User reviews

I watched this without a clue what it was about. But soon after it started, I found myself wondering with bated breath what would happen next, and next, and next, and next. The dialogue was as fresh and colorful as the cast. The direction was steered by a steady hand that knew when to back off and when to tone things down, when to intensify, and how close and to and at what angle the camera should be to the actors. The direction never condescends to its audience as the direction of most romantic comedies do. Nor does this movie smother us with too much wit or too much symbolism. The movie was practically perfect in that it balanced what I think we ask of our comedic dramas: a fresh look at love and humor, believability, and poignancy. It felt so richly human that when it was over I felt that I had watched a new hot play instead of a movie, that's how vivid it was, that's how roughly hewn and real it was.

For those who desperately need some kind of plot-frame before seeing it, I'll give you a jumping off point. It starts with a New York late 20s/early 30s struggling novelist who decides to help a lost boy find his way back home.

What a movie....what a movie..... I must say I'm a big fan of Josh Radnor because of his hit series "How I met your mother" and (who isn't?) I think as a writer he is amazing and he has a long way to go. He has mentioned his love for short stories unknowingly in the TV show many times and I must say his endeavour has never gone unnoticed. Josh Radnor has a real potential. He just brought it together and the rest was obvious. The writing was superb(I'm a writer myself so bro Respect!) and not to forget the brilliant direction done by Josh himself.

A wonderful debut, by the way, as a director for him and all the very best wishes to him for his future ventures. Awesome acting and some great performances by the cast that included Malin Akerman (as usual she is brilliant in this flick too), Kate Mara (I'm beginning to like her already)and Zoe Kazan(with her sweet role which she generally plays quite naturally).

The story was wonderful. Gotta watch it to know it. I'd give it a 7 on 10 and I think the flick deserved it. I'd recommend everyone to go and watch this one because it certainly is worth all the accolades.

"I was a well-fed, middle-class kid who came from good parents; I've got no material." Those words, spoken by Sam the writer, are just one example of how Josh Radnor blurs the lines between writer and character in his debut film, happythankyoumoreplease.

In it, we follow the lives of a few late-20s/early-30s bachelors and bachelorettes in New York City, a place Radnor portrays endearingly. Sam (played by Radnor) is a cynical writer desperately trying to sell one of his short stories. His best friend Anne (Malin Akerman) can't seem to stop dating the wrong guys. His cousin Mary (Zoe Kazan) is pressured by her boyfriend to go to Los Angeles (a city she loathes) and leave New York (the city she calls home). Along the way we meet all sorts of characters, including Rasheen, a "young black child" who, after shuffling through several foster families, has no home.

Sam takes Rasheen in for awhile, at least until he can figure out what to do with him. Anne accuses him of using the boy for material, but it's more complicated than that. Although we've seen the little-kid-sidekick device before, it's so lightheartedly entertaining here that we really don't care. Michael Algieri's debut as Rasheen will steal your heart.

I have yet to mention Mississippi, a bartender/cabaret singer, played by the lovely Kate Mara, who serves as Sam's romantic conflict. They hit it off quickly, possibly too quickly, and we wonder if they've met at the wrong time. Regardless, their interactions are the most cringe-worthy of the film (see: "let's clean each other up" and "you write short stories, I'm ready for the novel").

On the other hand, great music from Jaymay kept me in tune with the film's title. It serves as a narrative soundtrack for happythankyoumoreplease and gives it an indie feel (the film won the Audience Award for Best Drama at Sundance).

Although at times cheesy and clichéd, Radnor's debut tells an epigrammatic story about characters we genuinely care about. Sam's not delivering a profound revelation when he says "every five years I realize what an asshole I was five years ago." Yet the inherent modesty in that statement says a lot about Radnor's work.

It appears that Josh Radnor's hopeless romantic "How I Met Your Mother" character Ted Mosby has rubbed off on his other ambitions. His debut film, "happythankyoumoreplease" is a bit more realistic than the hit sitcom, but both involve a great deal of optimism.

Following various relationship dynamics between six connected New Yorkers, Radnor is not-so-subtly inspired by Woody Allen, whom he references in the film quite clearly without naming him directly. To compare Radnor's film with Allen's body of work, however, would very clearly result in one major fundamental difference: Radnor is not pessimistic.

Radnor stars as Sam Wexler, a struggling writer (yup) on the precipice of 30 who by chance notices a young boy (Michael Algieri) get separated from what appears to be his family while on the subway. Sam feels inclined to help, but after a certain point (around when he learns the boy is a foster child who clearly didn't like his living situation) realizes he can't shake him off and takes him in. Around this time, a nearby bartender/server (Kate Mara) catches his eye.

