Directed by Gabriele Muccino, the motion picture stars Will Smith as Ben Thomas, an IRS agent trying to sets out to change the lives of seven decent good people; in order to get over a mysterious past grievance. Without spoiling the movie too much, while the premise sounds an inspirational feel good film that is sweet and heart lifting like 2001 French whimsical comedy 'Amelie'; the tone for the flick was not that at all. It's really morbid & depressing. I can't stand Will's Oscar baiting over dramatic miserable acting. You rarely see him smile or felt joy in what he is doing. Not only that but his actions throughout the film, is highly disturbing and very upsetting. The protagonist often breaks a lot of laws and lies to many people to get what he wants, often playing God with their lives. He even put a woman with a weak heart, Emily Posa (Rosario Dawson) in danger, by sexing her up through over creepy stalkiness & lusting. No wonder why Emily seems like she was going to die by the end. Ben was really stressing her out! Her heart rate had to be super high with all that drama, he brought to her doorstep. Also why was Ben explaining her own condition to her as if she didn't knew it!? That was highly jarring. The exposition dumps in this movie is not well delivered. Plus, I really didn't like him using unconventional means to test that they were good people like off-putting depending personal information or using physical and mental threats. I really feel bad for what he put minor character, Ezra Turner (Woody Harrelson) through with his complaining phone call at his place of work. That viciously humiliate and taunting was uncalled for. Also, just because Ezra & Emily are willing to take his abuse and doesn't like meat doesn't make them good people. After all, one could be like sadistic sociopath outside of his workplace under a fake persona & the other is clearly shown doing malnutrition animal abuse by force feeding a carnivore dog, just tofu and broccoli. Regardless of those interactions, one thing that really bugs me is how Ben bully talk, a woman with an abusive partner, Connie Tepos (Elpidia Carrillo) to leave him and take the deed to his big and expensive beach house without a likely means to maintain it. His tone toward her comes off as over dominating, aggressive and downright scary. Chances for this working well is slim to none. Nevertheless, the least controversial thing that the protagonist does in the film to me has to be his actions toward the end. While, some of the other critics did take offense toward that act, due to their belief in the sanctity of life. I have more of a mixed bag feeling toward the central message. Don't get me wrong, I do get that there is a lot of unwell people in the U.S. that are waiting for a suitable organ donor for a second chance of life. While, it's estimated that every day, 20 patients die because of the lack of them. I still have to somewhat disagree with this film's core message that committing suicide is moral victory, as long as you donate. It's just not the right message for those people suffering from trauma or tragedy. Especially if, the idea is that suicide will help overcome guilt and depression. While, there is nothing wrong with living donation process or sacrificing yourself for the greater good. These acts should be done with sound & brave logical decision to save others rather than in a foolish mistaken effort to seek self-forgiveness. Especially if the victim didn't seek professional help first like the protagonist. It gives a false impression of true altruism and love. Also, I dislike the way, he did it. Death by jellyfish? Not only is it over complex messy, long and painful, but the neurotoxin would disable his organs, making the whole act, somewhat pointless. It's a miracle that paramedics in the film didn't waste time, calling animal control. I also found the scene where the doctor, Dan Morris (Barry Pepper) was willing and able to get the patient of Ben's choosing at the hospital on time and used his body before it decayed at the morgue within one night, somewhat unrealistic. In real-life, logistics like this, are much, much slower, because they want to make sure the donor is indeed legally dead before any actions can take place. Regardless, I also hate that the suicide act was not really a surprised or a clever twist, since the movie opens with him stating out so. The release toward the beginning made the rest of the film a predictable waiting game of foregone conclusion! At least, the clever editing from Hughes Winborne was interesting. Plus, the beautiful cinematography from Philippe Le Sourd was outstanding. Especially, during the beach house moments. As for the music from composer Angelo Milli, it's over dramatic at parts, but worth listening to. The same with the acting. Rosario is pretty good, but other performers like Woody Harrison felt a bit wasted. Despite that, overall: while, the movie is not worth its weight in gold due to being highly pretentious, over melancholic & somewhat preachy nature. At least, it's semi watchable if you want to check it out. However, it's not for everybody. Pound for Pound, if you hate depressing tear jerkers movies. It's probably better off to watch something else instead. No reason to hit the sand. That's for sure.
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