Review of Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014) by Alasdair B — 15 Aug 2015

What makes people happy? How can one be happy? These are questions we all ask ourselves, and this film attempts to answer these questions. "Hector and the Search for Happiness'' is directed by Peter Chelsom. The films cast includes Simon Pegg, and Rosamund Pike.

Once there lived a man named Hector (Pegg). Hector is a psychiatrist. Hector has a wonderful girlfriend, lives a normal decent life, and has meaningful talks with his patients. One day, Hector begins to go through changes. His life seems normal, but he begins to feel fed up with it. His life is filled with sameness. So, Hector decides to go on a journey of self discovery. To find out what happiness means. His wild and eccentric journey takes him to China, Africa, and a trip to see an old flame.

By far, one of my favorite British comedians and actors is Simon Pegg. His role in the film, Shaun of the Dead is my personal favorite. He's a wonderful and charming actor, with loads of talent. If it hadn't been for Pegg, I may have detested this film. He is quite possibly the only thing I really liked about it. His performance is charming, funny, and at times heartfelt. It's a shame that his talents were wasted on such a poor script. Several notable actors appear in the film, including Rosamund Pike. She also gave a good performance, despite the small role. If you have not seen Gone Girl yet, I highly recommend it. Pike in an extraordinary actress with massive talent.

Now, on to the film itself. Overall, this is a poor attempt at happiness. I found the script very, very crass. The characters all felt really shallow. More like annoying cartoons. The only character I found to be bearable was Pegg's. He was eccentric and witty. Despite the awful script, you can tell he enjoyed himself. The film isn't all bad, despite its massive shortcomings. At times, the film that could've been shines through the cracks from time to time. It attempts to explore important life themes, and while it mostly squanders to do so, it prevails now and then. In the hands of a better writer and director, this might have been really good.

"Hector and the Search for Happiness'' has it's moments, but ultimately it fails in its endeavor. On the bright side, the cinematography is gorgeous, and Pegg gives a charming performance. The script, direction, characters, and themes however, fail to compel. It's a very dull, overlong, and annoying film in the end.