If you could cut a film and have it bleed, happythankyoumoreplease would bleed
hipster. Amazingly, it's not annoying, nor is it blatantly obvious. This film
is like a time capsule for what it's like to be a twenty-something in the
twenty-teens. Since I, magically, fall into that category, I was able to
identify with much of the plotline. For this to be Josh Radnor's writing and
directing debut, he's been hiding something somewhere, and I don't want him to
hide anymore. This is a beautifully put-together film that demonstrates a
little slice of life for four different people at four different places in
life. Radnor balances predictable plot points with interesting twists in the
story to keep you guessing. It's pretty much genius.
The highlight and focus of the film is on Josh Radnor's
character, Sam, and his unexpected decision to take in a lost boy. Their
interactions are completely realistic and hysterical. While some of their story
might be predictable, it's just different enough to have a fresh perspective. The
distinct irony is that Sam, a writer, cannot get his novel published due to a
lack of interesting subplots. happythankyoumoreplease
doesn't have that problem. I never got bored with the subplots and
occasionally anticipated their return.
Technically, this film has interesting camera work. It feels
very current to today's photographic styles; I was occasionally reminded of the
Hipstamatic app while I was watching. The pacing, for the most part, is really
good. I never felt like the film really dragged anywhere. To me, the best part
of happythankyoumoreplease is the
ending. Everything concludes in a manner that I feel best suits the film without
it being overly trite or unbelievable.
This film is definitely worth watching, and it seems that
it's enjoyable for everyone. I saw some people in their 60s who couldn't stop
laughing. It's definitely for adults, though there's nothing heinous or overly
graphic to deter the younger generation.
