ShareThisHappiness is a state of mind, rather than a reaction to circumstances. That's the unspoken credo of single British schoolteacher Poppy, the quick-witted, infectiously ebullient focus of "Happy-Go-Lucky."As Poppy, surefire awards contender Sally Hawkins doesn't just act. She floats. Compared to Poppy, Pollyanna needs Xanax. She twists intended insults into self-deprecating jokes, neutralizes cynicism with dismissive wisecracks and has a grin to answer every glare.As is the case with most movies made by British impresario Mike Leigh ("Secrets & Lies"), there's no true plot. His movies are about observing and identifying with characters rather than following them from one epiphany to another. And Poppy is a joy to tag along with. She's the type you don't see too often in real life, but when you do you might either grit your teeth and count the seconds until she moves on or tune into her zany wavelength for impromptu giggles. Poppy is a walking magnet for whimsy, trouble and flirtation. She may be poor, sexually frustrated and easily dismissed, but Poppy refuses to let anything get her down. To her, every day above ground is a romp through paradise.She meets her polar opposite in Scott (Eddie Marsan), a bitter driving teacher who spews racial epithets and conspiracy theories. He demands Poppy stop wearing high heels to her lessons, which of course makes Poppy doubly sure to wear them again. Their scenes together are priceless, as irresistible force mocks, teases and frustrates immovable object.As impressive as Hawkins' flighty Zen showing is, Marsan's determined anger is just as remarkable. He's a work of miserable art and his drained eyes are symbols of how life's unrelenting cruelty can harden souls. Scott's stream-of-consciousness tirade late in the film is an absolute jaw-dropper.Mostly, Poppy chooses to surround herself with more positive people, including longtime roommate Zoe (Alexis Zegerman), her partner in crime in many a booze-fueled night on the town and coffee-swilling mornings after. Zoe, who is generally upbeat but given to flights of frustration, sticks to Poppy as if she's a battery that recharges her, emboldening her to face the daily ardor once more.The film starts somewhat slowly and evolves from a seemingly inconsequential series of happenstance meetings and playful verbal fencing into something profound and beautiful. The movie's soul mate is best-picture Oscar winner "Marty" (1955).You grow more and more attached to Hawkins' one-of-a-kind creation as you follow along in her triumphs and travails. You fear for her when she strikes up a conversation with a dangerous-looking, incomprehensible homeless man and feel your heart leap for joy when she finds romance. And boy, do you pull for her, because if the indomitable Poppy can't find what she's looking for than there's no hope for the rest of us.E-mail Phil Villarreal at Pvillarreal(at)azstarnet.com3.5 stars out of 4Rated: R for language.(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)
Anything goes in "Happy-Go-Lucky"
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