Review of Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) by Tom J — 30 Apr 2009

Many life philosophers state that having a "happy-go-lucky" mentality is the optimum style to exist in this challenging world. Unfortunately, many humanoids do not ride on the "happy-go-lucky" highway because of the trouble speed bumps that life barricades on us.

Consequently, so many movies feature characters in these gloomy, conflicted predicaments & personas. Therefore, it is always refreshing to see a protagonist have a happy-go-lucky attitude in a movie! And that is definitely exemplified in the enamored optimist Poppy, the leading female character of legendary British Writer-Director Mike Leigh's "Happy-Go-Lucky".

Sally Hawkins performance as Poppy is one that made me happy when it was acknowledged by critics and filmgoers alike. She won a Best Actress (Comedy-Musical) Golden Globe for her work in the film. Hawkins portrays Poppy as a jovial British schoolteacher whose daily encounters with those around her are filled with a carefree joie-de-vivre approach which makes one think that Snow White should have hired Poppy to be Grumpy's psychiatrist; or for that matter also be Happy's sidekick.

Sure Poppy's joie-de-vivre can go into the joy-to-kill-her mode at times on how sometimes her joyous persona can drive itself into the annoying street. Speaking of annoying streets, that is where Poppy takes her cantankerous Driving Instructor Scott many times in her driving lessons.

The clash of the contradiction-type personalities between Poppy and Scott intersects the movie with subtle symbolism on human relations in today's complex society; and it turns out to be the centerpiece non-romantic relationship of "Happy-Go-Lucky".

Poppy trusts everyone around her, cares for her students, and is devoted to her friends. She is a lovely, happy woman but her overextended exultance can slightly fluctuate to irritancy; which makes it no surprise why no lad has popped the question to Poppy.

There is not a profound plot in "Happy-Go-Lucky" and Mike Leigh's happy-go-simple directorial approach easily worked. But I was not a happy-go-luckian when I observed that the film ran over 30 minutes more than it had to.

Poppy's straightforward tale of "Happy-Go-Lucky" needed to stop and put on the red light at the 90 minute mark, and not the 2 hour one. Great Scott, I almost forget to give accolades to Eddie Marsan's fervent performance as Scott! I also was content but not overwhelmed by Leigh's comical, but at times, very British screenplay.

Nonetheless it was Oh Sally! That Girl! What made me feel the most happy of "Happy-Go-Lucky". **** Good.