You really have to give this movie a chance. I thought after 10 minutes that Leigh had committed one of the rare missteps of his career -- an investigation of happiness by a director who is more at home on the dark side of the soul. But spending time with Poppy makes you realize that her happiness is actually a strategy for dealing with the dark side, by someone who understands what it would mean to give into it. There has been much talk of a seemingly incongruous scene in which the main character has a surreal, unintelligible but nonetheless deeply felt conversation with a homeless man. I thought this was the centerpiece of the movie: Poppy is in a sense looking into the mirror at the shipwreck that can occur to a person if the commitment to happiness (and therefore, Leigh seems to be saying, to sanity) is not kept up. The cast is as always in Leigh's movies astonishing. Cancel the Oscars, deliver acting awards to Hawkins, Marsan, and to the wonderful Alexis Zegerman, and be done with it!… Expand

I'm sorry but Sally was, in fact, annoying to me. If the movie is her performance, the movie deserves to be failed.

So refreshing to see how Poppy views the ups and downs of each situation she encounters. With a positive attitude like hers it gives all of us hope who many times sees the glass "half empty"

Quite possibly the worse movie ever made. Don't waste your time.

Quirky, innovative, unique, mainly funny, yet darkened by the amazing cab scenes. A Movie like no other.

What a charming and funny character study. I went into this film not expecting much, but i got a whole lot more out of it than intended. The leisurely pace may not be for all, but for those who stick with the film may get a lot out of it. Sally Hawkins plays "Poppy" a very friendly and good-spirited girl who interacts with a variety of other characters that can be found in our world. Some of these people who she comes in contact with are the exact opposite of her. This makes for very interesting interactions and funny dialogue. I was reading many of the negative reviews on this film and can understand why those people had a problem with it. They just plain don't like Poppy, and wouldn't like to spend more than an hour in her presence. I found her funny and charming, while others (and this i can understand) find her annoying. However, i feel that her character is undeniably valid, and even though you may not like her character, the audience should be willing to take a step into her shoes. The story is all about Poppy's life, so just be a part of it and SMILE!… Expand

A movie that will have you belly laughing. Poppy is one smart cookie. Sally Hawkins is brilliant.

Inane and boring. Pointless and tiring.

The always sunny disposition of the main character Poppy soon gets annoying. I like positive people, but you can have too much of a good thing. Nothing very interesting happens to Poppy - this is just a few days in the life of an eternal optimist. Nice does not equal interesting.

This is one of those odd movies you might find yourself liking better a couple of days later than you did while watching it. (While watching it, you sometimes want to wring Poppy's scrawny little neck.) Later, you recall Poppy's verve and loyalty and determination to persevere in a crappy world, and you really wish her the best. At times, the actors' improvising is all too obvious, as when the misanthropic driving instructor's rants go on and on and on. Great acting by Hawkins, so different from our glam and airbrushed U.S. starlets.… Expand

I, too, am surprised at some of the negative comments this film is receiving, but it's played to a mixed reaction from my own friends as well. I think that actually speaks to why Happy-Go-Lucky is so interesting. How you react to Poppy -- what you think of her -- says something about you, and the way you approach life, happiness, optimism, immaturity... Poppy isn't instantly lovable. She isn't perfect, and she isn't right. This movie isn't about sympathizing with or succumbing to Poppy's character; it's about understanding who she is, why, and how the people who keep her company -- who care for her -- do. She calls into question our memetic cynicism in a way that is sometimes refreshing, sometimes misguided, but she does it, because there's so much more to her than some of us jaded individuals are willing to see.… Expand

This movie is a gem. How often do we see a movie that actually examines the real-life risks of leading a happy life, and whether happiness itself makes it worth it? Also, the acting is extraordinary.

I loved this film. A refreshing change from your average Hollywood movie, this one made me think during, and after watching it. Some really interesting stuff in it - I think most people can relate to it.

I haven't been this bored at a film since "Lost Highway". All three of us wanted to leave but we left that up to half of the audience. I do not know what else to tell you. Do not waste your time!

Cliche script that good acting could not save. We were bored after 5 minutes. Cannot understand the the critical raves.

Sally Hawkins saves this film from a 1 - though her character is tendentious and patently desperate in the way she approaches people. Poppy is that awful person we all know who thinks she is just too too clever and should just shut up and ask her mum where she went wrong. And the contrived romance with the smarmy social worker is the last straw.

One of the most overrated movies i've ever seen. I've rented it after reading so many good reviews by the critics, and i was actually astonished by its emptiness. There basically isn't a story: the film is only made by a bunch of sequences (not always related between each other) where Poppy -quite possibly the most annoying carachter i've ever seen in a movie- just keeps on laughing at people with no reason, blabbling nonsense and telling stupid jokes. There's no laughs, no tears, NOTHING in this movie. I just prayed it could end as quickly as possible, and then i was left with the only desire of punching Poppy on her always-smiling face.… Expand

Bland film, about a bland main character, played slightly better than bland by Sally Hawkins. I wanted my $10 and 2 hours back at films none to soon end.

