Review of Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) by Roberto R — 14 May 2009
More annoying and ridiculous modern âLondonâ stereotypes from Mike Leigh, you know the ones, the odd squeaky voiced young woman, and the ranting and aggressive man. I donât know if to blame him or the actors he works with, but why do they all have to have some sort squeaky voice to sound âcommonâ.
Does Leigh really inhabit this world or know people like this? Or is his work, more like a serious toned âsitcomâ or âsoapâ, the type we see on BBC one. He is a craftsman in the way the camera is handled and the locations used are impressive.
Even if the geography of north London and how Poppy (Sally Hawkins) gets about is a bit upside down along the Holloway road! Poppy is a likable and fun character, who tries to help (with her sense of humour and a smile), the people she comes in contact with.
The driving instructor Scott (Eddie Marsan) is a rather lost cause; even she canât guide him or make him understand his problems. Eddie Marsan gives the best performance of the film; he acts with the dialogue and becomes it, rather then just make a familiar âMike Leighâ caricature like what Poppy or her sister Alice (Sinead Matthews) is.
Some of it was rather amusing but for me the characters along with the âLaurel and Hardyâ type music made for an annoying couple of hours.
This review of Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) was written by Roberto R on 14 May 2009.
Happy-Go-Lucky has generally received positive reviews.
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