The film also follows Sam's closest friend, Annie (Malin Akerman), a woman with alopecia struggling to find love, as well as his cousin Mary Catherine (Zoe Kazan) and her boyfriend Charlie (Pablo Schreiber), who confront the possibility of uprooting their lives and moving to Los Angeles.

The characters' problems are very realistic, though not necessarily interesting. Sam's relationship with the boy, Rasheen, has the most potential because Rasheen is not the typical surprisingly mature wise- alec kid we're normally treated to in adult films involving unlikely friendships between a child and adult. But Radnor is also interested in the other relationship dynamics in his script, so that one story doesn't get quite the attention it might have ideally received.

Radnor's writing is very conscious of cliché, a necessity given the stories--especially the romances--have a natural trajectory toward predictable. And even though there's little reason given as to why Mara's Mississippi is interested in Sam, Radnor makes their exchanges too cute for their entire subplot to turn sour. The implication is these are two troubled young people looking for love, willing to go out on a limb to find it. That is just one of the many really sweet notions Radnor wishes to convey through this film.

"Happythankyoumoreplease" never delves into especially dramatic territory. The characters hit major bumps and hardships, but more of the sentimental variety, the kind that evoke audience empathy by trying to relate to everyone. Nothing out of the ordinary happens in the movie; Radnor just wants his audience to connect with the problems of the characters and consider the shifts in perspective they experience.

It's a pleasant film that really plays it safe, and those movies have their place. People hoping to be stirred by some seriously thought- provoking interpersonal dilemmas will be disappointed, but the title should be a giveaway that this one's an uplifting indie. The characters and their situations feel real, and it's enough to keep the film interesting until it finishes with a soft, moment-of-clarity/all is right in the universe climax.

I would definitely keep an eye on Radnor's work going forward. There are far worse labels than an optimistic Woody Allen minus the neuroses.

~Steven C

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This is the debut film of Josh Radnor. I saw it at the Gasparilla Film Festival and really liked it. The producer, Jesse talked about the positive message that the film tries to convey about simply trying until you succeed This movie is a warm story of young people struggling with relationships in New York City. In the end, the character resolve most of their relationship issues and the ending is satisfying. This story was told with heart and warmth.

Josh Radnor did a great job both as a director and as the leading actor. The girl with the autoimmune disorder felt she was unlovable. The man who wins her over does so by convincing her that she deserves to be loved. This is a universal message that is not told enough in movies.

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!

Being one of the most talked about films coming out of Sundance earlier this year, "Happythankyoumoreplease" made it's way to the Gen Art film festival and was presented as their opening night feature. Having heard all the buzz surrounding this film and usually enjoying most of the bigger films that come out of Sundance, I was very intrigued to see the film. Did the movie live up to the buzz or was it just overkill, continue reading to read my opinion on the film.

"Happythankyoumoreplease" features a talented and fresh cast of people. The basic premise of the film features the current generation of 20 somethings who live in NY. The story focuses on several characters and their battles with growing up, understanding how the world works, and ultimately what it means to fall in love with the right person for them. This interesting and feel good film was told by Josh Radnor, who not only directed but wrote the film.

The best way to describe "Happythankyoumoreplease" is a mainstream film with an independent budget. While the movie itself didn't really have an independent feel to it, I would say it did have some elements that made it feel "indie" so to speak. The well established actors and actresses in the film, a storyline that was very crowd pleasing, and overall pretty typical characters made it feel mainstream. However, the amount of character development along with some of the characters such as Malin Akerman's character Annie are the elements that gave it a more independent feel.

Like most good independent films, the well written characters and the actors who played them were the highlight of this film. Having never seen a single episode of "How I Met Your Mother" I was totally unaware of who Josh Radnor was and I was totally honest with him about it when I met him later in the evening. What he did with this film was good especially for a first time director and writer plus I give him even more kudos points for starring in the film as well.

The script, which as noted above was written by Radnor, is actually decent especially with mixing independent elements with mainstream elements. Some of the characters were rather typical such as Mississippi played by the talented Kate Mara and Sam #2 played by Tony Hale. These two characters felt like they were directly out of every movie you have seen in the past. Mississippi is the beautiful and talented singer who keeps falling for the wrong guy and then Tony Hale is the dork with the heart of gold. These characters aren't as deep as say Radnor's character Sam or Alkerman's Emma because these characters are just well written characters with a lot of depth. I will also have to point out that little Michael Algieri is a total scene stealer. Guarantee almost every woman who sees this film will fall in love with the kid. He is just adorable and his storyline, although it was not really fleshed out as much as I would like, was fairly interesting. All in all I felt everyone in the film played their roles well I just felt certain characters had more depth and others were too clichéd so to speak.

