Review: Seven Pounds (2008)

[Steve Rhodes]

SEVEN POUNDS
A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 2008 Steve Rhodes

RATING (0 TO ****):  *

SEVEN POUNDS is directed by Gabriele Muccino, whose last project was 
directing the pilot for "Viva Laughlin," which some television critics 
called perhaps the worst TV show ever made.  SEVEN POUNDS isn't that bad, 
which is not to say that it's good.

Starring Will Smith, who last teamed up with Muccino in THE PURSUIT OF 
HAPPYNESS, this film could have been called THE PURSUIT OF UNHAPPYNESS, 
since everyone in it is so morose.  But, never fear, this is a tear-jerker 
of the first order.  No matter how miserable everyone is, especially lead 
character Ben Thomas (Smith), there will be salvation at the end for some 
and tears for everyone.  In short, prepare to gag.

The slow and sappy movie, which makes its two hour running time feel like 
four, begins with Ben telling us in voice-over with great sorrow that, "In 
seven days, God created the world, and, in seven seconds, I shattered mine." 
The confusing and convoluted story involves a malevolent or munificent IRS 
agent (Ben Thomas).  Ben is a creepy figure who stalks his victims, but they 
shouldn't worry, since he has good intentions and plans on ultimately making 
their day with a surprise gift.

Filled with a god-complex, Ben likes to wax poetically but glumly about his 
powers.  He tells one sick patient about her doctor that it is "within my 
power to dramatically change that man's circumstances." If this sounds like 
a threat for the IRS to confiscate all of the doctor's possessions for back 
taxes, it isn't.  Ben's plans are weirder, not that you'll care.  Once 
you've finally peeled back the last layer of this enigma of a plot, you'll 
be sorry you wasted so much trying to figure it all out, since it is 
completely unbelievable.

But, even if you buy every twist and turn of the story, the movie is so 
off-putting and distant that you'll still never care.  This is perhaps the 
least compelling film of the year.

Filmed in shadows and set at such a sluggish pace that it would irritate a 
snail, the movie offers absolutely nothing for the viewers.  Its single 
convincing message, which it hammers into our heads in every frame, is that 
Ben is sad, sad, sad.

If you've too much Christmas cheer and need a good cry, maybe SEVEN POUNDS 
is just the picture for you.  On the other hand, you may find that you have 
a different reaction, something that attacks your stomach and not your eyes.

SEVEN POUNDS runs 1:58.  It is rated PG-13 for "thematic material, some 
disturbing content and a scene of sensuality" and would be acceptable for 
kids around 10 and up.

The film opens nationwide in the United States on Friday, December 19, 2008. 
In the Silicon Valley, it will be showing at the AMC theaters, the Century 
theaters and the Camera Cinemas.

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Email: Steve.Rhodes at InternetReviews.com

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