Happy Times - Ein blutiges Fest

Gave it 4 stars just cause it had some funny moments though..

Have you seen Serial Lover? Also a french movie, also with quite the dark humor included. And I would argue a lot better than the movie we have here. Which does not mean I was not entertained by that (remember it is a movie, I don't condone any of the behaviour shown here, especially the sending of genital pictures ... and the reaction most display to it - this is not funny, period).

Having said all that, just take it with a grain of salt, this is horror mixed with comedy. A lot of violence, but no nudity (in case you were wondering). Though the movie is not worse or better for that in my humble opinion. You may feel different - especially considering the beautiful people who assembled for this. B-movie flair and charme ... might be enough or not, depending on your sense of humor.

Preparing a special family get-together, a Jewish family in Los Angeles try to put their personal grievances aside to have dinner and catch-up but as the night goes on a series of secrets and insults to their personal pride get the better of everyone leading to a bloodier and crazier night than they expected.

This was a rather enjoyable horror/comedy. What really works best with this one is the wholly engaging setup that allows for plenty of goofiness and absurd antics to emerge as time goes on. Getting to know who each of the various participants is and what their personal rivalries are with each other sets up the comedy involved here rather nicely. When the little digs begin and the insults and quips start flying from everyone at the expense of their pride, this one picks up considerably in the second half as the series of chases, confrontations and brawls get quite crazier as the night carries on especially once the bodies start dropping with far more regularity and brutality which gives this some life alongside the comedy. Overall, these manage to give the film a lot to like while this one does have some issues. The main drawback is the general setup where it's hard to care at times about each of the affluent figures at the party which manages to create a potential disconnect with the people. Since it's based entirely on getting to know the family and their guests are before the chaos starts, the fact that they fall into the typical range of cocky, arrogant types that are more interested in their wealth and personal status while trying to screw over anyone that interferes with those aspects of their life can be tricky to sympathize with which is what makes the film work. This ends up making the film rather easy to figure out where if you find the situation funny this will become far more fun for those that can get into the setup present here.

Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Language and Graphic Violence.

In HAPPY TIMES, a family dinner party turns into a melee of violence and bloodshed, when an argument gets a bit out of control. Soon, everything melts down, and the real, gory fun begins. Let's just say that everyone's true feelings and motivations come out, and it's not a pretty picture!

If you enjoy horror-comedies that aren't just a new twist on an old theme, then you'll probably love this one. Also, if you've ever suffered through those uncomfortable family get-togethers, where someone has a few too many, or, for whatever reason, starts spouting embarrassing things, then this movie should definitely tickle your funny bone!

Director Michael Mayer has created a fine satire, using a Jewish gathering to bring out the hidden, personal demons for a good roasting. This is a no-holds-barred lampooning, so strap yourself in. Not even the Rabbi is safe!...

The lead actress Liraz Chamai and Stefi Celma from Call My Agent are brilliant. The first part is a hilarious and awkward comedy of manners and then the second part goes completely off the rails. Very funny stuff.