Movie Review: Seven Pounds (2008)
This film keeps its cards too close to the chest since we already know what it's holding
Photo: Columbia Pictures
It's certainly melodramatic and it tugs on the heart strings like you wouldn't believe, but the largest problem with Seven Pounds is not its cheap attempts at making you cry as much as it's the fact it holds its revelation so close to the chest despite the fact midway through you already know the ending. Had it not been for the fantastic chemistry between Will Smith and Rosario Dawson this film would have been impossible to endure. However, despite all its flaws I found myself enjoying the humanity in it all if not entirely accepting the premise at hand.
The cast includes Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy, Sarah Jane Morris, Connor Cruise and Octavia Spencer. For more information on this film including pictures, trailers and a detailed synopsis choose from the following menu.
Review
"Seven Pounds" is a Columbia Pictures release, directed by Gabriele Muccino and is rated PG-13 for thematic material, some disturbing content and a scene of sensuality.
In the lead role, Smith is once again quite impressive as his performance never feels forced despite the film's consistent attempts at sticking the knife deeper into the emotional core of the viewer. I expect it to work on half the viewers who will end up wrecked in the film's final moments while those that gave up on the film a long time ago will look at them wondering just what is so sad.
The highlight of the film is the performance given by Rosario Dawson who plays Emily Posa, a woman dealing with an enlarged heart and standing on death's doorstep. Dawson makes a plea for Oscar consideration with her performance and while she won't be getting any nods this year I really think her time is coming if she continues to make wise decisions in selecting her roles. Her character in Seven Pounds demands a quality performance and it is her ability to add light to a character that should be drowning in depression that keeps the film from falling apart at the seams. Seven Pounds is a film that is already melodramatic enough, had Dawson's performance added to the misery any more than it needed to this film would have been a disaster. As it turns out her chemistry with Will Smith is a highlight and has me looking forward to more serious roles from Dawson who is known for her wide range of characters.
Reteaming with his Pursuit of Happyness helmer, Gabriele Muccino and Will Smith have put together a film that will be a hard sell to audiences even with Smith's name attached. While Happyness was nothing more than a typical run-of-the-mill emotional drama it didn't pander to the audience as much as Seven Pounds does, which will serve as its box-office dividing line. This isn't a bad film per se it is just one that will play to the more emotional moviegoer that tends to view a film as it progresses rather than trying to figure out the mystery at its core. Because once you figure it all out (if you haven't already) you better be fully invested or you are in for a long ride.
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i have yet to see this movie, i do belive that the main part of the movie is given away but i still definitely look forward to seeing another great film with Will Smith. he is an amazing actor and there's no way its not a good film. we'll see..
I never thought I would see the day where Will Smith would become an emo…he was a sad-sack in this movie…what does he have coming out after this???
This movie was very good i cried like a baby at the end wow im still on edge about it wow
I loved this movie. I am still on edge about it too. I've seenit twice already. I believe that Will Smith and Rosario dawson did an A+ job on this movie. I mean you REALLY REALLY feel overwhelmed. When they get together, its hard not to envy that kind of passion, and emotional connection that they have. Again, SEVEN POUNDS was a HIT!
This movie was awful! By the way, I have read three reviews of this movie and each one says he is and IRS agent. Did they watch the movie? There is clearly a scene where his brother turns out to be Ben and Will Smith's name is Tim. I had to leave the theater at one point because I was bored to tears. NEVER again!!!
@Amy: I had to block out what you wrote because people wrote their reviews that way so as not to spoil the film… something you just attempted to do.
I believe that is was a wonderful movie because it allows you to use your intellect.