Review of Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) by Tanya K — 27 May 2009

In Happy-Go-Lucky, Leigh makes us reflect upon how we perceive the world. He introduces a crew of diversely interesting characters, testing us to see which one we relate with most and, by allowing us to become introspective in this way, raises the value of this little film.

If only we could all be a bit like Poppy; sure, she can be cavity-inducing sweet and bubbly, and isn't always the best judge of when to hold back her smart alecky quips, but she's one happy camper and we ultimately like her.

In Poppy we have a complex character that appears to shrug negativity away with the ease of water off a duck's back and it's easy to assume she's in denial about her world, but reality is just the opposite as we get glimpses into her soul.

Genuinely caring, Poppy actively tries to help those that can't help themselves, but surly individuals bring out an extreme reaction in this carefree flower-child as she tries to counter their negative energy with over positivity.

She simply feels compelled to challenge unhappy people by making them take a step back and really give themselves a good hard, critical look. The worst of her encounters is, by far, driving instructor Scott.

Scott is racist, intolerant, lonely and very unhappy with a massive chip on his shoulder which continuously feeds his ever growing insecurity. He becomes Poppy's biggest lesson as, through him, she comes to accept her limitations and realize that some people are beyond help.