Critic: Phylis J. Iqbal

Seven Pounds

The Story:
Seven Pounds is the story about an IRS agent named Ben Thomas who at first glance seems to be going to great lengths to accomplish his job, but we quickly learn he is actually trying to stalk out seven people to help who all have differing needs. The only thing which seems to be the criteria is that they be basically good people. It's unclear why he is obsessed with the death of seven other strangers who he carries newspaper clippings of and seem to be the driving motivation for the kindness. Throughout the movie he is overcome with sleeplessness and has nightmares about his significant other who has supposedly died. The plot takes a turn when Ben begins to fall in love with one of the people he is seeking to help and ends rather dramatically.

Will Smith as Ben Thomas - Ben Thomas is a man who seems to be on a mission, but it is unclear how everything, even simple little moments in the movie are related.

Rosario Dawson as Emily Posa - A beautiful, young woman who has congenital heart disease ends up falling in love with Ben.

Woody Harrelson as Ezra Turner  - A blind piano instructor and player who works for a meat company.

Cast:
Will Smith as Ben Thomas
Rosario Dawson as Emily Posa
Woody Harrelson as Ezra Turner
Michael Ealy as Ben's Brother

Crew:
Distributor: Sony Pictures
Production House: Escape Artists, Overbrook Entertainment
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Story & Screenplay: Grant Nieporte

What Works:
The acting is as great as it is to be expected, living up to the caliber actors, particularly Will Smith and the storyline includes an interweaving into the plot which is subtle, but not entirely implausible. The unexpected ending is a nice change and is definitely bittersweet.

What Doesn't Work:
As always, Will Smith plays the type of character he has been playing since Independence Day, someone who overcomes great obstacles and saves a considerable number of people or alternately touches the lives of many. Gabriele Muccino who also directed The Pursuit of Happyness, used Will again for his obvious ability to adapt to that type role. Some of the story drags a little at parts and sometimes is slightly predictable.

The Soundtrack:
The songs which were used for the soundtrack are good and stand out at the right times, but not anything worth going out and buying.

Slated Or Rated?
Overall, it's rated. If you go in expecting Will Smith to make things right, you won't be disappointed, but be forewarned there may be tears! Make sure you go in with the expectation that the movie is going to be filled with drama and you may not be happy with the outcome.

3 1/2 out of 5