42 Seconds of Happiness

This film was so realistic that I could imagine myself throwing a beer can across the table at somebody. We've all been there. It would have been one of those gatherings that would be talked about for years to come. But the ending was so surprising that I sure didn't see it coming. And yes, that happens in real life, too!

Despite having a large cast, everyone of the performers stands out without being overstated or showy. The film definitely has a John Cassavetes feel, if you're into his pictures, you'll love this movie. It has a lo-fi production value but doesn't feel cheap. This film is definitely worth your time.

"42 Seconds Of Happiness" is an exquisite piece of emotional filmmaking, and one which reminds us that we don't all need a deserted island or a prison cell to find ourselves trapped with others in unusually cramped quarters.

In this case, the inescapable setting is a family wedding in which Cybil (Becca Ayers) and Maria (Margaret Kent Murphy) are celebrating their special day. Unfortunately for Tomas (Robert Z Grant), his ex-wife Alis (Lauren Sowa) has also received an invite, and she's bringing Marc (John Concado), whom she started seeing while still married to the suffering Tomas. As viewers, we're dropped right into the middle of that burgeoning war zone, with wedding guests taking sides along the fault lines. Yet the real pain awaits unmasking the next morning, as that's when "42 Seconds Of Happiness" realizes its true psychological launch point.

This is a terrific movie borne of fully realized filmmaking; it's uncomfortable at times due to its deeply heightened understanding of human interaction, and the energies it generates to display those truths show remarkable skill in their conjuring. "42 Seconds Of Happiness" puts us in a place which at first looks very familiar, yet it's charged with all the uniqueness of storytelling we expect from our most elite relational dynamics films.

42 Seconds of Happiness is a Drama that you will not soon forget. The Directing style and choices add to make the story that much more compelling. Two thumps up.

I enjoyed this movie and specifically the directing and shot selection.