The BV Entertainment Newswire Blog

By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

Will Smith has come a long way since rapping on the streets of Philadelphia.

And for that the former 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air' star continues to be commended as a prime example of true career evolution.

The hip-pop superstar's latest foray into cinematic territory, 'The Pursuit of Happyness', is the # 2 movie at the box office this week, raking in close to $25 million over the weekend.  The inspirational, rags to riches story -- based on the best-selling memoir of the same name by Chris Gardner-- has exceeded the $100 million mark within its first three weeks of release.

Those are remarkable numbers considering the fact that movie wasn't as heavily hyped as much as another black-centric flick (the slick and glitzy 'Dreamgirls'), and it deals with a very heavy subject matter (homelessness, black men, single fatherhood).

Those are also remarkable numbers considering the fact that 'Pursuit' marks the tenth film Smith has starred in that has grossed more than $100 million at the box office.

And this is just three weeks into it.

Ten movies.  $100 million each.  One billion dollars!!!

The Academy Award nominee (2001's 'Ali') is showing no signs of slowing down either.  From annihilating aliens ('Men In Black' franchise) to saving the world (1996's 'Independence Day') to playing matchmaker (2005's 'Hitch'), Smith is unstoppable with his dominance at the box office.

Next up for Smith, recently honored by the Museum of the Moving Image, and is lending his support to a traveling stage play, are the futuristic 'I Am Legend' and the recently announced comedy 'Time Share.'

BV Extras:

-- MAN 2 MAN: BV's very own Ken Gibbs, Jr. talked to Chris Gardner before the hype.

-- STILL FRESH: Will Smith has career evolution indeed. Check out his  growth in this BV Photo Gallery.

-- HOT PURSUIT: Freelance film journalist Miki Turner  writes about  Will Smith's 'Pursuit of Happyness.'

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• #112 Comment from perkinssonya9 
  2/16/07 6:40 AM | Permalink

  See, you can be a black male from Philly and do something positive with your life without dealing and killing! I love everything about this man. He always comes back to Philly. He went Hollywood but he knows where his roots are, much love and success to you my brother and he didn't have to do it with have naked woman and shit all up in his mouth with his clothes hanging off his ass! And he speaks well.
• #111 Comment from perkinssonya9 
  2/16/07 6:16 AM | Permalink

  See, you can be a black male from Philly and do something positive with your life without dealing ang killing! I love everything about this man. He always comes back to Philly. He went Hollywood but he knows where his roots are, much love and success to you my brother and he didn't have to do it with have naked woman and shit all up in his mouth with his clothes hanging off his ass! And he speaks well.
• #110 Comment from michelwill75 
  1/8/07 5:23 AM | Permalink

  the movie really touched me. i am a female black who understood the struggle. i've had my own being a single parent raising a son who is now 16. i have yet to find the pursuit of happiness. this movie everyone should go see. WILL SMITH another good movie, your son what an actor also handsome if i may say so. keep bringing them WILL.
• #109 Comment from anointedone76 
  1/8/07 4:17 AM | Permalink

  IM PROUD OF YOU.  DO YOUR THANG BABY, DO YOUR THANG!!!
• #108 Comment from southernnycgal 
  1/5/07 9:51 AM | Permalink

  Very cool. Will is doing good and he's maintaining grace, poise and style in all he does...I hope other black actors follow suit