H Is for Happiness

I seldom enjoy Australian films. This one was quite decent. It's certainly not a 9/10 or 10/10 like the other reviews suggest, but I also didn't regret watching it.

A quirky beautifully made movie that doesn't follow the cookie cutter formula of most YA movies. An Aussie triumph.

It's a new kind of Parent Trap! Candice does not fit in with the other kids, she's very literal and loves school. People call her odd. Douglas is also odd. Meeting him inspires her to try something miraculous- to reunite her grieving family and get her parents back together. A huge adventure that starts with meeting the new kid and getting a new homework assignment! This is a cute family comedy!

Parents should know that there is a family death that's central to the storyline as well as a lot of bullying around special needs. For more parent info, check out our full review on down the hobbit hole blog dot com. Based on the popular Australian YA Book- My Life as an Alphabet (released in the US as The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee). It's a great movie/book combo for 10+! A dramedy with a lot of heart!

All too often we watch movies and come out feeling heavy, angsty and drained. This is movie that is the polar opposite - it replenishes, uplifts and puts a smile on your face - and a little warmth in your heart.

It blends: fantasy, quirkiness, wonderfully saturated cinematography and an evocative score that transports you away from your reality - whilst grounding you gently in the reality that is life.

Favourite scene has to be the final on-stage performance. It was a master-stroke and left me laughing and crying.

This delightful quirky comedy can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Daisy Axon plays Candice Phee, a cheery, red-headed, dictionary-reading, bicycle-riding swot, who wants to restore the happiness of her mum (Emma Booth), who can't get over the cot-death of Candice's baby brother, and dad (Richard Roxburgh), who is still angry over business bust-up with his brother, 'Rich Uncle Brian' (Joel Jackson). Full of other interesting side characters (her friend, 'Douglas Benson from another dimension' (Wesley Patten), her eccentric teacher with one rolling eye (Miriam Margolyes of course) and Douglas' full-on mum (Deborah Mailman)) and animals; well-written and acted; and set in a beautiful sun-drenched coastal town, this film will delight the open-hearted. It also made me want to travel to Albany to see if it is really is so lovely.