Writer: Syahida Kamarudin

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Watch this if you liked: "The Pursuit of Happiness," "21 Grams"

There can be only two outcomes as you walk out from the hall after watching "Seven Pounds". You either yawn, or try to hide away your tears. Although neither the poster nor the very boring trailer help much, if you could persevere a little, this movie might touch your heart.

However, patience isn't a quality everybody has. And thus, "Seven Pounds" might be one of those 'good' films that get forgotten all too quickly because of its long melancholic approach from minute one till the end. Perhaps director Gabriele Muccino wanted to chart and capture the lead character's emotions through a decidedly sombre presentation. Instead of capturing your attention however, it makes the movie too slow and draggy.

Will Smith gives a competent performance as the Ben Thomas, a familiar portrayal from his other movies like "I Am Legend" or "The Pursuit of Happiness". One can see the misery that his character feels, although his acting is 'softer' in this movie compared to the other two. On the other hand, Rosario Dawson does well as Emily Posa, a woman suffering from a heart problem and becomes the concern of Smith's character.

Plot-wise, it is commendable. However, the climax is too far near the end and the movie risks losing its attraction before it can unveil the mystery of the whole story that it so desperately needed. It's like driving in a safari and seeing only monkeys and more monkeys - by the time you get to the lions, they don't even roar.

This is a movie for those who are patient enough, or those who love Will Smith enough, or those very interested in the subject of death and retribution.

Cinema Online, 18 February 2009