Seven Pounds unfolds slowly, leaving its viewers working hard to understand who Ben Thomas, played by Will Smith, is and what he’s trying to accomplish for most of the movie. It’s like putting a multi-colored puzzle together, only to find out near the end that pieces from another puzzle are mixed in.

The movie starts with Smith’s voiceover stating “In seven days, God created the world. In seven seconds, I shattered mine.” Moments later Ben calls 911 and reports a suicide. When asked who committed suicide, he says it’s him.

As Ben goes in and out of the FBI office, he constantly refers to a list of names he’s fussing over. He makes a visit to each person either at their work or home and informs them they’re in serious default on their taxes. Ben appears less than kind when he berates a blind telephone salesman (Woody Harrelson). When he approaches the home of a battered woman (Elpedia Carrillo) who has two needy children, she throws him out on the street. In between the visits are mysterious flashbacks of Ben with a wife (Robinne Lee) in a beautiful beachside environment.  

When Ben goes to visit one of the women on his list, he finds Emily (Rosario Dawson) in the hospital and suffering from congestive heart failure. Their relationship slowly grows into a romantic one, but Ben’s chaotic doings become even more confusing. Dawson is extremely good here as a woman who accepts her plight with a chin up.

Without Will Smith in this lead role, Seven Pounds would have been a definite loser. There are implausible happenings throughout which require huge suspensions of disbelief. I kept thinking about the title, but nothing in the film ever explains what that’s about. While the intrigue of trying to put the clues of the plot together seems fun in the beginning, it becomes tedious midway through.

Smith’s fans might enjoy this film, as he certainly puts a lot of effort into his role, and the movie features a clear-cut theme about giving. However, the bottom line is that it comes across as extremely depressing and certainly not a film to see during the holidays. In fact, I’m suggesting moviegoers save their money and wait until Seven Pounds comes out on DVD.

(Released by Columbia Pictures and rated “PG-13” for thematic material, some disturbing content and a scene of sensuality.)

Review also posted at www.reviewexpress.com.