Welcome to Happiness

I was quite surprised by this film as I wasn't expecting much. I was intrigued from the first scene and found myself anticipating the path we were traveling. I thought the film was very well written, the direction was great as were the cast. Parts of the story were muddied occasionally, but overall it was a very fun movie with interesting, thought provoking scenes and dialogue. I'd definitely recommend it.

So many of life's lessons can be attributed to children's literature. Authors from Dr. Seuss to Shel Silverstein shaped the way young minds perceived the world and prepared them for what lie ahead. Welcome To Happiness, the debut film from writer/director Oliver Thompson, spins a fanatical tale in a similar vein. Aimed at the grown-ups we've ripened into, this clever comedy draws upon the "whys" we inevitably ask ourselves as we press on through to adulthood.

Dropping the viewer directly into the world he built, Thomson keeps a close rein on the goings on and rules set forth by his script, only answering so much before adding on more mysteries. The opening scene sets the tone of the film, quirky and playful yet not lacking real raw emotion...

The quirky light hearted style of this film was enjoyable but then... Wiccan symbols kept popping up in a lot of the scenes. The sad reality is that this film is written from the white magic world view and never addresses evil. It only makes the case that it has to be this way so that others can experience good. This being a tenant of eastern philosophy, new ageism, and those who practice white magic. If you watch with a discerning eye you will see the witches and the warlocks played out. This whole film is about Woodys initiation into the group. But then....

Most of the dialogue seems like whispers and you need the sound turned way up, about the highest setting you have. And then the music comes I and knocks you out of your seat. How did it get released in this condition?

Seems like an art film project with good direction and interesting actors.

It was a strangle inventive ride, and at the end I was moved and felt like I learned something.

Welcome to Happiness is about a children's book writer who lives in an interesting apartment. Once in a while, his 1990s printer would go off and a stranger would knock on his door. He would ask the strangers three questions from the printout and if they answered correctly he would lead them to happiness, which the door to happens to be in his bedroom closet, but after 5 years when this guy discovers that happiness is a place in which you can change the one big regret in your life, he becomes disgruntled with the fact that he wasn't given the opportunity to change his one regret.

The movie puts me on a very emotional ride. I relate to the lead character Woody, played by Kyle Gallner. It was a great experience. Kinda like the Matrix, but more down to Earth without the Sci-fi and the Kung fu. It's not a coincidence that Woody is a Children's book Arthur as the movie dishes out the life lesson it that same poise, only it's for adults.

It was a brilliant narrative from beginning to end. The first act I was digging but then it got to a point where I did not like the message the movie was generating, then kaboom! The whole thing was laid out in front of me and I felt it. I can't remember when the last time a movie blew my mind like that.

Plus Keegan-Michael Key is so amusing in his role. This guy is just so entertaining without even trying.

Recommend trying this movie out. I'm not really the type to be enlighten, but It did spark something in me.