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Cinema Voyage - Michael Pearson

This blog is PRIMARILY about movies. Some dvd and some that are still in the theater. Also, links are provided on some movies if you decide you want to purchase it. Also, I write and read quite a bit. So, you may, from time to time see a book review here from an up-and-coming author or an interview with one. If you have a book that you have written, please don't hesitate to contact me if you want an unbiased opinion. I would be happy to read and review what you've written. We should value our creative people more.

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Review - Seven Pounds

January 4th 2009 07:11

Will Smith's latest venture into the world of filmmaking brings us Seven Pounds directed by Gabriele Muccino, who also directed Will in The Pursuit of Happyness. Despite solid acting performances from Will Smith as Ben Thomas and Rosario Dawson as Emily Posa, I feel that the film slightly missed the mark.

The film opens with Ben Thomas making a 911 emergency call requesting an ambulance. The emergency - a suicide. The victim - he is! Introduced to us as a suicidal (first scene) and unhappy man (second scene) the film plays out in a non-linear fashion.

Cut to a list of candidates which clearly states on the note that they are people that Ben does not know. Ben proceeds to contact one of the names on the list, Ezra Thomas, a blind vegetarian meat salesman played spectacularly by Woody Harrelson. He attempts to get him into a conversation with the sole purpose of trying to upset him, the reason at this stage, not being apparent. Ben obviously upset by this conversation shouts out seven names - the names to which the seven pounds refers to and we see the names again flashed upon the screen for our benefit clearly representing seven people who have died.

This is where the film begins to let me down. As a somewhat intelligent filmgoer I am of the opinion I don't need the plot to be written out on the screen as obviously as this in order for me to get it. Also as one who studied theatre at university, I couldn’t fail to notice the Shakespearean reference of the pound of flesh from The Merchant of Venice to which the movie title refers to. I felt it would have been a much more interesting experience if the plot was kept hidden for longer as it seemed to be in conflict with the aim of the movie.

Cut again to Ben inside the IRS office accessing personal details of the names on his list. He then proceeds to contact these people one by one getting information that he requires. Less than 20 minutes into the film it becomes clear that Ben is looking to help people but only if they themselves are deserving of help.

One of the women on his list is Emily Posa, a woman who requires heart surgery due to a deficient heart. Ben falls for Emily's charms and whilst the relationship between Emily and Ben works well, it seemingly takes over from the rest of the film becoming at one point more of a romantic drama with the main plot becoming more secondary to the romance.

Well intentioned, heart felt and a great concept but unfortunately not enough to be a great film.

Voyage Review: 3/5

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Posted By: Michelle Sweeney - Category: No Category

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Comments

6 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by jon

January 5th 2009 03:39

Orble News
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Hi -- I've sent you an email already but sometimes they don't get through. Would you like a domain for this blog? If so send an email to charles -at- orble.com (change the -at- into a @) and he will be able to set one up for you.

You may also need to add the email address admin -at- orblemail.com to your address book in order to receive Orble admin emails in the future.

Thanks,
Jon.

(Orble Admin)

Comment by Michelle Sweeney

January 5th 2009 04:05

Competition Queen

Thanks Jon - I got it. I am just reading through it now.

Comment by Cheryl J

January 5th 2009 06:45

Rhythmatism
Budget Centsability

I have to say I find the concept of this movie fascinating although I could think of many ways it could go wrong. I am looking forward to seeing it though.

Comment by Michelle Sweeney

January 5th 2009 08:54

Competition Queen

Hi Cheryl - I hope you enjoy it.

Comment by Kevin 5

January 9th 2009 04:25

Review Mania: To Watch or Not To Watch
Debate Movies Movie Reviews

Oh man you serious?

What a letdown... The trailer looked so good... O well, all trailers looked good... and i thought Will Smith would be a good judge of the script! (Pursuit, the Hero film, etc)