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Showing all 23 reviews...
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Although there's no behind the scenes footage to prove it, there's little doubt that Mike Leigh is one of the finest directors of actors working today. It's evident in Happy-Go-Lucky and his previous venture Vera Drake, both which contain acting so naturalistic and so convincing, they cease to be performance pieces. They are little slices of life, and I for one could devour them and never get sick of it. This film is an infectiously cheery display of the potential human beings have to be their very best. A comedy as side-splitting as it is refreshing.
10/10
16.4.2009 -
brendan,prost@ - age: 18-25
Wonderful lead, great dialogue, quirky scenes, hilarious!
8/10
8.2.2009 -
waddi63@ - age: 36-49
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I can't recommend this movie highly enough. After his period pieces (Vera Drake, Topsy Turvy), director Mike Leigh once again immerses his audience in the lives of contemporary, everyday Engligh folks. This being Leigh, it's more than just a character study. This time around his story is about hope versus fatalism. Watch and listen to the character interactions and you'll see how the story points towards the reasons for Poppy's relentless cheer. She's no mindless optimist. Like the characters whom remain close around her, Leigh's "Poppy" has an opium-like affect on me, too and, days later, I'm still thinking about the film. Leigh may even have saved me from becoming an all-out curmudgeon. And to those sad sacks who didn't "get" the movie, I fear they all fall on the "Scott" side of the belief system scale. Pity, that.
10/10
2.1.2009 -
chazmelvin@ - age: 36-49
It is refreshing to find a character who charming , funny and light, while remaining realistic and complex. I hope that others find some insight in this film, instead of being another sour and unhappy critic.
9/10
4.12.2008 -
kalakatt@ - age: 26-35
An interesting film. It's a bit slow to start, but it ended up pulling me in. If you like fast-paced, clearly defined plots you should skip this one, but if you can handle the slower pace it's definitely worth seeing. Very funny and engaging.
7/10
23.11.2008 -
asuranj@ - age: 18-25
[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Can't compete with some of these well written reviews. I loved it. I need a Mike Leigh, or Ken Loach film at least once a year to was off all the clinging fake that Hollywood touts as entertainment. An engaging lead character and some very good support work. The story of the violent boy was well-done and without a wasted moment. And there is enough suspense to make us worry for Polly because we know what frustrated men are capable of doing. I feared for Polly during some of the driving scenes (Eddie Marsan should get a nomination for the character he created) and in the scene with the mysterious, disturbed giant at night. Who got some great lines, by the way: "In a bed," and "You know? " But Polly prevails - which would be a good title for the film. If you liked this, you may very well like JCVD, The Movie, and Let the Right One In.
9/10
23.11.2008 -
dgfcuk@ - age: 36-49
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This is an overly simplistic ode against domesticity, with silly, unbelievable characters and a controlling, pseudo-wise heroine. Dumb.
2/10
23.11.2008 -
violbiol@ - age: 18-25
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A character study and a kind of moral inquisition on 'What is happiness anyway? '. Poppy faces minor disaster after disaster with what I can call only aplomb, and comes through at the end wiser but still happy. Contrasted throughout with people (dance instructor, driving instructor, sister in the suburbs) who are not so much fuming and uptight as raging against the same life times and place, Poppy finds joy in the same moments that others find only betrayal of how-its-supposed-to-be. She is truly one of those annoying people we all know :) This is a nice departure for the director who has previously been most interested in the depths of our depravity and despair.
7/10
23.11.2008 -
acchaladka@ - age: 36-49
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[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
After reading the horrid reviews here and seeing that most of the professional film critics in this world seemed to LOVE this movie, plus the fact that it is a Mike Leigh movie, all had me intrigued. I was not disappointed. I don't think most viewers got this film, it's not a typical Hollywood film by any stretch of the imagination. What it is, is a very, very wise film on the power of projecting our feelings and issues on to other people. Poppy is indeed happy-go-lucky, she's 30, an elementary school teacher in North London, no investments, no real estate, no boyfriend, no savings. Yet, instead, she fully lives and inhabits each moment of her life, she loves her friends, she loves her messy apartment, she accepts each day as it comes, whether that means having fun with your friends at a London dance club, jumping on trampolines or taking flamenco lessons. She's happy and her joy comes from somewhere inside of her and it's authentic. She doesn't worry about tomorrow because all she has is today. Watching the people around her, like her obnoxious married and pregnant sister, her sourpuss driving instructor and even her exasperated friends, you realize that they are the ones with problems, projecting their own issues on to Poppy, that there are people in this world who don't want you to be happy because they'd prefer to see you as miserable as they are. So if you want to watch this happen, then by all means go see this movie. The ending is absolutely brilliant.
