Watch Happy-Go-Lucky For Free

Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

Good concept, poorly executed.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

What is the point of this film? There's not really any message or significant character arc to be found. Sally Hawkins and Eddie Marsan are engaging - the interaction between ridiculously cheerful and absolutely miserable - but the narrative never takes this in any direction.

As always, Mike Leigh also in this delivers a film with a unique insight into everyday people. But unlike many other of his films, this is more light and easy in the tone and what I want to call a feel-good movie. The film is based on the character Poppy, and goes straight into her life. It may be strange to write this, but the movie actually has little content besides following her many strange incidents and funny episodes. But even if the movie misses a story that builds itself up and draws you into the action, it works just fine. Much thanks to the main role holder who is really created for the role of the freaky, fun and funny poppy. We also need such movie experiences.

I love the fact that Mike Leigh often uses the same group of actors in his projects involving everyday lives of average people—sharing in the joys and sorrows of life—very realistic—even cozy at times. His actors always deliver the best performances, too. Leigh has a way of drawing you in and manages to capture every expression on his actors' faces. For instance, in Another Year, the camera shot is on Lesley Manville's character, Mary, who is sitting on the couch, looking very sad, out of place, and forlorn, while the others are standing about her chit-chatting, pretty much ignoring her. Mary doesn't seem to fit in and is more alone than ever. Talk about heart-wrenching! My heart went out to her in that scene.The music often used in Leigh's projects is quite interesting and adds to the mood of each scene. I love Leigh's style and he is the master of improvisation. My favorite project of his is Secrets and Lies.Happy-Go-Lucky is about a primary school teacher, Poppy (Paula) Cross, played by Sally Hawkins, who incidentally is one of my favorite British actresses. Poppy is extremely playful and sees the good in everyone. She's the 'glass is totally full' kind of girl! I have to say that some of her escapades, though, are over the top throughout the movie. Of course, that's due to the writing and not the actor's fault. I mean really, what person, much less a school teacher, would walk through a vacant lot, late at night, to stop and chat with a homeless man who could have easily been a rapist or killer for all she knew. No common sense, whatsoever! Poppy proceeds to walk deeper into the lot as this man is chanting something or other, and briefly converses with him, if you want to call it that. But the whole time I was thinking, oh, Lord, he's going to kill her! There is another scene where Poppy is at school and during recess, one of her students, a young boy, is attaching another child. She is looking out the window for a good 40 seconds before taking action. However, Poppy doesn't report this to the principal/counselor until this child does it again and this time a social worker is brought in. Of course, there's chemistry between her and the social worker. I thought they fit well together except that their silly antics at dinner was a bit much and way too silly! The worst though is when she becomes a bit too playful with her driving instructor, Scott, played by the stellar Eddie Marsan, and, oh my, does he ream right into her. His character is a time bomb that one! But he goes on to telling her, in so many words, to grow up and how incredibly immature she is and the fact that he couldn't believe she really was a school teacher! My sentiments, too! Poppy took to rebounding or exercising on the trapeze and I'm afraid that not only did she overwork her muscles, but quite likely shook up some of her brain cells as well.One of my favorite scenes with Sally, though, was when she and Zoe went to see the chiropractor. Sally's soreness was very believable! Zoe, Poppy's flatmate, was probably the most level-headed of them all, if truth be told.All in all, I did enjoy much of this film regardless of the negatives. I loved the honesty that each of the actors exuded.

This film has a main character that will split opinion right down the middle: You'll either find her non-stop sunny optimism whimsically charming, or you'll want to throttle her after the first 5 minutes. I myself was won over by her ability to see the best in everything and general love of life, though she did sound a bit like a female Stephen Merchant. Without being an irritating, smug lanky git of course...Directed by the acclaimed Mike Leigh, it also touches on darker themes, such as child abuse, homelessness and the dangers of isolationism.The latter is aptly demonstrated in several heated arguments between our heroine and her joyless, aggressive, conspiracy theorist driving instructor, who is as mad as a March hare.Listening to him ranting on in contrast to the protagonist's humorous candour,you wonder: who on EARTH would choose to be like this unlovely man rather than the happy, chatty lady? Alas, plenty are, and I would bet a lot of them live near me... 7/10