The new Irish flick "Happy Ever Afters" may not offer star Sally Hawkins a chance to shine like she did in "Happy Go Lucky" but it is an enjoyable little screwball comedy, nonetheless.
Hawkins plays a single mother named Maura while Tom Riley plays a man named Freddie. The movie picks up on their wedding day. The catch is that they are not marrying each other. Rather, Maura is tying the knot with Wilson (Ariyon Bakare) while Freddie is saying his vows to Sophie (Jade Yourell).
Maura's and Freddie's paths cross when it is discovered that their receptions are booked at the same venue. And it does not take long for each of them to butt heads with one another, causing all kinds of trouble. But it also happens to bring out the truth about their respective relationships.
See, Maura is marrying for money. She is facing eviction while Wilson is facing deportation. So, they work out a deal that would solve both of their problems. And Freddie is merely marrying Sophie - for a second time - to appease the neurotic woman's agitated father. It does not take long for each of them to realize that love may not be so far away after all.
"Happy Ever Afters" was written and directed by Stephen Burke, who does a splendid job of raising the bar for the wedding genre, packing enough material into the flick to prevent it from ever becoming stale. In fact, Burke's unique approach makes the material seem quite fresh.
Sure, "Happy Ever Afters" is a fairly by-the-book romantic comedy but the movie is incredibly charming and has so many things going on at the same time that you cannot help but be swept away by it. Moreover, anything starring the ridiculously charismatic Hawkins is automatically worth a watch.
Having said that, "Happy Ever Afters" is not the bubbly vehicle that was "Happy Go Lucky." But the movie does have plenty of fun with its characters and their peculiar circumstances. Therefore, it is an irresistible little comic pleasure.
“Happy Ever Afters” (U – 104 minutes) is now available via IFC Films On Demand. Visit www.ifcfilms.com for more information.
Are you a cineholic? Be the first to get the silver screen scoop! SUBSCRIBE to the Phoenix Movie Examiner and receive movie news and reviews sent directly to your inbox!
Comments