Title: Happythankyoumoreplease
Director: Josh Radnor
Starring: Josh Radnor, Malin Ackerman, Kate Mara, Michael Algieri, Zoe Kazan, Pablo Schreiber, Richard Jenkins
“Happythankyoumoreplease “ is 2010’s “(500) Days of Summer. “ Which translates to a rewarding and intelligent piece of cinema. We say 2010, for it originally debuted at Sundance in that year, and managed to work its way into select theaters. So it’s kind of strange that the flick is once again being released in a very limited capacity in 2011. Strange because its timely themes are delivered in an award-winning manner. So why the delay for the 2010 Sundance audience award winner?
Actor Josh Radnor not only stars in the flick, but also wrote the script and helms the director’s chair as well. The story takes a look at a few characters, all whom are at the same stage in their lives – adulthood – while residing in New York City. Amongst their respective struggles, is the common bond of how each of them are trying to embrace love.
Radnor plays Sam Wexler, a writer who is about to hit the wall with regards to his career. His feeling of self-worth is at an all-time low. Yet he tries to remain positive and portray an image of having his crap together. Alongside him is his best friend Annie (Malin Ackerman). It would seem that Annie’s main issue is finding the right guy. However, Sam realizes that Annie lacks confidence, stemming from a rare disorder that causes her to lose all her lovely locks of hair. His other two close friends, Charlie (Pablo Schreiber) and Mary Catherine (Zoe Kazan), are a couple who have a major decision that threatens their relationship. Sucks reaching 30.
Even with all this uncertainty in his life, Sam’s heart brings in more possible drama, as he takes in a foster child who has lost his family on the subway in Rasheen (Michael Algieri). Together, the well-beyond his years youngster and Sam form a rewarding relationship by exploring life from each others perspective. While this is happening, Sam decides to go against every impulse in his body, and makes a play for a striking local bar-singer named Mississippi (Kate Mara).
Let’s start with this…Embracing love has never been so funny. There are some heartfelt moments, but this is a true 100 minute comedy. It’s not a flick that is only comical up to a certain point and then gets all serious (about time). However, the flick still manages to pull on the heartstrings at just the right moment, without going overboard. A nice little subplot in the story revolves around the very talented young Michael Algieri. This angle has the substance and amusement of an Adam Sandler’s “Big Daddy ” concept. Though a bit more mature.
Just as “(500) Days of Summer “ was able to tap into the modern lexicon and scenarios late twenties and early thirty-something’s face, “Happythankyoumoreplease “ trumps that flick with a laid-back delivery. Everything just looks and feels natural, which is a credit to the performances along with the excellent writing of Josh Radnor. This flick speaks to a generation without trying to get all heavy on the audience. For it doesn’t have to, because just about everyone who sees this can relate. Plus, it’s hilarious!
Overall, “Happythankyoumoreplease “ is about good-hearted people trying to be nice and failing at it. All that really needs to be said here is that the intelligent comedy comes first in this flick. When the drama seamlessly weaves into the story, the audience and the flick benefit greatly. As the title suggests, you literally want more of this story.
RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Review by Joe Belcastro
