Review of Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) by Andrea L — 27 Jul 2009

Honestly, I can't quite see this as a comedy, more of a character study and human drama. Sally Hawkins plays the eternally optimistic and highly cheerful [annoyingly so at times] primary [elementary] school teacher Poppy, who goes through life smiling & bouncing along, attired in mind-boggling, outrageous outfits in brilliant, bold colors. When Poppy's bicycle gets stolen, she shrugs it off and begins driving lessons under the tutelage of acerbic and uptight Scott [Eddie Marsan]. Both these individuals are poles apart, and the driving scenes had some of the truly hilarious and maddening scenes in the movie [en-ra-ha! en-ra-ha! goes Scott, as he vainly tries to get Poppy focused on driving, whilst she's busy looking at squirrels whilst behind the wheel!].

What works - Sally Hawkins [who was amazing in the BBC period drama "Persuasion"] is credible in her role as the upbeat and happy Poppy. She is 30, single, has lived with a female flatmate [who's also her BFF] for 10 years, and is okay with it [despite her younger, married and pregnant sister's remonstrations that she get a 'real' life]. This is an individual that seems utterly at ease with her life, taking flamenco lessons from an emotionally distraught dance instructor [another highlight of the film are the dance lessons and the emotional outbursts by the instructor]. Yet, despite Hawkins' convincing [and yes, annoying] performance, there seems to be something darker underneath - as though this eternal cheerfulness and upbeat manner is masking Polly's own awkwardness in some situations. I just got the sense [perhaps I'm wrong] that this over-cheerful manner wasn't all natural.

The movie also seems choppy in its storytelling - some of the scenes don't really mesh- it's like a series of different stories being put together to form a movie. As I mentioned earlier, I didn't really see this as a comedy, more of a character study. The supporting cast are credible enough, but the almost manic driving instructor, as portrayed by Eddie Marsan was especially compelling in his performance, spittle and all. I'd have given it 4*, but the movie was too long, at almost 2 hrs, and could have been better with some editing.