Review of Happythankyoumoreplease (2011) by Kyle G — 23 May 2012

Probably GARDEN STATE's superior, but still kind of an awkwardly self-indulgent debut's debut about fresh-faced but beaten-down creatives learning love. Josh Radnor (HIMYM's Ted) wrote, directed, and stars in his own down-tempo navel-gazing indie.

It's similar to Zach Braff's 2004 GS, but I think this one is more effective; where GS lives in just an amorphous zone -- indecisive mood, personal stalling and soul-destroying "protection" themes, etc. -- Radnor's story goes a little bit deeper into the roots of those questions -- gratitude vs. ignorance, you conforming to the world vs. the world conforming to you, bravery vs. recklessness, etc. -- and ultimately builds a more substantial, concrete story. It sometimes stumbles into sappiness, but I think overall it's a very sensitive and well-shaped little film. And seven main characters is a lot to handle for such a cerebral screenplay.