my argument ties into this one...i've always thought will smith was a tremendous actor who just got trapped in "Hollywood". I site Six Degrees of Seperation as my case. He was amazing in that role and deserved many more alcolades then he received. For a young black actor to take on a role where he plays a homosexual was such a risk in the early 90's that it could have wreaked havoc on the rest of his career. But then Hollywood found out that he could make them a buck or two and he was thrust into the machine. I wish you would have asked this question about Ben Affleck, because man, as much as i love Kevin Smith, i don't get the appeal to that guy at all...


:post script: i however, in no way endorse the path his "musical" careet took in the late 90's

Ok albeit it was recent and not an explanation for his fame but come on; the Pursuit of Happyness. If you haven't seen it you should,a more than decent film and based on a true story. Smith shows his talent both in acting and breeding decent child actors,

I'm sorry, have you listened to "Summertime"?

i haven't liked his music since "Parents Just Don't Understand", but i really love Will Smith. I love his personality in interviews, i think he's 1/2 of one of Hollywood's most beautiful couples, and i think his family is stunning. I also happen to think that he's a great actor even though he doesn't always choose the best roles. He just seems like a guy with a good heart. There's no way I couldn't like that.

He's one of those people that is just easy to watch. He's got loads of charisma and I honestly find him funny.

I also own season one of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and know all the words to Boom! Shake the Room.

He seems like a nice guy. He's kinda like George Clooney in that regard (minus, you know, the ability to play in good movies.)

i have to say this is one of the best things i've read here. i sometimes wonder myself why people are so drawn in by him. i have to say that i'm one of the 100 or so people that hold a certain fondness to the fresh prince, and his performance in indenpendance day was pretty good (helped a lot by jeff goldblum).....but the real reason i still tolerate him, and don't think too much about why is this right here.....



i think it's ability to laugh at himself, and his crazy wild success. i don't know....but that song always makes me smile. so if that lines his pockets with cash.....it's partly my fault

He was sort of cute in Hitch...I guess...It made me smile at least, but I have a soft spot for stupid romantic comedies.

The reasons why people like him, including me, I think are related to

1. The fact that he's not out there trying to look tough and gangsta.
2. He doesn't go all whiny emo rapper like that other guy (what's his face, the one who got pissed at MTV & their awards) who thinks everybody's out to get him.
4. His movies may be sucky and he is not the best actor out there, but fuck, he's an entertainer not a life coach on video.
5. He stepped aside to let Keanu Reeves play the lead in an ultra successful movie and its shitquels.
6. People tend to like a guy who loves his kids and is not afraid to look corny in the process.
7. He did look good in the black suit.
8. He is a nice guy. Whenever he has been here in Mexico, he at least tried to speak in spanish. All broken and bad and shit but he tried. And he didn't refuse to sign shit for kids and grown ups alike.
9. He's completely populist. Will Smith doesn't care to impress a fancy audience with musical or theatrical background and knowledge, he probably won't release a symphonic version of any of his singles or albums (like, say, Metallica), he just delivers the so-so goods and if you like it, so much the better for him, you and everyone.
10. Air Fresh Shoes man. Air Fresh Shoes.

Dunno. I just kind of like the guy. He's likeable. Of all celebrities to kick the arse of, I think Will Smith is extremely low priority.

This irrational outpouring of hatred wouldn't be, perchance, connected to his upcoming starring role in I Am Legend, surely? Just wait and see what the film's like. Plus, I haven't seen any evidence that suggests there aren't vampires in the flm...

I don't think I've enjoyed a Will Smith vehicle in a long time. But I like watching "Fresh Prince" reruns. And "Summertime" is one of the all time great summer jams.

Sure he's mediocre. But he reminds me of my childhood, which is pretty awesome.

Will has gone from a little dorky kid in philly to being one of the biggest, most powerful people in Hollywood. And he did it all by just being himself. He didn't sell out and become the "ghetto rapper" or "vulgar black comedian" that you stereotypically see.

Will Smith is the goddamn man. And i bet most people will agree with me.

Music:
Just because he doesn't rap about his glock and his hoes, doesn't mean he can't rap. Lacking darkness and edge does not inherently make something childish.

Movies:
His big blockbuster movies are fun. I like to watch thought-provoking independent films usually, but sometimes it's just nice to watch overly attractive people spout witty remarks and blow things up.

Of course people forget he can actually act too. Six Degrees of Separation, Pursuit of Happiness, Ali, Where the Day Takes You, are all examples of his acting skills.

Family:
He and his wife, actually seem to have a real relationship and family. They're not caught up in gossip magazines and craziness constantly.