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 Is it about time that Will Smith won as Oscar? Yes we know he�s the �biggest movie star in the world�, but that title implies he has the ability to make great blockbusters which are not generally renowned for their critical acclaim. However if you take a look at his performances in those films and not the films themselves, which have often been rather...disappointing, you will see his penchant and ability for variation and the talented actor has noticeably evolved in the past 10 years (Hitch and Shark Tale are not included).

The latest rung on his evolutionary ladder is Seven Pounds which reunites him with Gabriele Muccino the director of the 2006 hit The Pursuit of Happyness. Smith plays Ben Thomas, a man who is desperately trying to right the wrongs he has made in his life. After being responsible for a car crash that killed seven people (including his wife) he is now determined to change seven people lives for the better and so begins on an emotionally fraught mission to find the lucky seven. One of which is Emily (Dawson), a beautiful and talented artist in desperate need of a new heart. As an unexpected relationship between them develops, Ben is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice before finally lay his guilt to rest.     

Seven Pounds tells an emotional story which is superbly written as screenwriter Grant Nieporte has created a character that you instantly sympathise with; a man so blinded by his own guilt he will do whatever he can to atone for his sins. The film begins using multiple flashbacks and for the first half you�re not entirely sure what�s going on. This creates an intrigue which is perfectly balanced and timed as the narratives of the flashbacks slowly come together and the story begins to unfold. Gabriele Muccino has done an excellent job at drawing out the emotion and sentiment in the film, however at times it does feel a bit too much. In particular the scene with Ben in the bathroom make for uncomfortable and slightly disturbing viewing and the extreme levels of intensity throughout guarantees no eye will remain dry.

As expected, Will Smith is magnificent and he is utterly captivating as the distracted and fractured Ben. His commitment to the role is undeniable as he embarks on a role unlike any he has played before. He is equally matched by leading lady Rosario Dawson who captures the independence, strength and vulnerability of Emily perfectly.

Seven Pounds is undoubtedly an emotional and very sad film which will leave you noticeably affected as the themes of guilt, sin, redemption and self sacrifice will stay with you for days. While the film itself is not perfect, the performances from the leading cast are outstanding; surely it�s about time Will Smith was given an Oscar.