7 Pounds

Okay, so this movie has gotten bad reviews, really bad reviews. My go-to movie experts at Entertainment Weekly named 7 Pounds one of the worst movies of 2008; along with such duds as The Love Guru, The Happening and Speed Racer. The movie has grossed $60 million in the three weeks since its opening; not bad, but definitely not on par with other Will Smith movies.

Maybe it was because of the ultra low expectations, but I found myself completely mesmerized by this film and bawling like a baby at the end. In my mind Will Smith transcends reviews and box office numbers. I made my mind up a long time ago…Will Smith can’t make a bad movie. Maybe it is this inherent believe I have in Will Smith’s movie perfection that lead me to like this movie so much. Maybe I just don’t want to be wrong.

I won’t lie. This film isn’t as good as The Pursuit of Happyness or even I Am Legend, but it certainly wasn’t one of the worst films of the year. I am always amazed by Will Smith’s versatility and I thought he gave a great performance in this film. I continue to be shocked that Rosario Dawson doesn’t hold the same super star status as Reese Witherspoon or Cameron Diaz.

The plot of the movie is hard to explain. Chad, in all his infinite wisdom figured it out immediately. I thought I had it 100% figured out within the first 30 minutes. Turns out I only had it 50% figured out. I didn’t have it 100% figured out until the last 5 minutes and then I was just blown away.

Missy Cinema Score: B+