Review of Seven Pounds (2008) by Vahid A — 08 Sep 2013

Will Smith is a wonderfully talented actor, but Seven Pounds is wonderfully flawed, presumptuous, and self-congratulatory. From the beginning of the movie, Smith's character plays God as he goes from person to person, judging who is worthy of redemption.

We watch this happen again and again, with stereotypical reactions from mostly stereotypical characters. Smith's socially maladapted character (Ben Thomas) fails to create the intrigue that Muccino thinks he does.

Muccino attempts to create mystery surrounding Ben Thomas; he actually designs a character with an intense need for psychotherapy and serious interpersonal issues. Muccino spends too much time focusing on Thomas' irritating inability to function as he tries to help others; so much so that by the time we learn why Smith is attempting to save others, our imaginations have created a greater plot than Muccino has directed.

The film deserves some credit for attempting uniqueness and artistry, but overall the movie is a macaroni picture brought home by a child from school - the artist thinks the picture is fantastic but the rest of us are saying, "What the heck is that?" Rent it, don't buy it, and balance your checkbook while you watch it.