Social commentary, pederasts and uncomfortable father-son chats about masturbation -- yay!
Happiness (Solondz, 1998): 7/10
I felt guilty for laughing at some wickedly sardonic humor in the film, but the satire wears off and the film soon starts to play out either like an unbearably watchable melodrama or a vulgar teenage flick. However, there are are still some hilarious moments to be found in the third act ("lay off the salt"). Some issues are dealt with too superficially while others are acutely handled. Although quality and subtlely aren't always present, you can't help but keep your eyes glued to the screen in disgust and wonder.
I felt guilty for laughing at some wickedly sardonic humor in the film, but the satire wears off and the film soon starts to play out either like an unbearably watchable melodrama or a vulgar teenage flick. However, there are are still some hilarious moments to be found in the third act ("lay off the salt"). Some issues are dealt with too superficially while others are acutely handled. Although quality and subtlely aren't always present, you can't help but keep your eyes glued to the screen in disgust and wonder.