Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Melancholy Will Smith film is too intense for younger kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Seven Pounds
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 18 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say the film is highly divisive, with some praising its emotional depth and moral lessons while others criticize its dark themes and mature content, deeming it inappropriate for younger audiences. The film's intense and complex narrative evokes strong reactions, leading to both tears and praise for its performances, especially that of the lead actor, but also leaves some viewers confused and dissatisfied.
- emotional depth
- dark themes
- mature content
- mixed reactions
- complex narrative
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 19, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : March 31, 2009
- Cast : Barry Pepper , Rosario Dawson , Will Smith
- Director : Gabriele Muccino
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Indigenous Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 123 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material, some disturbing content and a scene of sensuality
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 12, 2024
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