Happy Times

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.

Great single location black comedy, with the best of intentions...

A well-off Jewish couple invite their family, friends, and significant others to their ritzy home for dinner. Hm, what could possibly go wrong? Many conflicts, business dealings, infidelities, and jealousies are exposed, with bloody, violent, murderous (intentional and unintentional) results.

I've seen other movies with similar premises, but certainly not one in Hebrew. Most of the dialogue is Hebrew with subtitles, with the occasional English spoken (primarily by the "actor" cousin, who is first to show signs of dissent). Once the ball gets rolling, the mayhem is pretty relentless, more than half the cast is killed off, then the police show up (insert dig at LA police), responding to gunshots heard. Oh yeah, the rabbi they were expecting... He is late, and is there at a most inopportune time.

I must say, the lead actress hosting the party (Liraz Chamami) is a real stunner, decked out in the same sexy cocktail dress for the duration of the film. So, there is eye candy to boot.

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!...

I can't believe no one thought to make this movie before. If you've ever spent a holiday wiht a bunch of drunk, nasty relatives you'll find this so funny. No doubt. Don't watch if you are easily offended because they poke fun at a lot of Jewish traditions and beliefs. Perfect movie for the holidays... I'm sure you've seen this type of movie where family and friends gather around the dinner table and things don't go as planned. Well, in this case things really get out of control and guests start dropping like flies in creative and comical ways. But don't get fooled, it's gets pretty violent and bloody. Highly recommended.