Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. A boy gives a girl “artificial breasts” that he made from small beach balls for her birthday and we see her wearing them later. ‘H Is For Happiness’: Melbourne Review By Sarah Ward 2019-08-10T07:55:00+01:00 A can-do teenage heroine tries to fix her family’s problems in this sparky Australian debut H is for Happiness has to be one of the most enjoyable family films to come out of Australia since Babe. Students in a classroom glare at one student when she asks questions. There aren't any reviews yet. H is for Happiness - 2.4.3 Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs - 2.3.1 The Secrets We Keep - 6.6.4 The Devil All the Time - 7.8.8 Cuties - 8.4.5. A girl makes shrimp po-boy sandwiches with prawns that she did not peel or devein. Wondering if Hector and the Search for Happiness is OK for your kids? A girl tells a man that she wants to hire him to help her divorce her parents. Sure, this is a kids film, but you’d be hard pressed to find anyone of any age not rolling in the aisles with laughter. A drug lord threatens a traveler's life. A man and a woman argue behind a closed door and their daughter cries outside the door. Move sliders from 0-10 in any combination, check and uncheck MPAA ratings and use keywords to further filter results -- please let us know what you think. ► We hear a horse’s hoofs in a forest and a girl says that she is afraid of horses; a small horse appears and disappears in several scenes. A girl panics and rides her bike to a forest where she finds a boy high in a tree just before he jumps; he lands on the round and lies motionless as the girl screams (we see him later wearing a bandage on his head and recovering). Finally he heads to Los Angeles, where an old flame from college (Toni Collette) awaits. A teacher yells at students in a classroom and a girl falls out of her chair onto the floor. What is it saying about life and happiness? Our ratings and reviews are based on the theatrically-released versions of films; on video there are often Unrated, Special, Director's Cut or Extended versions, (usually accurately labelled but sometimes mislabeled) released that contain additional content, which we did not review. var zergnet = document.createElement('script'); A girl talks about waiting for “progress in the chest department.” It isn’t anything special, and it is too formulaic throughout. A boy tells a girl that he loves her. We want children to learn from an early age principles that can lead to lasting happiness. People in a music club dance, and a musician onstage wiggles his hips toward the audience. H is for Happiness. A twelve year old girl with boundless optimism and a unique view of the world, is inspired by the strange new boy at school and sets out to Searching for streaming and purchasing options ... Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. A woman asks a girl if she is autistic. Happiness, who’d have it, eh? awaits. He hits her, and she hits back. H is for Happiness in US theaters September 18, 2020 starring Miriam Margolyes, Daisy Axon, Alessandra Tognini, Talissa Mansfield. "H is for Happiness is the story of Candice Phee (Axon), a relentlessly optimistic and hilariously forthright girl on the cusp of her 13th birthday. A girl chews her gum loudly in several scenes. We want children to learn from an early age principles that can lead to lasting happiness. ... "Introducing the Dwights" is a heartfelt comedy about a mother who tries to come between her son and his coming of age. SD HD HD selected Rent AU$6.99 I didn't know much about 'H is for Happiness' going into this film, bar that it premiered at MIFF 2019, and that it's based off the award-winning young adult novel 'My Life as an Alphabet' by Barry Jonsberg. “H Is For Happiness” won’t appeal to older teens or cynical adults, but for families with kids of the appropriate age, it’s a charmer.••• Daniel M. Kimmel is a veteran movie critic and author of a host of film-related books. H is for Happiness is one of our favorite movies of 2020. I’d recommend H is for Happiness for kids ages 10 and older. The peppy Candice (Daisy Axon), 12 year old protagonist of Lisa Hope and John Sheedy’s (writer/director) Australian kid’s comedy H is for Happiness, that’s who.Candice, who, with her vivid titian hair and primary coloured wardrobe, looks like a cartoon character come to life, is also an eternal optimist. H is for Happiness. 2020 98 minutes. ► A woman wears low-cut dresses and tops that reveal cleavage in a few scenes. Browse titles with similar subject matter. We've gone through several editorial changes since we started covering films in 1992 and older reviews are not as complete & accurate as recent ones; we plan to revisit and correct older reviews as resources and time permits. Did you know you can now filter searches by any combination of ratings? THE ASSIGNED NUMBERS 1 VIDEO | 12 IMAGES. It’s become the basis of the feature-film debuts of director John Sheedy and writer Lisa Hoppe and I’m bound to … ► We hear an adult voice say, “No kissing” in a schoolyard. ► A man and a woman argue and the woman says, “Get it together” as she pulls on his arm. $3.99 Rent. Candice (Daisy Axon) is a red-haired, spunky, and very smart teenager whose remarkable resilience has served her well following the crib death of her little sister. 