5.9? Really? We're in a sad state if audiences is unable to see a movie like this and see it's amazing soul. This is one of the few movies I've seen in years that has a real heart. God bless Mike Leigh. I wish more American filmmakers could match his talent and will. There are some who come close (Ang Lee and "The Ice Storm" to think of one), but he stands alone.

This movie is ideology at its purest ... critical thinking is mocked embodied by scott and this distance (not engaging with the world) that poppy portrays is symbolic of western buddhism. Hence she can participate in the oppressive matrix of virtual capitalism and keep her hands clean.

Utterly grating.

It's been a while since I've wanted to walk out of a movie, but didn't want to break my girlfriend's heart. Major chick flick to the point of complete drivel, complete lack of a compelling plot line, any joke worth repaying with a laugh, replete with horrific flutey mood music and chatty Cathy nonsensical blather.

I think a lot of people just won't get this movie because it really isn't plot driven...so not much happens. Mike Leigh writes great dialogue...but it's low-key, slice of life writing. Don't expect any great drama or goofy, over the top comedy. My friend and I laughed a lot, but I noticed we were the only ones laughing. I think a lot of Americans are baffled by this type of film. I'm not sure why people have to love everything about the main character. If real life bores you then don't go.… Expand

Left after 20 min. Nice premise, but either bad script or bad acting.

Some of these scores just further confirm to me of the dumbing down of America! People are so used to being fed garbage by Hollywood they can't appreciate a great film!!! I mean really some of these comments? "What's this movie about?" Huh? I really don't think it's that hard to understand. Anyway, I hope to see some Oscar nominations for this, it is highly deserving.

The Slate review does say it best, though only toward the end: nothing of consequence happens in this movie. The main character (characterized flatly by Hawkins' strained study in obnoxious and defensive optimism) changes nothing and is changed by nothing. The script provides plenty of opportunities for conflict and even, hey, direction, but still somehow eschews either. Garbage.

Some laugh out louds for sure, but she is so annoying we wanted to walk out not sure what all those great reviews are about (and I love Mike Leigh movies!)

A fantastic performance in a great and thought-provoking film. Sure, she can get annoying occasionally, but that's because she is a real character - everyone can be annoying at times. The film though as a whole is definitely worth seeing - hilarious at times (I truly laughed out loud) and sad at others.

A wonderful film. I really didn't want it to end... I just wanted to stay with Poppy as I loved her. Fantastic!

Ok not great, Poppy is annoying. Would not watch again.

I considered walking out after 15 minutes. My fiance asked "What's this movie about?" I still have no idea myself. "You know what I mean?" If you made it though an hour of this movie you "know what I mean". Pointelss. Plotless. Soulless. And if you're a fan of the acting you can see the same thing for free volunteering at any mental ward. That's no disregard to mental patients, just the actors and people behing this movie. Happy Go Lucky? No, I was just Happy To Go.… Expand

Pointless exercise in futility. MC's user review sums it up nicely. Was I missing something? There's no progression of characters or plot in this film. Poppy makes whoopee. Who cares? Poppy's driving instructor gets peeved. Who cares? Professional reviewers are out of sync with public tastes on this one, and I usually at least understand why they rated a movie highly. Not so with this 2 hour snoozefest!… Expand

Not the worst movie ever - but pretty boring and meandering. It never starts and it never ends.

Left after 30 min., couldn't stand it. I couldn't help but see her from the driving instructor's point of view, jokey and unserious to the point of annoyance. Got a ticket refund :-) but wasted a Saturday night.

Truly a life changing experience. Sally Hawkins is brilliant.

Affectation is not acting. The film is one long reaction shot focused on Poppy, and Hawkins's attempt at portraying happiness falls flat; her breathy, fake laughs grate and her voice prickles. Huge disappointment.

Interesting that most people seem to either love or hate this film. I don't generally enjoy Mike Leigh Films---they have no plot, and revel in "every-day-ness" and HGL is still in that vane, though I think it had a lot more plot then usual. Like many, I started off thinking this character was annoying--and like a lot of people who try to be open and generous--positive, sometimes it comes across as irritating and an affectation (so I liked how Hawkins played this character& forces you to react to her). However, the real "plot" surrounds the "tests" Poppy goes through w/ others as we follow her. I do think she genuinely grows throughout the film and I did warm to her. I thought the driving instructor was the centerpiece of the story, the basic antithesis of her--so that dynamic was incredible to watch unfold. Overall, I thought Hawkins and the driving guy--Marsen were brilliant. Liked the character study and meditation on optimism/happiness, but don't particularly enjoy how Leigh tells "stories". Worth a rental.… Expand

