Just in time for the joyous holiday season, we present one of the most depressing movies of the year.

The new Will Smith movie, “Seven Pounds,” is a downer from the moment it starts. Now, that does not necessarily mean it is not a bad movie — it is just extremely sad.

It is, however not a great movie.

If anyone has seen the previews for “Seven Pounds,” they probably know what ulitimately happens. If they can’t see the writing on the wall, then they should receive this warning: This is not a typical Will Smith movie.

Smith is very good playing Ben Thomas — an extremely sad man — who has chosen a strange way to amend for a disastrous mistake in his past life. He does an excellent job of showing his despair. When it is finally revealed exactly why his character has decided to do what he does, it is heartbreaking.

Circumstances leading up to the tragedy and glimpses of Ben in his past are revealed slowly throughout the movie in bits and pieces.

“Seven Pounds” is directed by Gabriele Muccino, who also directed Smith in “The Pursuit of Happyness.” While “Seven Pounds” kind of just sits still through most of the story, Muccino does get outstanding performances from his actors, primarily Rosario Dawson, who shines as Emily Pose, a woman suffering from a debilitating disease who reaches something deep inside of Ben.

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Dawson has done some interesting work, most notably in independent films like “Rent” and “Sin City,” but she has also been in a few big studio films like “Eagle Eye” and Men In Black II.” Her role in this movie is probably her most significant part, and perhaps her best.

One of the biggest action stars in the world, Smith has made serious dramas in the past and has been more successful. “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “Ali” and “Six Degrees of Separation” are just three examples of Smith showing off his acting chops. And “Seven Pounds” can also fall into that category.

Ben Turner is not a totally likeble person because of his constant state of depression. In lesser hands, this role could have been a disaster, but Smith is effective.

Woody Harrelson is effective in a small role as Ezra Turner, a blind telemarketer, as is Barry Pepper, who plays Ben’s good friend Dan.

Another interesting bit of casting involves the adopted son of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, Connor. The 13-year-old in his film debut does not have any lines, but the scene does offer an interesting clue to future events.

If this movie had been released in February or March, I probably would have recommended it a little more than I do now. It is an excellent exercise in acting for Smith, Dawson and the others, but it is just too much of a downer for this time of year.

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Brad’s Top 10 favorite tearjerker movies

By Brad Memberto/Staff Writer

With this week’s tearjerker try by Will Smith, “Seven Pounds,” we in the office were talking about what movies made us cry. Not tears of joy, like at the end of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but tears of sadness or deep emotion.

So here is my list for my favorite tearjerkers.

(Male B.S. disclaimer-Ed.:) I never really cry at movies, but I can get a tear in the corner of my eye and be deeply affected in the emotion of the moment.)

10. “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979)

A brilliant screenplay by director James L. Brooks, this film won Best Picture by tugging at your heartstrings. A cute kid, a dramatic courtroom scene and a tear-inducing final scene between Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman.

9. “Ghost” (1990)

Come on, the end scene is very emotional, as well as the scene with the penny on the door. Everyone who was touched, say “Ditto.”

8. “Fearless” (1993)

Jeff Bridges survives a plane crash and is changed forever. There are several emotional scenes that just tore me up. Rosie Perez and Isabella Rossellini are also great. I can’t remember ever walking out of a theater as emotionally torn up as I did after this movie.

7. “Million Dollar Baby” (2004)

The first of four films released in 2004 that made my list. Was that a bad year for me? I don’t remember, but I remember the pain Clint Eastwood went through after the tragedy that changed his and Hilary Swank’s characters’ lives. Morgan Freeman is great as the conscience of the film.

6. “Rent” (2005)

I cannot explain why this movie affects me the way it does, but it is one I see over and over knowing I’m going to get a tear in my eye. Probably the great songs. Jesse L. Martin’s solo at the funeral of a loved one just rips your heart out.

5. “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)

Tell me you do not get a lump in your throat when ET leaves, and I’ll call you a liar. A sweet movie that has several moments of deep emotion.

4. “The Notebook” (2004)

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams are wonderful as the star-crossed lovers, but it is the scenes between James Garner and Gena Rowlands that are truly heartbreaking. Joan Allen is also given a couple of great emotional moments.

3. “Finding Neverland” (2004)

Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet have never been better, both in very understated roles. The story about the birth of the play “Peter Pan” and how the writer J.M. Barrie was inspired by a widow and her four sons. Several heartrending moments.

2. “Field of Dreams” (1989)

A kid finally having a catch with his father. I do have tears running down my face at the end of this one — every time I see it. There are a lot of feelings in this film that I personally can relate to.

1. “The Passion Of The Christ” (2004)

As a Christian, how can I not be affected by this movie? This film probably should be in a category by itself, because the emotion is far more than what I would ever feel in a movie theater on a regular basis. When one sees this and does cry, they should be proud.

bmemberto@santamariatimes.com

bmemberto@santamariatimes.com