Review: Seven Pounds (2008)

[Homer Yen]

"Seven Pounds" - A Bit Too Heavy
by Homer Yen
(c) 2008

In an early scene, Ben Thomas (Will Smith) says in an angelic voice,
"I have the power to make a dramatic difference in a person's life."
No, he doesn't possess supernatural powers nor does he hold sway with
people at high levels to purvey special favors nor is he incredibly
wealthy.  He's just a well-meaning guy who has a gift (several,
actually) to give, much like Forrest Gump who could bring something
special to the people around him.  And, that's a great message to send
during the Christmas season.  Because, we all have the power to help
others and to make another person's life better.

You may have seen a film that he did two Christmases ago entitled "The
Pursuit of Happyness".  That theme dealt with redemption, which also
runs throughout "Seven Pounds."  However, while that film had an
easy-to-follow arc, this film's arc is oblique and the main
character's motivation isn't so transparent for 80% of the film.  A
series of flashbacks give us a glimpse into his life several years
back.  He seemed happier as if every gift that he had ever wanted had
been bestowed upon him.  But, some thing has happened, which we aren't
immediately privy to.  Now, he's terribly sad.  He has asked his best
friend (Barry Pepper) to carry out a strange favor.  So strange is it
that his best friend doesn't even know if he can bring himself to
carrying out that request.

For the first three-quarters of the film, the audience has more and
more questions than the film is willing to reveal.  Is Ben a messiah?
Is he a liar?  What's his purpose here?  What the heck does the title
of the film mean?  All we can discern is that Ben has formulated some
kind of plan and that he is intent on carrying out.

We pick up bits and pieces as there are all sorts of people that Ben
interacts with.
There's a blind musician.  There's a small boy going through
chemotherapy.  There's a kindly social worker.  What links them and
Ben together?   If you're patient enough, you will find out.  Most of
the screen time is focused on his budding romance with Emily (Rosario
Dawson), who is also suffering some kind of medical ailment.  There is
a compassionate love story that emerges here.  Neither at first seems
to have a reason to really live.  Yet, when together, their love for
each other is the reason that they both want to carry on.  Their
relationship is tender and both bring to their roles a nice range of
acting skills and good chemistry to make this one of the nicest
on-screen romances this year.

Yet, by now, I'm sure that you can detect my lack of enthusiasm.  Will
Smith has had an impressive run, scoring 8 consecutive $100 million
hits.  Despite his nice performance in this film, that record may stop
here.  It's not that this is a bad film.  In fact, sometimes a film is
more interesting when a person's motives are kept secret until the
very end, which is the case here.  But when there isn't anything to
latch onto, it's like being in a raft out at sea and just letting the
currents take you where they may.  Some kind of hint beyond the
quick-cut flashbacks would've been nice.  You've heard the saying: the
mind can only absorb what the butt can endure.  Perhaps "Five Pounds"
instead of seven would've been better.

Grade:	B-

S:	1 out of 3
L:	0 out of 3
V:	2 out of 3