Review of Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) by Karen S — 14 Apr 2009

The people who wrote reviews for this film and then went on to say that they didn't actually watch the whole thing are wasting your's and my time. This is an exceedingly well directed film, with layer after layer after layer of depth and significance. The main character, Poppy, IS extremely annoying, grating and over the top. At first. But as the film develops, we see that she is really just wholly (and fearlessly) engaged in the world around her. A central aspect of the tale is the relationship between her and her terrifyingly creepy driving instructor, Scott, played brilliantly by Eddie Marsan. I don't know if he has won any awards for this role, but he certainly deserves to! What at first we are led to believe, that Poppy is just some ditzy little partier, becomes a profoundly present and compassionate character, fearlessly engaging in some tricky situations (scary Scott, homeless crazy man, violent child in her classroom...) in a way that holds a mirror up to all who behold it.

Shame on the people who didn't even watch this film through, and yet felt compelled to comment upon it... It's a great, well performed and well acted humanistic story that is every bit worth the time spent watching it.