Nastasya T
I just saw this on TV and wasn't wholeheartedly paying attention during the opening credits, but thought the graphics indicated I would be seeing a Woody Allen film. Nope. Sure it had the humor and depth from some of the earlier and lesser known Allen flicks (Interiors), but this film had the unconscious fluidity and stellar acting that Allen's films of late have been regrettably lacking.The writing and direction by Sam Levinson were nothing short of incredible; I totes want to be his new best friend. The casting was phenomenal, and were I in charge of doling out the awards Barkin would've certainly garnered a best actress, Miller best actor, Burstyn best supporting, and of course Best Original Screenplay to Levinson. The screenplay had more meat on it than the Atkin's diet. It never faltered in relating throughout. Levinson must be extremely self aware and a professional at observation to write such tangible characters in the configuration that he did. A weekend of American family dysfunction was under the microscope and Levinson didn't paint with broad strokes nor did he get lost in the details.I can't say enough positive things about the film and the only thing I would take a few digs at would be a couple of tunes in the soundtrack, but that is so minor compared to this work that will resonate with you if you have sort of been "there".
kosmasp
Actually on top form. Which begs the question, why isn't she playing more and bigger roles? It's quite interesting seeing her play this tough role and she is very convincing. She has a stellar cast of amazing people around her. And while I do understand that some people might have issues with the characters on display here, this was exactly the point of the movie. I guess many thought this was a comedy, but it isn't. It's a drama and if you accept that from the start, you might enjoy watching the movie a lot more.Sometimes you are in tune with others who vote here and sometimes, like with this film it seems you aren't. The story is great and I was feeling with the main character the whole time. Family gatherings are not easy. Watching this isn't easy either. Although a lot easier than some other movies I recently watched. Give it a try (but rent first before buying)
shandragore
Reading the professional critics' reviews of this powerful film is bewildering. Some of them perfectly reflect my sense of the deep truth it presents; others write it off as promising but fatally flawed.I want to focus on the painful (awful, even) sense of recognition I experienced as I watched. Early in my life I was profoundly and forever influenced by the writing of R. D. Laing, especially "The Politics of Experience." That title is much to the point here. I'm reminded of an old joke: Q. How many people does it take to have politics? A. Three, so that two of them can get together and talk about the other one. Laing portrays a world of interpersonal, ESPECIALLY familial, relationships in which violence is carried out, not in the realm of the physical, but in the realm of experience. He claims, and I say vividly demonstrates, that human beings routinely act with the purpose not merely of controlling others, but with the purpose of controlling how they experience themselves, their reality and the character of their oppressors. In Laing's terms, they are confronted with "forces of violence, masquerading as love."In these terms, "Another Happy Day" is dead on the mark: throughout the film Ellen Barkin's character is tormented by and struggles to overcome the mists and fog of the interlocking attitudes and prejudices that are the residual outcome of her family's progress through time. In terms of this struggle, she emerges as an existential heroine. More power to her; more power to all of us.
Hanagiee
I'm not one for movies that put a damper on your mood and opens up your eyes to the fact that there are dysfunctional families out there. (I'm an optimist.) But, with this movie, I didn't want it to end! I found each character rich and they all pull you right in. Even with the minor roles you can really see how each character fits into the whole picture. The performances in this movie played with my heartstrings. It was a perfect balance of sympathy and hate. I felt that each actor killed their performances. I mean that in a good way! Its a respectable cast. I'm not sure why it got such a low rating. A dysfunctional family isn't something new in the movie industry, but with this plot it brings up a lot of questions (as well as answers, if you truly take in what the characters actions) as to why certain things turn out the way they do in families such as this. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to see top-notch acting and also for those who enjoy movies that they can discuss afterwards!
AD
