Performance & Direction: Pursuit of Happiness Review
Last updated: February 5, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Pursuit of Happiness (2001) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Pursuit of Happiness features a noteworthy lineup led by Frank Whaley . Supported by the likes of Annabeth Gish and Jean Stapleton , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Pursuit of Happiness
Quick Plot Summary: Pursuit of Happiness is a Comedy film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Pursuit of Happiness
Ending Breakdown: Pursuit of Happiness attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Pursuit of Happiness reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Pursuit of Happiness?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Pursuit of Happiness
All Cast & Crew →
Pursuit of Happiness Parents Guide & Age Rating
2001 AdvisoryWondering about Pursuit of Happiness age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Pursuit of Happiness is 93 minutes (1h 33m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.7/10, and global performance metrics, Pursuit of Happiness is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2001 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pursuit of Happiness worth watching?
Pursuit of Happiness is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 4.7/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Pursuit of Happiness parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Pursuit of Happiness identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Pursuit of Happiness?
The total duration of Pursuit of Happiness is 93 minutes, which is approximately 1h 33m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
