From Philly's Finest to...Hollywood Star! The Will Smith Story

From rapper to television's "fresh prince" to the superstar who opens big budget movies on the 4th of July (Independence Day, Men in Black, this summer's Wild, Wild West), Will Smith is enjoying the ride on the fast track to Hollywood fame and fortune. Although he makes it all look simple, behind the easygoing charm lies lots of talent, hard work, and a keen business sense. This video offers an authentic rags to riches story, in addition to an overview of today's multicultural Hollywood scene. In not much more than a dozen years Smith has vaulted from a west Philadelphia high schooler to Premiere magazine's "power 100" list of Hollywood's most influential figures. Despite an early divorce and some tax troubles, Smith retains his nice guy image. This video should be a sure winner for young adults, but it's hampered by poor sound, as well as no examples of Smith's music, TV shows, or movies. The video producers were no doubt unable to acquire or afford the rights to this material, leaving the viewer instead with unrevealing interviews with fans, critics, and far too many glimpses of Smith displaying his winning personality at press conferences. Instead of insight, the narrative dishes dull clichés on the tabloid journalism and fanzine level. Libraries should wait for a more comprehensive and perceptive biography on this popular actor. Not a necessary purchase. Aud: H, P. (S. Rees)