Michelle SweeneyReview - Happy-Go-Lucky
June 19th 2009 08:44
Happy-Go-Lucky is a portrait of a period in Poppy's life and how she deals with the situations thrust upon her and her reactions to the characters around her. At first glance she is annoying and it makes you wonder how she managed to survive to the grand old age of 30 without the happiness and lust for life not having been knocked out of her. But we soon learn that she is not as shallow as she initially comes across.
In the opening scene she visits a bookshop and tries to infect the owner with her "joie de vivre" but finds herself ignored. She does not take this to heart seemingly happy with herself and even the theft of her beloved bicycle does not manage to get her down.
Scott: Bear with me.
Poppy: Is there? Where is he?
Their relationship comes to a crossroad when his road rage cannot be culled and she refuses to leave him until he is able to calm down as she does not want him to injure himself or others.
Her caring attitude also comes out in the classroom where one of her students has been bullying others in the school. She does not judge or get upset - she genuinely has an affection and love for her students.
In one scene - which seemed a little out of place with the rest of the movie - she even stops to talk to a homeless man. He mutters over and over to himself but she is not concerned for her own safety - she is more aware and concerned with the fact that he may be hungry or doesn't have a place to sleep.
Her personality eventually does reveal that she is worried about her life and does have deep moments and worries for her future. Her younger sister is happily settled in a house with her husband and is pregnant with her first child and a pension in place. She tells Poppy that she should be concerned about the future although Poppy promptly tells her that she is happy with the freedom that she has. Although there is a little room for doubt in terms of her reaction.
Sally Hawkins ultimately holds the movie together and there is great support from the other characters involved.
Poppy's flatmate Zoe knows Poppy and they have spent many years together both in London and abroad. Her character is a lovely contrast to that of Poppy and it brings about a more realistic feel to Poppy's life.
Zoe: You can't make everyone happy.
Poppy: There's no harm in trying that Zoe, is there?
You may find yourself wanting to switch off early on from Poppy's annoying antics but give it time and you will find that her character will grow on you.
Voyage Review: 4/5
Check out the preview below:
| 32 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
