42 Seconds of Happiness

Had memorable scenes. And I would say has some talent behind it that could go far.

"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.

This film explores the intricacies of relationships in a unique way. The depiction is true and honest and the characters are natural. Enjoyable.

Have you ever tried hanging out with a new group of people only to realize you don't have much in common and, worse, they barely move beyond small talk? Sure, they're decent human beings and you've heard some neat stories to suggest they're worth getting to know, but good lord... You end up listening to layers of inane prattle as they talk over each other and laugh at quasi-humour just to fill the air while you try to not seem as awkward as you feel. Occasionally they make slighting comments to their significant others and get passive aggressive about past grievances, so now everyone feels as uncomfortable as you... but then another barrage of inane prattle wipes the slate clean(ish) and you start looking for an excuse to leave. This movie feels exactly like that.

However, there are some exciting and humorous moments throughout the film. The cinematography style is pretty impressive and the use of split-screen is effective without being confusing. Unfortunately the camera work is a bit too shaky and poorly aimed (unless the implied perspective has Parkinson's).

Not for everyone, but definitely enjoyable by the aforementioned.

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!