Happythankyoumoreplease (2010)

Captures a generational moment - young people on the cusp of truly growing up, tiring of their reflexive cynicism, each in their own ways struggling to connect and define what it means to love and be loved.

Director:

Josh Radnor

Writer:

Josh Radnor (screenplay)

Stars:

Malin Akerman, Michael Algieri, Zoe Kazan

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Malin Akerman	...	Annie
Michael Algieri	...	Rasheen
Bram Barouh	...	Spencer
Dana Barron	...	The Gynecologist
Sunah Bilsted	...	Receptionist
Jimmy Gary Jr.	...	Police Officer
Tony Hale	...	Sam #2
Richard Jenkins	...	Paul Gertmanian
Zoe Kazan	...	Mary Catherine
Marna Kohn	...	Melissa
Kate Mara	...	Mississippi
Laith Nakli	...	MTA Worker
Katharine Powell	...	Girl Leaving Apartment
Josh Radnor	...	Sam Wexler
Maria Elena Ramirez	...	Jill

Storyline

Six New Yorkers juggle love, friendship, and the keenly challenging specter of adulthood. Sam Wexler is a struggling writer who's having a particularly bad day. When a young boy gets separated from his family on the subway, Sam makes the questionable decision to bring the child back to his apartment and thus begins a rewarding, yet complicated, friendship. Sam's life revolves around his friends-Annie, whose self-image keeps her from commitment; Charlie and Mary Catherine, a couple whose possible move to Los Angeles tests their relationship; and Mississippi, a cabaret singer who catches Sam's eye.

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Plot Keywords:

friendship | writer | apartment | subway | singer | 

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Taglines:

Go get yourself loved.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Details

Official Sites:

Anchor Bay Films [us] Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 March 2011 (Israel)

Also Known As:

Erotevmenoi sti Nea Yorki

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$35,063 (USA) (4 March 2011)

Gross:

$215,576 (USA) (22 April 2011)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paper Street Films, Tom Sawyer Entertainment, Back Lot Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The filmmaker Mary is talking about is obviously Woody Allen, who makes a film a year and is married to his former girlfriend's adopted daughter.

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Goofs

During certain scenes, Malin Akerman's hair is visible from under her head wrap.

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Quotes

Mary Catherine: I always thought of that as the moment you came into focus... like, "Oh, there you are."

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Connections

Featured in Ebert Presents: At the Movies: Episode #1.7 (2011)

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Soundtracks

"The World May Never Know"
Written by Toby Leaman, Scott McMicken
Performed by Dr. Dog
Courtesy of Park The Van Records

User Reviews

Incredible Debut for Josh Radnor

I caught the premiere of Happy at the Sundance Film Festival. I'm a huge fan of Josh Radnor (best known for his role as Ted Mosby on the CBS series, How I Met Your Mother), but remained a little skeptical going in since this is a first-time film for him. I was pleasantly surprised! This movie is so charming; I couldn't help falling in love with all of the characters. I was especially impressed by Tony Hale's endearing performance as Sam #2, who tries to win the affection of Annie (Malin Akerman), a woman with Alopecia who struggles with the idea of someone being so smitten with her. Mary Catherine (Zoe Kazan) and Charlie (Pablo Schreiber) are absolutely adorable together and have an unbeatable on screen chemistry. They are at a crossroads in their relationship as Charlie tries to sell Mary Catherine on the idea of leaving their home in New York to move to L.A.

Sam (Josh Radnor), Mississippi (Kate Mara) and Rasheen (Michael Algieri) round out the cast of characters. Mississippi is a cabaret singer who catches the eye of Sam early in the film and while their hesitation to throw caution to the wind and go for each other is annoying at times, it brings a much-needed realism over romance approach to their relationship.

Rasheen was an audience favorite and his role adds a unique piece to this puzzle, playing a foster boy separated from his family on the subway who is rescued and looked after by Sam. It is truly an enjoyable highlight of the film to watch their interactions as they grow from perfect strangers to close friends. An amazing dynamic is brought to the script through their friendship, but not without Rasheen's life before Sam looming in the distance.

If this movie is any indication of Josh's talent as a writer, I can't wait to see more of his work. It contains all of the elements of a romantic comedy, yet manages to completely avoid the clichés and predictability that are typically found in this genre. It is clever, heartwarming, hopeful and hilarious. I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes the big hit of Sundance 2010. Congratulations to Josh and everyone behind this film!