...a slightly uneven yet thoroughly engaging slice-of-life effort from writer/director Mike Leigh.
Comment
09/03/08
Happy-Go-Lucky (2008)
95 %
Reviews Counted: 19 Fresh: 18 Rotten:1 Average Rating: 7.5/10
Runtime: 1 hr 58 mins
Genre: Foreign Films
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Alexis Zegerman, Andrea Riseborough, Sinead Matthews, Kate O'Flynn
Reviews
1 - 19 (sorted by date)
In the end, Hawkins' vivid characterization alone justifies Happy-Go-Lucky. The hamfistedness of the script sadly undermines what probably should have registered as a towering performance.
08/17/08
Frivolity is used as a tool to unmask anger and Leigh's mastery has never been more apparent than in the creation of his richly layered characters
06/18/08
Very funny and, despite the lack of a central plot, finds surprising truth in its characters.
04/20/08
In the factory-farmed blandness of the movies, Happy-Go-Lucky has a strong, real taste.
04/18/08
A delightful comedy that sinks its teeth into your heart with unexpected power.
04/18/08
A light-hearted look at a free spirit, with some funny and thought-provoking moments.
04/18/08
A film that should be required viewing nationwide. A good blast of fresh air that sweeps you off your feet.
04/18/08
Fresh, funny and uplifting. A zingy, irresistible sorbet of light-footed comedy and everyday humanity. Only hardened churls will roll their weary eyes at Hawkins’ gusto. Leigh’s most open and optimistic film since Life Is Sweet.
04/18/08
An improvisational comedy drama, it's very funny and establishes Hawkins as a major talent to watch.
04/18/08
Happy-Go-Lucky might have sit-com spin-off potential, but like one of Poppy's driving lessons, it lurches around, grinding gears, and ends up back where it started.
04/18/08
It’s a funny film – a surprise perhaps after ‘Vera Drake’ – and, crucially, it aches with truth.
04/18/08
Mike Leigh draws a bravura performance out of Sally Hawkins, and she in return makes Poppy one of Leigh’s best characters yet - up there with the likes of Vera Drake or Beverly from Abigail’s Party.
04/18/08
'Enormous crowd-pleaser' and 'directed by Mike Leigh' were not phrases this critic ever thought he would be putting together in the same sentence, but Leigh's Happy-Go-Lucky is exactly that.
03/03/08
The character of Poppy is an entirely original female film protagonist, sort of a British working class version of Annie Hall.
02/22/08
As usual, Leigh's trademark extended rehearsal process pays off with vivid characterizations from ensemble cast.
02/13/08
Top Critic
As surprising as it is delicious with an indelible performance by new star Sally Hawkins.
02/13/08
Top Critic1 - 19 (sorted by date)
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