Seven Pounds

The problem with writing about movies like Seven Pounds is that the movie does not really lend itself to being written about. The story unfolds through a series of interactions and flashbacks that is a bit confusing at first, but then develops into an interesting whole. So giving a summary of the "interesting whole" ruins a lot of the viewing pleasure of the unfolding. So without telling much about the story, we can say that Will Smith is struggling with his current life situation, and is finding a unique way of making his life seem meaningful. The way his story plays out could be interpreted as somewhat Messianic in nature, and if one puts this with his other recent films like I Am Legend and The Pursuit of Happyness, then one wonders if Smith is moving into a life stage where he wants to be bigger than life. We will probably have to wait a few years for hindsight to answer that for us. As to Seven Pounds, Smith shows his ability to be quirky, charming and full of angst. It is this last emotion that brings him to an acting level that necessarily different than the Fresh Prince. Overall, I liked this film. I liked Smith's sincerity, and I liked how full the story felt while being told in small (seemingly) discrete segments. And yet, by the end I can only say it was "all-right".
3 stars (out of 5)