Happiness

Rating:
Summary: Another awesome film from Todd Solondz
Review: I had no idea what Happiness was about when I bought it, but I had seen and loved Welcome to the Dollhouse, so I took the chance. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed. Solondz takes filmmaking to the next level. What's great about this movie? The colors, first of all. Notice that everyone's clothes, every scene is painted in bright, summery colors as if trying to brighten up the mood of the film. All of the characters are over the top (Phillip Seymour Hoffman is unbelievable), but that's what makes it fun. These are people that could be living next door to you, if only you knew all of their secrets. This movie is about people trying to find their happiness, people who are blinded by the glare of their life and convinced that they are happy. A truly awesome movie.

Rating:
Summary: HAPPINESS
Review: This is an extremely realistic yet risky film that covers major controversial subjects, yet in an amazing way, it does not glamorize them. Not for all tastes and not all can make it through this film due to the very depressing look at the lives of 4 characters and there trip through troubles physically, emotionally, and sexually. This movie is beautiful in every way, acting, atmosphere, emotions, anything. I suggest watching this video more than once and full concentration makes it an adventure into everyday lives like no other. Look for Jon Lovitz humourous, yet very small role. Overall, a GREAT movie. Thank you.

Rating:
Summary: Watch this, but dont' let grandma see it.......
Review: I watched this film and couldn't believe what I was hearing. I mean this is a movie that takes the rules and throws them all away and is more realistic than any of the canned, commercialized stuff out there today. It's a no-holds-barred look at issues that we too commonly lock away in the closet in this society. But "Happiness" takes them and makes you stare at them and think about them. And it makes the topic somewhat humorous, even if it is disturbing humor. A great movie, but not something you'd watch with mom and dad.

Rating:
Summary: What is a good film?
Review: We must all remember that what characterizes a good movie is not how happy it made us felt. What characterized a quality film is the level of emotion it made us experience. I left feeling disturbed and sick to my stomach. The film had an intense effect on me, therefor it was of quality

Rating:
Summary: Disturbing, but I like it.
Review: I could not fathom how so much corrupt material could be found in one film. That in no way bothers me, however. It was a good movie, and the actors played their roles especially well. The father-son relationship made me feel so much better about I got along with my own Dad, knowing I never, ever will have to be in that situation. For those who criticize this movie, they just need to be desensitized, then they can watch it again; as for the shooting scene, they should watch it again and again. Thank you.

Rating:
Summary: Not so Happy
Review: Amazing movie about what we humans will do in the search for happiness. Probably the movie will be misunderstood by many, because the focus is on sexual happiness, wants, fantansies.... and not on the more material things we think of needing to make us happy.. a car, a boat, a new house. Best movie I've seen yet depicting our need for sexual happiness and the varied ways to search for it... losing our way, many times, I'm afraid... Enough mainstream sex content to enjoy, you don't have to be a pervert to enjoy the movie (though, it might help <g>)

Rating:
Summary: A Brave and Disturbing Film!
Review: While this movie is not for everyone, especially if you are easlily offended. It narrates the stories of un-simpathetic characters that are, sadly, people who populate our society and we can't ignore that they do exist. Beside the provocative subject matter, this is extremely well acted, written and directed. Dylan Baker and Phillip Seymour Hoffman are stand-outs in a particularly great cast. Jon Lovitz and Molly Shannon appear in cameos. Todd Solondz is a modern-day Robert Altman, but deals with darker characters. He deffinetely has talent, if only he would make a movie that audiences could relate easier. Don't get me wrong, this is a great movie and one of the best of 1998. Worth a look. From a scale of 1-10 I give this movie an 8!

Rating:
Summary: relax, calm down, listen, think
Review: I see many negative reviews on this film. Do you people have an imagination? Lighten up. Sure the film may let some in on a little more then they care to know about and yes it may also stomp through the dark territory of the mind so what? Just because you people cant handle it does'nt make it a bad movie all around. To those of you easily turned off or on by other peoples opinions i would simply just advise you to see for yourself. And to those who cant seem to understand that there are disgusting things in life out there and apparently dont wish to deal with these things and write bad reveiws on other peoples works stay inside your cozy homes and stay out of our consciousness. Thank you.

Rating:
Summary: bad writing, bad movie
Review: If you are easily offended by disturbing images, don't see this movie. But more importantly if you are easily offended by bad writing, don't see this movie. Character development is the key to any great film. A sick and twisted character can still be interesting if he or she is developed properly throughout the picture. Unfortunately this was not the case in "Happiness" and the viewer is left with a handfull of characters with no substance. Another problem I have with this movie is how it has been seen by many as a knock-you-out drama. Hard-hitting, intense, movies are hard-hitting and intense because throughout the picture, the viewer discovers something about themselves they never knew before. This film doesn't give the viewer a chance to do this. One can't find something hidden in themselves if he or she can not see these feelings within the characters. Simply put, "Happiness" is a bundle of undeveloped characters that relies on it's misused shock value to carry the picture.

Rating:
Summary: I'm sorry but this is NOT art, it's just boring and sick
Review: You are probably thinking, "WOW half the people here think it's a masterpiece and the other half think is sucks! This is a must-see movie." Well that is not the case. I really don't understand what people like about this movie. I don't understand what is it they like about a movie that portraits misery and pedophilia. This movie is so boring and at some points so disgusting (literally not metaphorically) that when I saw it at the cinema, about a third of the audience left at the middle of the movie. If you want to watch a movie about suburban life I would highly recommend AMERICAN BEAUTY. Finally my advice to you is, 'find someone who owns the movie so you can see for yourself before actually decide that you want to spent money over this'