The overall message the film as I said was a feel good one. You knew where this film was going within the first 10 minutes and you knew exactly what was going to happen. The simplistic storyline was really the main thing that urked me about it. You had so many great lead actors and actresses and I felt the direction it took was just the typical one. I expected some stunners here and there but didn't get them despite in the beginning feeling like it was going to be a tad out of the ordinary. I cant really knock it too much though because I enjoyed it and really didn't feel it dragged at all. I guess I was just expecting more. I guess what I was expecting was the next "(500) Days of Summer" but this film wasn't it.

In conclusion, "Happythankyoumoreplease" won the audience award at the Gen Art film festival and the reason it won was because it was a crowd pleaser. This isn't an original work of art but its a fun little film with a talented cast and a simplistic overall story. The actors and the character development make it more worthy then most multiple character films similar to it but I still expected more from it than what I got. I guess for a first time writer and director its a good start and I think this film will do fairly well when it hits the local multiplexes later in the year.

MovieManMenzel's final rating for "Happythankyoumoreplease" is a 7 out of 10.

This is an excellent "slice of life" movie, very easy to relate to and entertaining. It manages to be optimistic without being saccharine sweet. The writer/director, while male, depicts women characters with compassion and understanding. And New York in summer feels like the real thing, in a way that the best Woody Allen films do. Most impressive and enjoyable, though, are the performances. Malin Ackerman has never been better. Tony Hale is a revelation! Josh is excellent (and nothing like Ted Mosby). The little boy, Michael Algieri, is a natural. And Kate Mara -- omg! Not only is she gorgeous, funny and engaging, she's an amazing singer!! Watching her one feels a star being born. The songs by Jaymay -- which are the movie's score -- are perfect. And tech credits (cinematography, editing, production design) are fantastic.

Greetings again from the darkness. If such a thing existed in Hollywood, I wouldn't be surprised if Woody Allen brought a Trademark Infringement suit against writer/director Josh Radnor. There is even a clear reference to Mr. Allen, who must be one of Radnor's idols. Of course, similar ideas and approaches happen frequently in movies, so really what we have is a snapshot in time of what it's like to be a young (late 20's to early 30's) New Yorker trying to figure out life.

Radnor is one of the stars of "How I Met Your Mother" and this is his filmmaking debut. He does show some promise despite some weakness in the script and too dang many close-ups - talking heads, as I call them. His goal was to take an intimate look at relationships and the road to maturity, which is often filled with potholes. This seems especially true for those artistic types who are convinced New York is the only land of opportunity in existence.

There are 4 stories going on: Sam (Josh Radnor) is a struggling writer who meets Mississippi (Kate Mara), a cabaret singer/waitress; Mary Catherine (Zoe Kazan) and Charlie (Pablo Schreiber) have their relationship tested by a proposed move to L.A.; Annie (Malin Akerman) suffers from a self-image problem and faces off against a true romantic in Sam #2 (Tony Hale); and an on-going interwoven story line involves Sam's character making an asinine decision when a young boy gets separated from his family on the subway.

The best of the stories is Annie's. Suffering from an auto-immune disease which leaves her hairless, she has a real self-image problem in thinking that she is not worthy of love. On the ironic other hand, she is put off by the advances of nice guy Sam #2 because he isn't the physical specimen she had dreamed of. Akerman and Hale make these characters believable and we actually pull for them to figure it out.

Kazan's Mary Catherine just had me hoping Charlie would slap her and take off to LA on his own. Kazan (granddaughter of the great director Elia Kazan) actually does a nice job capturing the suffering that so many females put themselves through. Kate Mara's Mississippi is the perky on the outside, defensive on the inside type who should probably never get mixed up with the self-centered mess that is Sam (Radnor). Still, Mara's talent is on full display (she first leaped off the screen in Brokeback Mountain as Heath Ledger's 19 yr old daughter).

One thing the script reminds us is that this generation still believes the world revolves around their every decision. They have been a bit slow on the uptake here, but it makes for easy pickings in script writing. There are some terrific individual scenes, but some of the larger plot lines are not treated fairly or completely. Maybe Radnor tackled a bit too much for his first outing. Still, a decent effort and I look forward to more from him.

