Seven Pounds Review

a I’m not sure why this film is not getting more Oscar buzz. I liked it. Will Smith does a nice job. Rosario Dawson is showing more of her range. “Seven Pounds” is a good film. The trailers are mysterious and so is the first hour of the film. Maybe that’s what has kept the Oscarites away. Maybe because the film takes its time, that is viewed as “too slow”. Maybe because “Frost/Nixon”, “Milk” and “Grandpa gets a gun,” are so strong that this film looks like a 10-6 team going against a team that is 18-0. I know you feel me Giant fans. Well then let’s put them on the field and sort it out! Ok, I know that last line is more about how college football needs a playoff system. Have the National Championship decided by alcoholic sports writers and a computer, is like the best films of the year decided by a group of showbiz elitists who never venture outside of Beverly Hills. So if a good film isn’t being chatted up on the charity luncheon circuit, then it has no chance. I know I’m rambling but the BCS (Bowl Championship Series for all non football nerds) is bullshit. Anyway, “Seven Pounds” is about a man, Will Smith, who is trying to make amends for a horrible wrong that he committed. Clearly he won’t let it go and it eats him up. We see him trying to find the right candidates for the goodwill he wants to give. Rosario Dawson plays the one he is focusing on. She is going through a tough illness and it has consumed her personal and financial life. Smith wants to help but is afraid to open up to her. She is a fine actress and this role is hopefully a sign of more to come for her. Oh yeah and she’s crazy beautiful. The mystery is why and who he really is. I don’t want to give more away and ruin the movie like listening to any supporter of the BCS on ESPN tell me that, “the current system is fine.” Yeah why not try to bring back the typewriter you dildos. So go see Seven Pounds, it’s a good film. I love a story about a man trying to find redemption; who beats himself up at the benefit of others. I also like Gabriele Muccino’s direction with the quick flashbacks that you have to piece together. Barry Pepper plays the conflicted best friend well and Woody Harrelson is different than I have seen him, which I liked. Maybe not the powerhouse of the rest of this years Oscar list but winning 9-6 in the rain is still a win. And PALM STRIKE the shit out of the current college football bowl system until these, auto industry like, idiots create a playoff. —Graham Elwood