Movie: Seven Pounds (2008)

Director: Gabriele Muccino

Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson

Rating: PG-13





I watched this movie last night and let me tell you, I was impressed! Seven Pounds has a very interesting story that, unfortunately, I can not say too much about because it will give it away. Will Smith plays Ben Thomas, an IRS agent who when considering a citizen's requests such as granting extensions, etc., will hunt to find out their character. Are they a good person or a bad person? It is evident from flashbacks that Ben has had a troubled past that still upsets him. Ben meets and takes a special interest in Emily Poya (Rosario Dawson), a woman suffering from congenial heart failure and owing the government a large sum of money. Eventually, Ben and Emily begin a relationship together during which, Emily continues to try to find out about Ben's past with Ben still refusing to reveal anything.

This film was very entertaining in how director Gabriele Muccino (who had previously teamed up with Will Smith for The Pursuit of Happyness) weaves the story in a way as to hide Ben's past and why he takes such an interest in the lives of the people he's investigating but still giving hints along the way. The movie also allowed audiences to see Will Smith excellently tap into his emotions to provide a very impassioned performance as the evidently tortured Ben Thomas.

All in all, this film was very well directed and acted. As I said, I wish I could give more detail into the story, but it would ruin the movie. Another aspect of the film that I liked was the coloration. Colors were bright and vibrant, but some colors of the characters were enhanced to characterize a certain aspect of that person. For example, one character is blind. To draw your attention to that fact, his eyes are discolored, but still a very piercing blue that makes them stand out.

My rating for Seven Pounds: 8 out of 10