I adored this film, it was one of my favorites at Sundance, and the cast & crew were amazingly sweet people. The film is a trio of intertwined stories involving six New Yorkers dealing with the complexities of love, friendship and identity. While this premise may sound familiar, its charm is refreshing and its character keeps the film from becoming just another romantic comedy. The main story focuses on Sam Wexler, a struggling writer (Radnor ), who, during a particularly bad day when he encounters a young boy (played by the adorable Michael Algieri) who's been separated from his family. When the boy reveals that he is unhappy in foster care, Sam decides to bring the boy back to his apartment, and a unique friendship begins to develop between the two. This friendship both initiates and complicates Sam's romance with a beautiful cabaret singer named Mississippi (Kate Mara). I really recommend this film. I can't wait for it to be released in theaters so my friends and family can see it.

This film is about several youthful friends in New York in search of happiness in their love lives.

"Happythankyoumoreplease" is a refreshing comedy drama about contemporary people. Each of the main characters is different in many ways, and yet they are united by their search for love. It is an upbeat and positive film without being silly or over-sweet. It is welcoming to see Malin Ackerman finally having a credible role, and she shines as a woman whose appearance is different. I like the way she brings up gratitude, and if gratitude is made a prominent theme in the film (which could easily fit into the film's existing plot), it would have been even more engaging and positive.

As someone who enjoys shameless chick flicks and Josh Radnor, but is also a Sundance enthusiast, I really wanted to like this film. The storyline was fine, the music by Jaymay was awesome, the actors are all decent.

That being said, it was totally apparent that Radnor is still an amateur at writing and directing. You know how, in high school, when your friend asked you to read their angsty poetry, and it took all of you not to roll your eyes? That's what watching this movie was kind of like.

There was so much contrived drama that it would have been better suited to a soap opera or comedy. Instead, the actors had to take a superficially dramatic script and try to wring some drama out of it. For instance, the movie starts off with a one-night-stand leaving Radnor's apartment just as he wakes up and realizes he is late for an interview. Conveniently, his best friend leaves a voicemail as he's getting ready, as if she would know he were there listening, perfectly timed to tell him to tuck his shirt in right as he finishes dressing. But it's not a comedy! It's just trying to be clever. He ends up speaking with her on the phone and says something like, "Why did I oversleep? Why am I so afraid of success?" This sounds exactly like what some screen writing student would think that a self-pitying artist would say. The rest of the movie moves conveniently along these lines: things a screen writing student THINKS his characters would say. Unfortunately, film enthusiasts will be unsurprised by every line fed to them from here on out.

Rasheen's character was great and would have made this a promising movie if only his presence in the plot was not based on some ridiculous presence.

I'm curious to see what Radnor will do next, but he'd probably be wise to work on short films and practice the art of delighting the audience in as little time as possible before attempting a longer format again.

This is Josh Radnor's debut as writer / director, the thing I liked the least was the silly title. As an ensemble piece I thought it worked really well. Good acting from all involved, a plot that's not too heavy or too light, the movie flowed well and I didn't feel cheated at the end. A good movie to watch.

There seems to be a new kind of dramedy-type storytelling, and we liked what we saw in HappyThankYouMorePlease. Write off asking yourself why some of the characters did what they did; if you burden yourself with trying to understand their logic as the stories unfold, you may get too frustrated with one or more characters. Just embrace the film, as the characters will eventually answer the questions you've been asking.

At first I was a little confused with the way the stories were intertwined, but by allowing them to unfold, I truly began to empathize with almost everyone in the film. I understand that it's a "coming-of-age" flick. But the way the characters portrayed themselves and interacted with each other, I grew to enjoy everyone. And don't be gun-shy about another COA flick (even as they are being so played out, it seems).

The difference to me, was how the characters acted towards each other. There seemed to be a decent bit of ad-libbing that helps bring down the guard of a skeptical viewer. There were good friends that seemed like they were long-time friends who happened to get together to make this film. I found myself rooting for each main character. The photography was nice, the writing and acting were special. Direction was very sensitive to people who are complicated in their goals of streamlining their lives. I empathized with them as they had to confront their adversities (or, themselves). The deduction I gave was for feeling a bit confused during the first part of the film. By its end, I was very satisfied.

