happythankyoumoreplease
3/5 Pitchforks
Starring Josh Radnor
Release: March 11
“happythankyoumoreplease” is an easy and delightful film without a bit of burden or heavy meaning. Written, starring and directed by “How I Met Your Mother” star Josh Radnor, the light, entertaining movie will surely draw in an indie audience with its charm and nuance.
The movie centers on the sweetly absurd foils of a neurotic crowd of idealistic 20-somethings in New York. As to be expected, the characters are in a perpetual state of discontentment in work and love. Yes, it appears to be following the storyline pattern of every New York dramedy of the past 30 years. However, I have to admit, I was charmed. The stories swiftly move along on memorable one-liners and romantic beats without force or rush. The script conventions often give in to sincere philosophies.
In the movie, Radnor plays Sam, an aspiring novelist who crosses paths with an abandoned foster child (Michael Algieri) on the subway. Though Sam is a man devoid of responsibility, he takes the kid in, opening himself up to a series of problems and difficulties.
Meanwhile, Sam’s attraction to the cabaret-singing bartender Mississippi (Kate Mara) leads him to what would seem to be a typical one-night stand. However, to avoid this recurring situation in his life, Sam suggests that Mississippi move in with him for three days, and she accepts. Let’s just say things get complicated.
Sam’s best friend, Annie, experiences the frustration of dealing with the too-nice Sam No. 2 (Tony Hale) in the workplace and also her scummy ex-boyfriend Ira (Peter Scanavino) in the bedroom. The character, whose head is enfolded in self-deprecating thoughts and colorful scarves, is the point of most interest in the movie as she comes to realizations about the relationship between her mentality and her reality.
Also, Mary Catherine (Zoe Kazan) and her boyfriend Charlie (Pablo Schreiber) deal with deciding which coast to live on; Charlie has a potential business deal in Los Angeles, which Mary Catherine asserts is hell on Earth due to its complete void of intellect and art.
Though I wasn’t rocked by the cinematic experience, it was surely a pleasant way to spend an hour and a half. The plot is adjusted just enough to be enjoyable, and it serves as a nice alternative to the more traditional romantic comedies. The high and optimistic note the movie ends on is typical, yet endearing. If you have a spare afternoon or evening, “happythankyoumoreplease” hits Arizona theaters March 11.
Reach the reporter at mgrichar@asu.edu
