Happy-Go-Lucky

Review: Sally Hawkins plays an endlessly optimistic, peppy, and all around happy 30 year old, single, elementary school teacher fittingly named Poppy. Throughout the film Poppy is tested in her unwavering joy by the tragedies and hardships that afflict us all in every day life. Normally I find the Poppy's of the world irritating, as do many of the characters Poppy meets in the film, but there is something endearing and charming about the simplicity and naivety in which she lives her life. She isn't mean spirited, jaded or has any ulterior motive for her disposition. Her cheerfulness is just her way of life. The film also doesn't make her out to be a saint, while she is a good person, she does have her flaws. At first her high spirits can be grating, but just like the, grumpy, anti-social driving instructor (brilliantly played by Eddie Marsan), you can't help but fall in love with her quirky aura. This was a refreshing film to watch and reminds us not to take life so seriously. If nothing else, it should leave you in a good mood.
Rating: 4/5

Award Consideration: It's only nominated for best original screen play, and I don't think it will take this award. It was a cute story, but not award worthy. Sally Hawkins had a lot of buzz for her performance and many thought she was snubbed for a best actress nomination. I would have put her in over Melissa Leo, but I don't think she should have won this category even if she had been nominated.