all members

4Spice
adult
 
lots of good points 12 and over
its one of those movies thats trying to show a good point and it did good movie truth is its kind if sad it might break your heart it all depense on you 12 and over

 
miguel's review:)
I Loved this movie and think Will is a gifted actor. This was a different role for him, and i believe he was overlooked in the oscar race. It is a little depressing, but you have to understand it is just a movie, and its a really touching drama. I highly recommend it, if you love Will Smith's movies.

 
Moral Misdirection
Seven Pounds has competent-to-good acting, good production values, and an intense, sentimental, surface message. The protagonist, suicidally depressed, seeks to expiate his guilt over causing the deaths of his fiance and six others in a motor vehicle accident. He finds seven unfortunates in various fiancial, emotional, or health problems. It ends with his suicide set up so that multiple organ transplants can be done. The moral flaw is that he lies, breaks laws, and kills himself in a mistaken effort to seek self-forgiveness. He plays God, lets a woman fall in love with him, and ultimately betrays his adult responsibility to deal with life. A sometimes slow paced movie, it will give a false impression of true altruism and love.

mom2bjm
parent of and 9 , 15 , 17 year old
 
Depressing!
I did not see it, but my daughters, ages 13 and 14 did. They are sorry they saw it because of how depressing it was. I am sorry that I did not research the movie first.

ollaff
teen, 15 years old
 
Good movie, but the role model does bad to do good.
This movie is hard to review without giving something away but there are some "kissing" scenes (more then kissing). The movie is about a man who is going to commit scuicie. THAT IS ALL I CAN SAY!!!! The movie can be confusing but it all wraps up together in a great ending showing you everthing that happened. A must see moive for anybody who won't mind crying (dont watch this with your friends) WATCH IT!!!!!!!

protectingminds
parent of 15 year old
 

paltra
teen, 16 years old
 
sad but i liked it
This movie was VERY good and Will Smith does a great job portraying a very depressed character. It is very sad but still very good.

brendaH
adult
 
Will Smith Excellance!
While I must admit that in my eyes Will Smith can do no wrong so I am slightly prejudiced :), I will try to give a straightforward, unbiased review. I thought while a very different and uncharacteristic role for him, Will played it with extreme skill! The movie was very confusing until about 3/4 of the way through but that was clearly stated in any pre- opening ads. Once everything came together, it was apparent that Wills portayal of Ben is of his usual acadamey-award-winning caliber. The message carried some amazing and intense messages. The way in which he died at the end was admittedly a little distubing so I would not take a young child to see it, but the message was good. I would think that the movie should be fine for any one over the age of 15 or so.

MikaylaaMadisonn
teen, 16 years old
 
I thought that this movie was pretty good. It wasn't the best movie that Will Smith has made. I like the persuit of happyness and hancock much better. Overall, though, I would give this movie about three stars. It is worth watching if you are mature enough to handle it.

mongepedro
parent of 17 year old
 
Overated
Definitely Overated. Not crazy about making suicide OK.

MaAlBe
teen, 13 years old
 
Good Movie; For Certain People
This movie? Absolutely loved it. My favorite movie all-time. The problems for me was a little bit of disturbing violence, some bad role models and a few negative messages. Any pre-teen seeing this should be very mature. Although the movie is amazing, I do not recommend it for young children, weak stomachs or anyone prone to nigtmares.

 
I always like watching Will Smith and thought he did an excellent job portraying someone so sad... It was hard to comprehend the point of the story until near the end and then the realization of what he is doing is so gripping & compelling, I too, like another reviewer, almost could have sat through it again to see how the story was told when you really "knew" what it was about. I don't think it's a teenager movie, their thought processes are too black & white & they are too impressionable to comprehend such sadness & such "gifts". But I wouldn't demean the movie as morally flawed. People ARE morally flawed. It's not an educational movie designed to encourage breaking the law & commiting suicide. Nor is it a betrayal or phony to fall in love with the right person at the wrong time or to not be able to forgive yourself or a terrible mistake. Ultimatley, it was an entertaining, intriguing movie on a complex emotional adult level. Definitely not the Will Smith of Hancock or the Man in Black nor the Fresh Prince.

Debster460
parent of 13 and 14 year old
 
Great movie for older kids...
This movie is great for older kids 13+. They would need to understand that this man cannot take back what he has done but gives totally of himself to help others feeling this is the only way to make some sort of amends for what he has done. Will is one of my favorite actors and what a message he brings to the screen.

goofysaby
teen, 17 years old
 
not the best
The movie was kind of confusing in the begining but then you get it in the end. It's not realy the best movie to recommend to watch and kind of boaring.

 
Long Depressing Movie---Will Smith is Really Good
Long depressing movie. Some good moments. Will Smith and some of the other characters have some great moments.

HappilyEverAfter
teen, 18 years old
 
Moving
Seven Pounds was, at first, quite confusing and when I finished watching it, it all came together. I really wanted to see it again immediately after I finished watching it to see if the pieces fit into the puzzle. I think it was good to see a movie that actually made you think for once. Most ones out there are pretty mindless. Will Smith and Rosario Dawson did a great job and I would like to see them together in other movies. I think it is a must-see for anyone...

 
Amazing movie.
I loved this movie. It is a tear-jerker and very thought-provoking; I disagree that it encourages or promotes suicide. A bit long; too confusing for pre-teen or child audiences to reliably follow. Great for older teens or adults.

 
poison for Christmas
Depressing, violent, unnecessary. It presents suicide as a gift to others, an option to overcome guilt and depression. Marketed as a Christmas gift, an uplifting movie. I would beg to differ. I think it is the sort of movie you would really need to have a talk with after your kids see it.

who3697cares
teen, 18 years old
 
I actually liked it
It raises interesting questions about the nature of those who try to help. Are they helping because they want to be good citizens, or because they are doing it for their own satisfaction? Mabye the want to play God, too?

becca1206
teen, 15 years old
 
amazing movie, sad, but amazing
i love this movie we watched it at chapel in school and we talked about how sometimes guilt takes over and so yeah. will smith did an amazing job and over all it was good. a bit violent, especially when he commits suicide (i had to cover my friend's eyes). i cried, and this actually happens to people in real life. to see it or not to see it... it all depends on maturity. yup!

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