Just what is it with the public, and even the more discerning critics? This makes three art house films in a row that have been even better than I expected: Heights, Mysterious Skin and now the contemporary multiple story-themed Happy Endings. While I never thought these would break the $ 50 million mark, come on, all are truly superior story telling. Like the other two, Happy Endinds is involving, well-written and cost what, less than one-tenth of what puerile nonsense like The Longest Yard and The Island demand?
All three have gay characters, another link. All are modern stories. And all are brought to life by naturalistic, fine performances.
Lisa Kudrow leads a sterling cast, with several name performers who seemed eager to appear even in smaller roles; Someone I hardly know, Jesse Bradford, appears in two of the three films, with talent far beyond what was exhibited in more commercial work.
I could have watched another hour of this group of interlocking stories. As a fan of Altman's Short Cuts, there are indeed parallels here, but why would this "Endings" be considered so inferior? So prepared for talk, sit down and enjoy yourself, I sure as hell know that this one brought lots of pleasure to me.
All three have gay characters, another link. All are modern stories. And all are brought to life by naturalistic, fine performances.
Lisa Kudrow leads a sterling cast, with several name performers who seemed eager to appear even in smaller roles; Someone I hardly know, Jesse Bradford, appears in two of the three films, with talent far beyond what was exhibited in more commercial work.
I could have watched another hour of this group of interlocking stories. As a fan of Altman's Short Cuts, there are indeed parallels here, but why would this "Endings" be considered so inferior? So prepared for talk, sit down and enjoy yourself, I sure as hell know that this one brought lots of pleasure to me.