Iffy for 14+
Melancholy Will Smith film is too intense for younger kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Will Smith + holidays usually equals blockbuster. But this drama's mysterious title and trailer may turn off younger fans who'd rather see a comedy or fantasy. And viewers in the mood for a feel-good story should look elsewhere: The movie tackles heavy themes like what it means to live a meaningful life, embracing death in the face of a terminal illness, and using grief as a motivation to act selflessly. The language and consumerism are mild, the violence is limited to (admittedly disturbing) scenes of two fatal incidents, and the sexuality is one love scene featuring a bare shoulders and backs. All of that said, the central message -- giving of yourself no matter what the cost -- may be too mature for young viewers to handle.
- Families can talk about the film's emphasis on altruism. What messages does it send about generosity? Is it a positive message?
- Was Ben saintly or insane -- or is it a little of both?
- Families canalso discuss how the movie develops as a suspenseful drama. Howspecifically was it suspenseful? Was the end predictable, or did itsucceed in being a "big reveal"?
- How does Smith's character herecompare with others he's played? Do you prefer him in dramas orcomedies/action-adventures? Why?
The good stuff
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Messages: Helping others is an important message for children and teens to take seriously, but purposely endangering your life in the process isn't advisable.
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Role models: On the one hand, Ben is incredibly altruistic and generous, but on theother, he's also depressed, obviously suffering from post-traumaticstress and mentally unstable. Also on the up side, the movie features a diverse cast.
What to watch for
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Violence: Disturbing glimpses of a fatal, multi-car accident are shown. A battered woman has a black eye. One character almost dies, and another character does die in a bizarre way. Ben needs a cast after smashing up his house.
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Sex: A couple kisses/embraces, and another couple makes love -- thier bare backs and shoulders are visible.
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Language: On the milder side for a PG-13 film, but still a couple of uses of "s--t," "hell," "ass," "goddamn," etc.
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Consumerism: Featured brands include Ford, Mercury Records, Kiehl's skincare products, and Travel Inn motel.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Ben and Emily drink wine at dinner.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Seven Pounds by BonnevilleElementary
Will Smith was incredible but not in his usual funny way. I didn't like the fact they didn't explain why it was called 7 Pounds. I found out later it had something to do with Shakespeare and when you do something so tragic the only way you can pay for it was by 7 pounds of flesh.
5
Oscar Winning Performance1111 by Pammo1949
WIll Smith sends you on a roller coaster then captures your heart and then rips it apart. The movie developed in a strange way and was really slow in the beginning. You don't know where the story line is headed nor can you distinguish which scenes are in proper sequential order. However, 30 to 40 minutes into the movie you will get a "ding" in your head and the movie becomes strangely an emotional adventure. By the end I couldn't leave I had cried so much. I am glad I didn't wait to Saturday to take my 13 year old - this is definitiely an adult movie because of the complex emotional scenes (not sex, language or violence strangely). As you watch Will Smith's face - the emotions , the moods you love him -- he is one of the best actors today and his work is memorable to classic. GIve him an oscar for this one
5
Great Movie - but watch out for reviews below that give away the plot by bostr1956
This is a great movie -- if, that is, you don't read one of the reviews below, by user Whammo, that gives away the plot. His or her review greatly diminished my enjoyment of the movie by revealing the central plot. The whole story was obvious to me about 15 minutes into the movie. Otherwise, ti would have had a great surprise ending.
4
7lbs and 1 Tissue by volkathy
I went with some insight into the plot from the trailer and the title which comes from Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice where a debt that cannot be paid is determined to be worth a pound of flesh. But it takes time for the audience to realize the significance of seven pounds. And the IRS? who could be better at collecting debts? My advice is to GO with an open mind - take 1 tissue - get a cold drink and some hot popcorn and just WATCH without trying to understand too much initially. Starting out we are given very little insight into the character or the motivation for his actions. The movie slowly develops and you will enjoy Will Smith's performance as a victim of severe mental depression and anxiety. The surprising ending is at once extremely sad and very uplifting. Woody Harrelson gives a fine performance as a blind man. I left the movie thinking about my own abundant life, my actions, my decisions, and respect for other people. So for that reason I recommend 7 lbs.
