Film Review: Happy-Go-Lucky

Happy-Go-Lucky
Directed by Mike Leigh
Released October 10, 2008

Director Mike Leigh hasn’t made a movie in four years, and his last effort was the incredibly good, incredibly serious drama “Vera Drake.” His new film, “Happy-Go-Lucky” is completely the opposite in terms of tone, yet it’s still a marvelous and completely likeable experience. The movie is amusing throughout, and its dramatic moments come only in perfectly blended spurts. Lead actress Sally Hawkins is simply amazing as eternally cheery chatterbox Poppy, and the great news is that, even though all the critics will be highlighting Hawkins’ performance, the movie is just as good. Alexis Zegerman provides an excellent sarcastic foil to Poppy’s positive demeanor as her roommate and best friend Zoe. It’s rare to find a film that’s truly a comedy that’s as good as this one. Hopefully, this little-seen film will get increased distribution and renewed press coverage when Oscar season comes up and Hawkins garners an Oscar nomination (fingers crossed!) for her terrific performance.

B+