Aspiration and a dedication to ideals motivated Chris Gardner to move through a time of struggle for survival to become a multi-millionaire in the world of finance. "The Pursuit of Happyness," starring Will Smith as Gardner, is based on this real life story; written for the screen by Steve Conrad (who also wrote "The Weather Man") from Gardner’s book of the same title.

Set in the 1980’s in San Francisco, Gardner has invested all his money in a line of portable bone scanners (in an entrepreneurial effort), which he sells (with little success) from doctor’s office to doctor’s office. His wife Linda (Thandie Newton) works (as many hours a week as possible) as a hotel maid. It’s a parenthetical life, to stay one step ahead of the landlord and creditors, and bracketed on each end of the day by arguments. They have an adoring, bright-eyed, five-year-old son named Christopher (Will’s real life son Jaden, appearing in his first film). But Linda feels worn down and she leaves. Gardner insists that Christopher stay with him.

The word "happyness" is a bit of graffiti scrawled on the wall of the pre-school that Gardner and his son walk to each day. Christopher knows that the word is spelled wrong but we know that the true meaning, hidden within the spelling, has significance.

Gardner is struck by the air of confidence (and the expensive sports car parked at the curb) of a guy hurrying up the stairs of a building in the financial district, and he asks the man what he does for a living. Stockbroker is the answer, and Gardner learns that there is an internship program at Dean Witter to learn the business. Gardner is persistent and smart, and he wins a spot in the crowded competition. What he didn’t realize was that the internship was unpaid. But he can’t back out at that point. Because what he drives home to his son is that you never let anyone tell you what you can not do.

Determined to win the one job offer that is promised at the end of the line, Gardner draws on all his prowess as a salesman, his knack with people, and his savvy as a survivor. While he pries millions of dollars from investors for their portfolios during the day, Gardner is evicted from his apartment and his and Christopher’s living accommodations go downhill. They are homeless, and Gardner’s challenge is to keep them safe and his son unafraid. Theirs are the faces of the many people we pass by on the streets of any mid-size city.

Director Gabriele Muccino, from Italy, has won many European film awards and the Audience Award at Sundance. This is his first English speaking film.

Will Smith exhibits a maturity here that goes beyond the graying hair at the temples. His performance is straightforward and moving, owing, in part, to the portrayal of a caring father to his own son, Jaden Smith. This is a terrific movie to enjoy with your family.

We lived in the San Francisco area for over five years and attended the church featured in the film, where Gardner and Chris found shelter on many nights. Glide Memorial United Methodist Church is real and does offer support, housing, and education to thousands each year. And they do serve over a million meals to the poor and homeless. We still support its many programs. Make a difference in others’ lives. We are all entitled to the pursuit of "happyness."