À la poursuite du bonheur

"Pursuit of Happiness" chronicles a relationship between two people that I find completely true to life... for me at least. I have had a best friend since third grade, through middle and high school, as well as college. We have been there for each other as long as I can remember and have supported each other through all sorts of ordeals and relationships. I even gave her away at her wedding, a marriage that lasted for ten rocky years. Now single, we briefly crossed paths in what I feel was more than a purely "platonic" way. Unfortunately, we did not hook up like the characters 'Alan' and 'Marissa' from the movie. So I find that "Pursuit of Happiness" really hits home, not to mention it has a great indie-rock soundtrack! An excellent choice for those of us who believe in the power of love that can exist between two best friends that happen to be a boy and girl. So... Watch and Enjoy!!!

A very touching drama featuring the winsome and appealing Frank Whaley and Annabeth Gish as longtime platonic friends who support each other through their romantic troubles. A believable story of how people who have all the advantages still struggle to find the right person to spend their lives with. Their relaxed comfortable friendship contrasts starkly with the strained relationships they each have with their romantic interests. Some wonderfully restrained scenes in which they finally begin dealing with their feelings for each other.

Yes, the movie isn't very good. It's pretty sentimental stuff, nothing original or even memorable...BUT...the cast is so appealing that it's flaws don't really matter much. Annabeth Gish is positively luminous. People will say this is a woman's movie, but when male viewers see Annabeth Gish, they won't care about the plot, dialog or other characters. And she's not the only looker. Amy-Jo Johnson is beautiful, and there are at least two others I can think of.

The story is fairly predictable, but the acting is quite good. It's not a bad way to spend an evening, especially if you're spending it with someone you care about. It would be a fine date movie for 20 or 30-somethings.

This movie is really cute, isn't perfect but better than most romantic comedies. Sure, you will know how it ends the minute Annabeth Gish appears on screen, but the ride is so enjoyable and true to life, you won't care. At least, I didn't! The dialogue is true-to-life and witty enough that it keeps you interested, and there are a few unexpected twists with the B & C stories along the way as well. The cast is really talented, especially Gish, and the supporting players (in particular Cress Williams and Liz Vassey, who play another unlikely couple in the film), keep it moving. And, seeing the great Jean Stapleton (of Edith Bunker fame) utter the sentence "You look like sh*t" to Frank Whaley was priceless! I suggest you crack a bottle of wine, snuggle up to your significant other, and enjoy it.

Despite what some reviews said...I liked this movie. It seemed more real than most of the genre. I must admit the end seemed to take a while and the suspense was killing me...but then I realised that in real life it would have been just like it was in the movie, given the circumstances.

Anabeth was great as the "best friend"...she has such a lovely smile that every scene she was in was lit up as a result. The main guy was good too...and he perfected the sad, confused look.

One thing which I thought was cute was the portrayal of friendship in the movie. It was lovely to watch. If only we all had friends like that in real life.

All in all, I thought it was a nice movie. I started watching it in an OK mood and by the end of it I was smiling and feeling much much better. Isn't that what movies are meant to do for us?