9/10
18.11.2008 -
fairdose@ - age: 36-49
Not a movie for cynics, but who says only the sourpusses know best. Polly is simply a cheerful individual - but she's no fool. She sees the glass as half full and is repeatedly willing to enquire/protect/offer a 2nd chance. When she sees a serious problem she knows exactly what to do. She's definitely a 'decider'. I'd trust her with serious responsibility any day. It's not necessary to be glum to be smart. Intelligent well paced movie. Try spotting the personality types. This movie describes many and may teach how best to handle/avoid the difficult ones.
9/10
9.11.2008 -
jackovipe@ - age: 50+
Absolutely terrible. A complete waste of time and money. Characters completely one dimensional. No story. Can't believe this is made by the same guy who made Vera Drake.
1/10
9.11.2008 -
heliossa@ - age: 26-35
Pointless and depressing. Goofy dialogue - if you can make it out with the heavy accents -laden with silly clichés and worn phrases, typical of British films. Not funny or even mildly humorous.
2/10
7.11.2008 -
willyjay247@ - age: 50+
If your the type of personality that enjoys the other side of the coin phylosophy then get going you will enjoy the Heroin of the smiley faced people... Poppy is a wonderful sort of girl, secretly I think if this type of person exists you know she's going to wake up one day and wipe everyone at the office out! People that have a great dispossion all the bloody time, end up on the news for the CRAZY killing spree... :) I think everyone should see it for educational purposes. ^^
7/10
2.11.2008 -
luxjerryious@ - age: 36-49
I hated this movie. Usually I love foreign movies but this one has absolutely no plot or even a semblance of one. The first 30 minutes feel like you have been watching traffic for an hour. Very doll. If you like slow British movies then this is for you other than that stay away.
1/10
1.11.2008 -
belugasweet@ - age: 26-35
I loved this movie, it's one of the loveliest expressions of optimism (and its pitfalls) that I've ever seen.
10/10
29.10.2008 -
velocityblue@ - age: 26-35
I got tired of character of Poppy already in the first half of the film. How it ends was not satisfactory. I don't get the point. Maybe expected too much.
6/10
28.10.2008 -
marycoli@ - age: 36-49
Excellent! This is one of the finest films this year.
10/10
26.10.2008 -
davidnankoff@ - age: 26-35
Funny, not trite or chirpy. I could have watched it as a rental, but I definitely enjoyed it.
8/10
26.10.2008 -
kelliotson@ - age: 26-35
This is an engaging slice-of-life film, with a glowing performance by Sally Hawkins. She's an overgrown kid at heart who enjoys life one moment at a time. Her younger married, and much pregnant, sister believes Poppy should start acting responsibly and grow up. But Poppy is happy with her life teaching primary school and sharing a flat with her best-friend and roommate. She doesn't need material things to get by. The only reason she decides to take driving lessons is because her bike gets stolen. Eddie Marsan is a riot as her misanthropic driving instructor--Poppy's complete opposite. The film is slow-paced but offers wonderful characterizations and insights into the human condition.
9/10
26.10.2008 -
julieb43@ - age: 36-49
This movie is very interesting. It has no real plot or real purpose. Its basically revolves around the social life of the main characters few weekends. Luckily she is a little bubbly and colorful to make this an amusing enough movie that you forget the movies shortcoming. I suggest waiting for the rental.
5/10
25.10.2008 -
kampat111@ - age: 26-35
[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Slow to get into its groove at first - and you wonder "where's this going? " but then you remember it's a Mike Leigh film and you relax and let the master take you along his path. I love Mike Leigh's films, and if you do too you will probably love this. It's not for anyone who is looking for a frothy Hollywood comedy "movie". For a start, I don't think that audience would understand a line such as "I think we could pull in these" spoken by Polly to her flatmate as they prance around with decorated paper bags over their heads. I almost fell out of my seat laughing at that line!
9/10
23.10.2008 -
ger,maguire@ - age: 50+
Although it doesn't have much of a plot, this is still a very entertaining film about hope. Sally Hawkins turns in a standout performance as the effervescent and ever hopeful Poppy.
8/10
19.10.2008 -
codogno@ - age: 36-49
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This is a surprising, quirky film with unexpected edge. Sally Hawkins is a delight as Poppy, a thoroughly engaging character with just the right edge of shadow to her bubbly frivolity, giving her depth and compassion. Eddie Marsan is a riot as her manic learn-by-pnemonic driving instructor whose darkness and cynicism are goaded by Poppy's effervescence. A rare testimony to optimism, Poppy is reflective as she faces the Shadow with a twinkle in the eye, a caring impulse in the heart and a giggle of sublime mirth at life's foibles.
9/10
17.10.2008 -
iispiral@ - age: 50+
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