Happy-Go-Lucky

Last year much acclaimed author Sebastian Faulks made a tv series exploring what makes a great novel. In his opinion the driving force of great literature is not the plot, but the characters, this is what is more important to the reader. He looked at various characters throughout classic and modern literature, from the lover to the villain and so on. If he is true to his word then he would surely approve of Mike Leigh’s ‘Happy-Go-Lucky’, a character driven film starring Sally Hawkins as Poppy, a perpetually cheerful and optimistic school teacher. She is an engaging character, with much funny and entertaining banter, although at times her constant quirkiness and ‘niceness’ is a bit exhausting to the viewer or maybe I am in danger of becoming a grumpy old man. Saying that I would much rather there were more Poppy’s in the world, spreading sweetness and light than, well, grumpy old men like me. But there are moments when life’s trials and tribulations force her into seriousness and you get a glimpse of her hidden depths. One strand of the film deals with Poppy getting driving lessons from a highly strung, and possibly mentally imbalanced, driving instructor played brilliantly by Eddie Marsan. Their scenes together give the film some needed spice and fizz, for want of a better word. Mike Leigh’s social realism approach to the film is very effective and there are some scenes of Poppy interacting with her pupils and friends and even her driving instructor which are touching and uplifting. Sally Hawkins’ received much critical acclaim for her portrayal of Poppy and although I thought she could have toned down her character just a smidgeon she is generally deserving of all the praise that came her way. An entertaining, skillfully made and genuinely feel good film. 8/10  

Daniel Deronda by George Eliot

Considered as one of the great Victorian classics, 'Daniel Deronda' focuses on the two principles characters of Daniel Deronda and Gwendolen Harleth, two young people whose lives are interconnected both by their social class and their mutual search for meaning and purpose in their lives. My enjoyment of this book ebbed and flowed. Eliot's antiquated style of writing demands intense concentration, and I was often left bewildered by her complex intellectual and philosophical meanderings. I really liked many things about this book: the character of Daniel Deronda is both enigmatic and sympathetic, the plot is interesting and Eliot often brings the good and bad of society to life with great skill and power. At other times I found this book a bit of a slog. There is too much abstract and wordy intellectualism and at 675 pages it is a bit overcooked. I feel Eliot could have cut it down to 500 pages and simplified her style of writing without compromising the characters and what she is trying to say to the reader. A frustrating read but it is still worth giving it a try, if you are willing to put the work in.

7.5 out of 10

Warrior

Often in sports and boxing films the on screen action is much more exciting than in real life. The same is true in Warrior, the choreography of the fight sequences are exciting and thrilling, a far cry from the real thing. I have occassionally came upon Ultimate Cage Fighting when channel hopping but within a few seconds the two fighters are hugging each other on the deck of the ring and boredom quickly sets in. Warrior is not just all about muscle bound animals pounding the snot out of each other. It deals with forgiveness, atonement, the bonds of family and many other themes within the gritty and high testoterone world of mixed martial arts entertainment. Two estranged brothers, played by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, enter the same winner takes all competition and a collison course is set for a final and emotional show down. Nick Nolte brilliantly plays the ex-alcoholic father trying to reconnect with his sons and atone for his past trangressions. He cuts a desperate, sometimes pathetic figure, trying to reach out to his sons but being denied the redemption he so deeply wants and needs. He really deserved the Oscar nomiation for this role. Rising star Tom Hardy is also excellent as the vulnerable and troubled ex-marine who batters his way through everything in his way with an animalistic rage. Joel Edgerton brings an everyman dimension to his role, a teacher who is in deep financial trouble and returns to the ring as the underdog to provide for his family. That the two brothers are coming from different directions and have a history of unresolved issues is really effective and makes the story more interesting and emotive. The fight sequences are very well choreographed and the director is careful not to peak too early, building up the tension and allowing for a dynamic climax. The script is solid and realistic, giving each character room for development and expression. So if one evening you are flicking through the tv channels and you have to choose between watching Warrior or Ultimate Cage Fighting, put your money on the former. 8/10

Passenger by Lisa Hannigan

Irish singer-songwriter Lisa Hannigan hit the ground running with her debut album 'Sea Sew', and there is no sign of her stumbling or falling backwards in her follow up album 'Passenger'. Since parting ways with Damien Rice, a collaboration which could be seen as her apprenticeship, Lisa has matured very well as a singer-songwriter in her own right. 'Passenger' is another step towards fulfilling her potential and, although some songs are better than others, there is not a weak track on the album. In saying that the highlight tracks of 'Passenger' are not quite as strong as the highlight tracks of 'Sea Sew' but over all the albums are both on a par with each other. 'Knots' is a terrific track delivered with great gusto and power, and really stands out on the album. 'What'll I Do' is catchy and quirky and makes me want to dance. 'O Sleep' is a lovely duet with Ray Lamontagne and their different vocal styles compliment each other very well. The title track 'Passenger' is her folky pop at its best, and 'Safe Travels (Don't Die)' is worth listening to just for the lyrics. Her assortment of bandmembers contribute well to the album and help to carve out a distinct sound that is very Lisa Hannigan. 'Passenger' is fresh, lyrical and easy listening in the best possible sense. 8/10