I agree with Hugo: "Terrible script, ... stereotype characters, annoying lead character, pretentious and extremely boring. The 2 points are for the driver - great actor. Do not watch." Let me add it's pretentious in the lead character being "politically correct" and the driving teaching being politically incorrect & psycho to prove the point. This is such an annoying movie - I can�39;t believe they got the money to make something so flimsy and a waste of time.… Expand

‘Happy Go Lucky’ does not preach, pander, or assault the senses. It does however commit the cardinal sin of failing to entertain, and tedium can be every bit as offensive. If a movie lacks a plot, then it had better compensate with strong dialog and sympathetic characters. Sadly, ‘Happy-Go-Lucky’ falls short in both categories. With the excellent ‘Secrets and Lies’ and the poignant ‘Vera Drake’, this writer/director has a proven ability to plumb the depths of British working class pluck and spirit. But in this movie, he chooses to highlight an inane heroine with unceasing, frenetic bursts of frothy dialog accompanied by spasmodic tics and a strident laugh. During the final five minutes, Poppy’s reaction to her driving instructor’s rage (the sole powerful role in the film) offers a fleeting glimpse that there may yet be depth beneath her vapid surface, but it’s too little too late. By then this movie had long since lost its heart and this viewer had long since lost her patience.… Expand

It's a sweet story with well developed characters and fine writing, but I sure don't know what all the fuss is about. Sally Hawkins is good but I found her performance to be nothing extraordinary. Cute story, not much more.

Learned next to nothing about main character (Polly) over the course of the entire film. After an hour felt more irritated by her than interested or engaged. Scott (psychotic driving instructor) was much more interesting but too little of the plot.

I'm not good at explaining why or not that I liked a movie, but I really enjoyed this. And of course it helps that Sally Hawkins really is one the best actresses around today.

This slice of life/character study by Mike Leigh gains an extra dimension from the question posed: what makes someone happy? But don't expect a traditional plot.

Easily one of the best films of the year!

The main character Poppy is supposed to be compassionate--but how can we sympathize with a flighty, sarcastic, non-stop-talking 30 year-old giggler? The villains are bad like cartoon villains are bad. And that's cheap and too easy. I wonder about the people who find this movie profound. Poppy is smugly superior, and her treatment of the driving instructor is criminal. A terrible movie.

The high critic scores should have been a give-away...stay away from this bomb. The critics nowadays only seem to like very negative, downer movies (such as Rachel Getting Married or The Dark Knight). Yes, those are well-acted movies but the word "happy" is nowhere in the title as it is here. Sally Hawkins gives an excellent performance (that's why I gave it one Star) but the randomness of the writing and the overly oppressive characters around her just drag this movie down. Once again, it comes down to the writing...a weak script cannot be saved by good acting. I did try to like this movie but after an hour and 35 minutes, I gave up. You can be beat me over the head only so long before I have to move on. Disney really blew it on this one. It could have been a real lesson movie if it had been more consistent or focused. Why, after having no fear of all the other challenges in her like, did Poppy suddenly seem so fearful under the bridge where she met the crazy guy talking to himself? So many wasted opportunities. It makes Bangkok Dangerous look like an Oscar contender. Save you $11 for something better. (This year, however, that may be difficult.)… Expand

Had it been billed as a character study of a tragic heroine, I would have scheduled the movie for something besides a chance for comic relief. As it was, being force fed her torturous blytheness was far from relief.

I was severely disappointed by this film because the trailer seemed so promising. In fact I didn't think a film could actually cause me physical pain (a terrible headache) nor make me think vicious thoughts about the characters. This awful film did exactly that. The script was absolutely unconvincing in its optimistism or at its attempts at portraying realisitic London life (the cabbie for instance was to be pitied for his road rage because of Poppy). Unfortunately also it fulfilled tired stereotypes (white working class cabbie hates black boys, dabbles in conspiracy theories). A new angle would have been appreciated. The romance was forced (the social worker & Poppy exchanging numbers straight after just trying to get the audience to sympathise with an abused child.) Not professional or cute. The attempts to make the audience think that Poppy had some profound insight/kinship with the downtrodden (e.g. the homeless man) was pathetic because there was not a light of understanding between the two, just left with the mad ramblings of a cold and hungry man. The other characters lives (e.g. sister, flatmate, colleagues) were uninteresting and badly acted. The whole film seemed very black and white with everyone enraged with the world (not explained why) and Poppy 'happy' unconvingly. Irritating to the point of knased teeth. Avoid at all cost. I am sorry I rented it. Life affirming films have been done a whole lot better by some seriously good actors with thumpingly good scripts e.g. Audrey Hepburn etc. Indulge in those.… Expand

This might be cliche - -but it just made me feel happy -- and thought both Sally Hawkins and Eddie Marsan were brilliant -- give them both Oscars.

