Pursuit of Happyness: the Book and Movie

As we sit in our warm homes eating cake and watching "Dancing with the Stars," most of us aren't aware of the struggles other people in the world are going through.

Both the book and the movie "Pursuit of Happyness" are reminders that not everyone is going to sleep in a warm bed tonight and some people will fall asleep hungry.

"Pursuit of Happyness" is based on the true story of Chris Gardner. Chris is a failing salesman trying to sell a medical device that practically no one wants to buy. Chris loses his wife, his apartment, and almost his son, and becomes homeless. Chris never gives up. He juggles taking care of his son and an internship at a brokerage house. The story does have a happy ending.

The movie, starring Will Smith and his son, Jaden Smith, is great. And the movie was so emotional that people were crying in the audience, which is rare. I expect Will Smith will be nominated for an academy award.

The book offers more detail and explains a lot about Chris Gardner's childhood but is not a good read. The book doesn't get good until almost the end. And the idea that Chris had a maniac for a stepfather is stated way too many times. I'm not saying Chris didn't have a hard childhood. I'm just saying that telling us that 20 times 20 different ways does very little to bring the point home. And by the way, Chris grew up in Milwaukee. The book also tells how Chris, after becoming a successful stockbroker, has helped the homeless and other causes.

One thing I liked about the movie was the audience. The audience was 98 percent white. Why do I bring this up? Only a few years ago, a white audience would not pay to see a movie about the struggles of a black man. I think this audience saw a man struggling and didn't care about the color of his skin and cheered for him just the same.

So, if you're looking for a good Christmas movie, this is it.

Rated PG-13 for language.