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| Movie Review: Happy-Go-Lucky Alternate Title: Little Miss Sunshine
Story: Sunshine and light is
something we have come to expect from a Disney film - not a film by
writer and director Mike Leigh (Secrets & Lies,
Vera Drake). It seems there are no certainties in film and Mike
Leigh has given us a successful character study that diverts from his
usual path. Poppy, our protagonist is happy-go-lucky. Evil
is often more interesting to watch on the big screen. Goodness can often
be cloying. Our Poppy sees the world as one overflowing glass of liquid
sunshine and inserts her exuberance everywhere she goes whether it is
asked for or not. Can this bounciness be irritating? Annoying? At first
I was suspicious and a bit uncomfortable with this perky, optimistic
piece of fluff but soon found her endearing and authentic. The story is a series of vignettes in Poppy's
life. How she fills her time when not teaching her third graders is
the heart of the tale. She takes driving lessons, flamenco dance classes,
parties with her friends and generally sucks life in for every atom
it offers. Her clashes with the dark side of life's inhabitants inject
themselves into her carefree world and how she handles these encounters
is the beauty of this movie. This is not a film for everyone but if you want
to see one heck of an actor and see how much work it takes to be happy
all of the time check out this latest Mike Leigh film. Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P97wbtckTEY Acting: Sally Hawkins as Poppy gives a tour de force
performance that is well worth the price of admission. Eddie
Marsan as driving teacher Scott, is magnificent as representative
of the darker side of life. Alexis Zegerman as roommate
Zoe hits all the right notes. Trivia: English director Mike Leigh is the son of
Jewish-Russian immigrants. When actors audition for him, he asks them
to sit at a table while he observes. Leigh uses a minimal script and
has his actors improvise.
Predilection: I like Mike Leigh films.
Critters: Loads of street pigeons and a dog being
carried over a guy's shoulder.
Sex Spectrum: Some kissy face stuff.
Soundtrack: The music by Gary
Yershon is odd. The bouncy segues between scenes is reminiscent
of TV sitcom fluff.
Opening Titles: Simple black background with white
type.
Visual Art: The attention to detail is eye popping
grand.
Theater Audience: A few Mike Leigh fans and us.
Weather: It is worthy to note that in our cock-eyed
optimist's world view it is always warm and sunny in London. Drift Factor: I did look at my watch a few times and
think the film could have been shortened by a good 15 minutes.
Predictability Level: I was not sure where we were
headed in this one. Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Sally Hawkins' performance is surely
Oscar worthy but I would not count on it happening.
Big Screen or Rental: Either
Length: Two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 7.5
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