Review of Happythankyoumoreplease (2011) by Brad B — 02 Oct 2011

Every now and then, there comes a well-acted, clever and heartwarming film that makes you look deep inside yourself and say nine small, but very impacting words: "...Ah shoot, I think I might be a hipster." Well, I don't know if its time to come out of the sweater-filled closet yet, but what I can tell you is that this film hasn't gotten enough appreciation for being the most in-depth study on hipster life. "happythankyoumoreplease" my foot, this is "hipsterthankyoumoreplease". Seriously, it took me a while to realize that Malin Åkerman was wearing that ridiculous, flashy outfit because she wanted to hide the fact that she lost all of her hair and not because she was on her way to a Poetry Slam, which she may have been. I just couldn't pay attention too well, because I was too baffled by how sick and twisted Josh Radnor is to make this stunning woman look like... that. If that doesn't prove that he's the other "How I Met Your Mother" cast member hiding a certain "fabulous" secret, then I don't know what will, but hey, as long as we see more of him with a script in his hand, - whether it's because he's writing it or reading it for himself and fellow castmates - then I don't care if he turns out to be the mother, which might actually be their plan for the series, because with Barney entering a relationship, Robin crushing on Barney again and Marshall and Lily having a baby, that's the only shark they haven't jumped yet. If you haven't seen "How I Met Your Mother" yet, then you deserve the spoilers.

Like I said earlier, this is a well-acted, clever and heartwarming film, hipstery though, it may be. Still, as much as I love Josh Radnor, I'm not gonna kiss his feet. If this film tells us anything, it's that nobody's perfect and that's something that can definately be said about our shot-caller here, who, as a director, keeps the film at a slow pace, but not in the same way other indie films are at a slow pace. This film certainly moves more than Joe Schmo's indie flick, (Seriously Joe, if you want a big production team to pick you up, then you've got to pick up the pace) but its atmosphere feels too quiet, subtle and unengaging, leaving you to fade in and out of the film from time to time, partially because he doesn't develop the story and characters as thoroughly as he should have and that he could be smoother with his jumps between the stories. It doesn't help that there are stories that are definately more interesting than others. Of course, what might hit this film the hardest is that although it's definately distinctive in its style, some themes and even its flaws, it feels like a very generic indie comedy. Still, as far as breakouts go, this is a heck of one for Radnor, who may not tell his vision perfectly, but still delivers on enough charm to keep the film going.

Say what you will about Radnor's directing and writing, but he definately has more experience in the acting department, and it comes across, because whether it's his writing and directing or his acting, he's to blame for his storyline being the absolute most enjoyable. Well, it's either his fault or Kate Mara's, because holy crow, she's so darn beautiful and lord knows Malin Åkerman is not gonna be that engaging face like she always is, considering what condition she's in. But seriously though, Radnor's storyline is the most enjoyable, partially because he brings such an electric burst of charm, charisma and sharp comic delivery, yet with a dash of relatability, as well as crackling chemistry with his almost, if not just as charming co-stars, the fairly impressive newcomer Michael Algieri and the always stunning and talented Kate Mara. Sure, Josh Radnor is playing Ted Mosby, but it's definately character I never get tired of seeing. Still, this isn't a one-man show and although he's not aware of that enough to make his fellow co-stars' stories as interesting as his, he still gives enough material to our co-stars to not only summon what value they can get out of their stories, but show just how good they are. Through "Watchmen", Malin Åkerman exposed her potential as a solid actress and through this film, she proves that that was no fluke with her audacious, charismatic and engaging performance that proves that she doesn't need to be beautfiul and naked to "wow" you, much like DiCaprio's mistress, Zoe Kazan, (Obscure "Revolutionary Road" reference? Oh lord, I am a hipster) who... wasn't so much bautiful in the first place, as she was kind of cute. But seriously though, Kazan's character is one to summon mixed emotions, but whether you love her or hate her, Kazan plays up the flaws in her character in a very human fashion, making her storyline a compelling one, even if it does feel rather expendable.

Ultimately, although it's not the smoothest, most consistently interesting or most inventive indie comedy, the mostly snappy writing and electrically charming performances by the very talented cast leave "hipsterthank-I mean "happythankyoumoreplease" to stand as an overall heartwarmingly satisfying first step in Josh Radnor's breakout as a renaissance man.