Review of Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014) by Leon B — 14 Mar 2015

Review:

As soon as I heard the narrating at the beginning of this movie, I thought that it was going to be your typical Simon Pegg comedy but when the movie actually gets going, I really enjoyed it. If the director took out some of the silly jokes and the movie was taken more seriously, the whole pursuit of happiness would have been a joyful ride but Simon Pegg made it feel a bit silly. Once the whole perfect couple aspect gets out of the way, Peggs journey to find the meaning of happiness begins and it really does take him to different corners of the world. I liked the different characters, like Stellan Skarsgard, Jean Reno and the strange prostitute in the bar, and they really kept the movie fresh and a joy to watch. I honestly think that the distribution team done a bad job with promoting this film because it's not what it says on the tin. Its a great insight of different cultures and there pursuit of happiness which would have been a much bigger movie if a serious actor would have taken the lead. There are some touching moments, like when Pegg goes to Africa and helps out in the hospital but the mixture of silly jokes didn't help. Anyway, I honestly think that people will enjoy this film if they give it a chance and don't take the advertising campaign that seriously. Enjoyable!

Round-Up:

In a lot of ways, this movie is like the Secret Life if Walter Mitty, which was also about a humble man who was looking for something more out of life. That movie was also starring a actor who is more famous for his comedic roles so maybe they both needed a more versatile actor which could have brought out the emotional scenes much better. Anyway, the love story between Pegg and Pike was quite touching at the end but it's Skarsgards, party hard character and Reno as the drug lord, that got me. You really can't tell what direction the movie is going to take, which is why I was surprised with the outcome. The joyful ride slows down once he meets up with his ex-girlfriend who turns out to be happy in her life so she helps Pegg to work out if he really does love his wife. There is enough material throughout the movie to keep it intersting, so I hope that people will give the movie a go, now that it's been released on DVD.

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Budget: £9.1million.

Worldwide Gross: £2million.

I recommend this movie to people who are into their comedies about a humble psychiatrist who has the perfect life but wants to find out what is the true meaning of happiness. 6/10.