Happy Times

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.

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.

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.

Purchased and watched on Prime Video. It's not available on Vudu or Fandango..

If I understand correctly, this is an Israeli film about a family of Israeli-Americans living in Los Angeles. The language is mostly Hebrew w/ a smattering of English.

This is a lot like All Of My Friends Are Dead (Netflix) except instead of young 20-somethings, the people at this holiday dinner party are in their 30's and 40's. And this one is far more linear.

Once things go off the rails, everything continues to escalate.

This was a good time.