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The Review - AT THE MOVIES with DAN CARRIER
Published: 15 January 2009

Will Smith stars in Seven Pounds

Taxman role pays off for collector Wil Smithl

SEVEN POUNDS
Directed by Gabriele Muccino

THE taxman has never had a good press, but perhaps now, in these days of fiscal belt-tightening, when we hear politicians talk of a New Deal financed by the public purse, having the lead man as a tax collector is not such a bad idea.
All-American action hero Will Smith takes on the role of Ben Thomas, a grouch who works for the IRS as an auditor. His day job includes the rather vile task of tracking people down who may be seriously ill, but still owe cash to the state.
Ben has had a shady past and we are aware that his personal history contains a secret something that has hit him hard. He is seeking redemption through his work, and that means he gathers a motley collection of cases together that he has to help out.
His secret past unfolds and the revealing of the plot works well. As he tracks down his clients and asks the question: “Why haven’t you paid your taxes?”, he tries to decide how their circumstances might be taken into account.
Smith turns in a strong performance. We are used to his wise-cracking, friendly guy persona, but there are times here when he is a foul-mouthed and uncaring braggard.
Throw in Emily (Rosario Dawson), a designer with heart disease, and Woody Harrelson as a blind pianist, and Smith is well supported.
It’s by no means a typical Will Smith vehicle. However, it is undermined by the odd bit of schmaltz running through this story of love and redemption, with its subtler moments drowned out by wave of goo seeping off the pretty picture scene set-ups whenever Smith and his beau are on the screen.

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