I saw this movie after 'Liberal Arts', which I felt was very real and pleasant. I have previously watched (and later endured) how I met your mother, and Josh Radnor was good as Ted. His character in this movie is somewhat similar, a bit whiny, confused and again real. The movie is exactly what one expects, a feel good comedy drama with reasonable personality and a happy ending. Rest of the actors are great as well and all their stories are well coupled with each other. Although there are not big twists or surprises I was kept interested in all the story lines. I hope Josh Radnor makes more movies like these. Overall I would say it is a decent weekend flick that one can finish off like a good "short story". I have given it 7/10.

It is one of the most interesting and amusing movies I've ever seen. The script is very very simple, but the execution is brilliant. Josh has shown tremendous potential and talent with his acting,Direction and screenplay. The screenplay is the most interesting part. Really loved the movie. Honestly its one of those movies which i wanted to go on for a few extra minutes at least. I felt really happy and content through out. The soundtrack also is pretty good but most importantly it compliments the movie and makes it look complete. Michael Algieri seem at home with his part. One can connect to it quite easily.Two thumbs-up for it.

I put off watching this film for 13 years. I just didn't trust Radnor's ability to write and direct. Turns out in this case he's quite good at both. His own character, Sam Wexler, is a slightly more serious version of Ted Mosby with an enjoyable storyline featuring many fine moments but few surprises. However, Radnor's blessed his co-stars with far meatier characters and stories and has shepherded them through their performances with aplomb. Of particular note is Tony Hale who busts his Buster/Emmet Milbarge persona to bits as Sam2 with a tender and moving performance opposite Malin Akerman. Rated 7, letter grade B-.

I think my title sums up my feelings. I was bored throughout the film and the cliche elements made me want to quit the film several times. Some of the "deep" scenes were downright cringey and laughable. It was trying so hard to be different but it was just so... predictable. I'm sorry but I really don't see what other people see in this film. I honestly felt that this was a waste of my time. Having a few diverse characters and mostly boring storylines does not make a good movie in my opinion.

..for this really great movie. I had no idea what this movie was about. Just saw the Cover and went for it. I am really not the biggest fan of love stories and if i would have known before i guess i may not have watched this movie ;) But it was something really refreshing. manly fresh faces who in my eyes had really fun to come together for this movie. I hoped it wont stop, but now it did i wish there will be no "part 2" as we all know where this road will go ;) So i spare you all the details, just go and see something else, dive into the lives of some friendly NY people! (But now i have to write more lines to make it fit the 10 Line's Limit although i said all i wanted to say. I feel like Sam Nr.1 trying to squeeze a story out. i thought about deleting my useless comment but i only come here when i liked a movie very much, so i decided to stay and finish these lines!)

Happythankyoumoreplease is Josh Radnor's first personal directing/writing attempt in which he did pretty well, in my opinion. It's a romantic comedy-drama set in New York that has to do with the lives of a group of adults. Some of them are facing the facts of responsibilities, self-acceptance and choices.

Perfromances weren't astonishing but their contribution was rather well for each role in this film. They pulled off their characters part. For those who've been watching Josh Radnor in 'How I Met Your Mother' he may seem quite the Ted but, eventually, you get that it's just Radnor's acting (he's got that Nicholas Cage kinda style). Lots of new actors involved like Malin Akerman, Pablo Shreiber, Kate Mara, Zoe Kazan, and i enjoyed seeing Richard Jenkins again (even for a while).

Sweet music by Jamie Seerman (aka Jaymay) and other artists and classic NY locations and atmosphere. It's not a cinematography masterpiece but it's and easygoing film with a moral message worth to be spread and applied.

If you live the life in films that I do, you will be offended when a filmmaker takes his responsibilities lightly. That is what I felt when watching this.

The writer of the thing has made himself the central character: a writer who has trouble producing a long form work and instead creates short stories.

He (the filmmaker) thinks he can get away with giving us three small stories instead of a real film. The central precedent of course is Altman's 'Short Cuts' made into a subgenre by Anderson. But those men worked on a long form where characters and situations were simply split among several actors. What we have here is three half hour short stories about relationships.

The irony of the thing is that there ate two folds referencing this inadequacy (seen as an acceptable narrative strategy). The first of course is the many references to the on-screen writer (and indeed all the male love interests) to work in long form.

The second is a juvenile who plays mo role whatever except to produce amazing small artworks that we are supposed to accept as genuine art.

I must admit that the craft is well executed. Sequences are tied by songs of the sort sung by one of the (supposedly endearing) characters. There are a lot of feel-good buttons pressed here and the . But the overall effect is that the filmmaker has a superficial understanding of love and story (which means love).

Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.