5
One of the greatest movies I have ever seen. by Dknice33
I went to go see this movie not reading any reviews and had really no grasp on what to expect. It started out all over the place and kind of got me wondering if I needed to go get a refund. However, all of those loose ends are tied up brilliantly towards the conclusion. Will Smith was unbelievable and to me, this movie was no way predictable until you were supposed to know what was to happen. Everything was done so well in this movie and there was no down time at all. My best advice, don't get frustrated with how it starts......the ending is more than worth the wait. I am going back to see it again.
2
What is the purpose of this movie????! by collinst
It's amazing how times have changed. On Christmas Eve, I enjoyed watching It's a Wonderful Life. The purpose of this movie was to show how our lives touch others', and how we're ALL worth more alive than dead i.e. focus on the good things in life because they far outweigh the bad. Fastforward to Christmas 2008, and the purpose of 7 pounds is to show us that a person's death can be worth more than his life, that by dying one can help others more so than living, and it's ok to commit suicide to solve one's problems. I didn't like this movie. If it's a sign of the times, then it's sad. Ben is not a hero. A hero is a person who can cope with life, overcome adversity and move on. He obviously needed help (psychological) to overcome his guilt and killing oneself is not an acceptable way to do that. And what about his best friend??? If my best friend came to me with such a plan, I would've had him committed to the hospital the next day. What was the purpose of this movie??
4
Seven Pounds by moviegirlinpdx
Definitely rent this movie!!! This movie really caught my attention and emotions from the opening scene. "It took God Seven Days to Create the World and me seven seconds to destroy mine." Seven strangers lives were forever changed by Ben Thomas, the man who assumes the identify of his brother, an IRS agent, to meet these people. The first time I watched the movie I had no idea how the plot was coming together, in fact it took me almost to the end of the movie to understand the full realm of torment that this man had been living for two years. The movie brings the audience close-up and personal to people suffering with major medical conditions and brings out the compassion for anyone confronting life day to day with the thought of death right around the corner. Made me re-evaluate my own life and how I should be focusing on helping others instead of me #1.
5
7 Pounds by OneReelPotter
This was one of the most touching films I've seen in a very long time. I'm a potter/sculptor with ADHD. Movies are the only way I have found that allow me to keep still and focused long enough to get anything done - so I've more than seen my share. Fearing God, I don't believe in suicide. I lost my first husband to suicide when I was 23. But, at 46 I've lived long enough to understand what it is to carry real pain. I don't condone what the character did in the movie, but I understand it. He went to such great lengths to unselfishly give himself to others in a quite literal way, people who really wanted to live but had a very slim chance of doing so. In the end, he took great care to preserve himself that he could give someone else the chance at life to find the joy in living he could never find again. It leaves me in a moral delimma as I just can't see his act as suicide, but as giving up his life to save someone else; laying down his life for his brother.
2
Great movie.. Till the end by Golfer4Ever
Will Smith does a great job of acting (as usual) but is hampered by the script. This movie grabs you, holds you and then PISSES you off with the lame *** ending. Go see it but youll groan at the end.
4
Wonderful Movie by beachandbutterflies
The moral story to this film is so touching and moving, and led me to tears numerous times while watching. Will and Rosario are amazing, their chemistry capturing. Nowadays, it's hard to find a movie that goes beyond the typical action blasting or cheesy romance that we all know too well. Not with this movie. It left me saddened, but opened my eyes to that in death of one we can blossom the life of others. I've read reviews on this movie that say it was stupid, or unrealistic, and I find these people to be ignorant and unaware of how love can really change people's lives. The point of the movie isn't for people to go to the extent of Will, but to take into consideration that we can all do something to help others in need. Beautiful cinematography at times, especially during the field and dinner scenes. You have to see this movie, it will change you. Some of the best heart-touching acting I have seen in awhile.