Glad to see that this film got several Golden Globe nominations. Can't believe some of the scores and comments about this film. I guess most people are so used to being spoon fed the story and plot that when they actually have to think it is beyond them. Well, at least the Golden Globes got it right!!!

After seeing that this film received a rating of "universal acclaim," I expected it would be a buoyant tonic to the holidays. But no, it's a long, aggravating affair, with an inane and irritating main character and the equally irritating and vapid people who comprise her circle of friends, relatives, and professional (?) associates. Poppy dresses like a cheap hooker and has the depth of a three year old. We are supposed to love her for her cockeyed optimism, but she comes across as an optimistic idiot who wanders into seriously dangerous neighborhoods for no apparent reason, bounces on a trampoline, lives in chaos, and has a double-digit IQ at best.… Expand

This is an extremely bad movie, made seemingly worse by the misleading critical reception. Neither the favorable reviews nor the trailers share what you're really getting from this film: a showcase for a better-than-average David Brent (UK's The Office) impersonation from Sally Hawkins. We left halfway through and skimmed through the rest after downloading it at home. Just terrible. Make sure your evening has a backup plan if you leave the house to see this one.… Expand

I really find it hard to believe some people giving this film 1's and 2's. Yes, Poppy was very upbeat, sometimes a bit annoyingly so. You have to look deeper at how she interacted with her two sisters and other relationships in her life. I think it really covered up some deep sown sadness that she felt, which was also mentioned by another poster here. Overall, an extremely good file with fantastic acting as is always the case with Mike Leigh films. He set the bar very high with "Secrets and Lies", and while not quite reaching that, he comes pretty close.… Expand

Wonderful, thought provoking movie.

Terrible script, no direction, no form, stereotype characters, annoying lead character, pretentious and extremely boring. The 2 points are for the cab driver - great actor. Do not watch.

For once a film that leaves me speechless. The best, most subtly intelligent movie I've seen in at least a year. Don't be fooled by the hype -- I hate sentimentality and forced optimism. That didn't get in the way of my loving this film. Great writing and directing combined with an astonishing cast, especially Sally Hawkins.

This entertaining film from Mike Leigh is more a portrait than a film, but it still holds up as an entertaining comedy.

Very good performances. The man who played scott( Eddie Marsan) was very good. The scene where scott confronted poppy(Sally Hawkins) was so mind numbing.

I found the film to be incredibly funny and uplifting. The narrative style is non-traditional. Very little conflict, so for some it may seem boring. I was mesmerized by the organic quality of the acting, directing and camerawork. Sally Hawkins' performance was my fave of the year so far.

As we were walking out of the theatre, another couple stopped us and asked what we thought of the film. We answered that we hadn't really enjoyed it, and they sighed relieved saying "After we read the reviews, we thought we were missing something because we really didn't enjoy it." At the end of the film, you felt like you hadn't gotten anything from it; none of the characters had changed or learned, there was no narrative to be advanced, and you hadn't really learned much. It was like a two hour long Seinfeld episode where most of the humor was traded away for a small slice of artificial bubbliness.… Expand

I don't get it. Maybe the humor was over my head because there was no hilarity here. A couple chuckles was the most i could muster. Sally Hawkins was hardly the new face of comedy that I read about, I mean, come on, an Oscar Nomination? She seemed to be doing a Tracy Ullman impersonations the whole movie and a poor one at that. Happy Go Lucky is the most over-rated movie I've seen this year.… Expand

Most people seem to either love or hate this film. It is basically a slice of life film, with a meandering plot that is frequently slow moving. The most interesting part is the interaction between Poppy and the driving instructor. At the beginning of the film I found Poppy rather irritating, and sympathized with the driving instructor for having to put up with her. Yet as the characters are further revealed to us, I found that Poppy really did grow on me. I didn't really see anyone as a villain - everybody is trying to cope as best as they can. And Leigh does leave us with something to think about - particularly on the nature of happiness.… Expand

A brilliant film. Sally, who at first seems silly and gullible, later proves to have solved many of the subtle problems connected with being happy, e.g. what to do with disappointment, loss of her bike to a thief, and surly folks who turn aside her innocent friendly gestures with anger. The real test is her wrathful driving instructor: exquisitely well-portrayed. Sally Hawkin's is so gentle with him! But his pain is so deep she can't reach him. And here we come to the essence of the story: She must choose to put some limits to her compassion - and move on with her life. That she does this with such grace is a marvelous piece of acting. She is a fascinating character. There is a great deal for a Buddhist to think about in Happy-Go-Lucky. Please see this film.… Expand

A delightful, charming little movie. Hawkins' performance is miraculous. How this movie can't make you happy is beyond me.