1. H is for Happiness is available on VOD September 18. We welcome suggestions & criticisms -- and we will accept compliments too. Youth and old age are periods of relative happiness, while middle age is something of a rock bottom. H is for Happiness movie reviews & Metacritic score: A twelve year old girl with boundless optimism and a unique view of the world, is inspired by the strange new … H is for Happiness will probably appeal most to children aged 10-13 years, but we recommend parental guidance for this age group because of the movie’s distressing themes of death, family breakdown and depression. A girl dresses up like Dolly Parton and has padding in her blouse to resemble large breasts. And for the first few minutes of the film, I was onboard. Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 Bright color and outstanding supporting characters balance the eccentric with the melancholy. The tones are contrasting, but H is for Happiness is the one that leaves you feeling hopeful. September 18, 2020 H Is For Happiness won't appeal to older teens or cynical adults, but for families with kids of the appropriate age, it's a charmer. })(); FILTER by RATINGS – A girl remembers waking to find her infant sister dead and she screams in a dream about it. – A husband and his wife hug and kiss. This, and the enchanting 2016 coming of age dramedy Girl Asleep , … It's a wonderful feeling when a film really takes you by surprise. He lives with his hyper-efficient girlfriend, Clara (Rosamund Pike), who anticipates and takes care of his every single need in the very neat apartment they live in. A girl talks about her infant sister dying from “cot death” and that her mother hasn’t been the same since. what amazes me most is the performance of Daisy Axon, the main character actress, shes among the best in her class,. He's a therapist with a thriving practice. $3.99 Rent. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. H is for Happiness will probably appeal most to children aged 10-13 years, but we recommend parental guidance for this age group because of the movie’s distressing themes of … ► A girl jumps off a dock and into water after saying that she cannot swim, the girl’s mother faints on the dock after screaming, and two men dive into the water after her and bump their heads together (we see one man with a bloody nose later); the girl sinks under the water and a boy jumps in after her and pulls her to safety. H is for Happiness is a cute and family-friendly film that is sufficiently entertaining. "H is for Happiness is the story of Candice Phee (Axon), a relentlessly optimistic and hilariously forthright girl on the cusp of her 13th birthday. A guy talks about being a drug dealer. Reviews Review Policy. Social drinking and the like. It’s so genuine and tender with its comedy and humanity that it can’t help but feel like an anomaly in the landscape of cinema. 98 minutes, Rated PG (Mild themes and coarse language) However, any commercial reproduction of anything appearing within this site is both illegal and in really bad taste and we will take action... |more|. This is a pretty mild R overall. W hen I first heard about little Australian dramedy H Is for Happiness, I was all in.An offbeat look at an unconventional tween girl? A boy sits in a garbage can while three other boys stand around him (it’s not clear if they put him in the can). Just go to our search page or use the search bar, with or without a keyword, from the top navigation menu. Parents need to know that Hector and the Search for Happiness -- which is based on the novel by Francois Lelord -- blends humor with a thought-provoking plot about a middle-aged man's identity crisis.Much of it is light and breezy, but a lot of it is ponderous, too, and may not appeal to younger viewers. A boy and a girl sing a Dolly Parton song that references, “…making love,” in a school performance. And his life is choreographed to the minute; he never strays from the tried and true, and he won't take any risks. Set in the colourful Australian coastal town of Albany, H IS FOR HAPPINESS is a classic feel-good film for all ages that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer with delight. There's also an extended sequence in which a man is shown in a jail cell, clearly terrified, beaten (both physically and emotionally), and on the edge of his sanity. A woman talks about her son undergoing personality changes after a blow to the head. A girl kisses a boy on the cheek. Parents need to know that Hector and the Search for Happiness -- which is based on the novel by Francois Lelord -- blends humor with a thought-provoking plot about a middle-aged man's identity crisis.Much of it is light and breezy, but a lot of it is ponderous, too, and may not appeal to younger viewers. We are a totally independent website with no connections to political, religious or other groups & we neither solicit nor choose advertisers. A girl talks about her father and her uncle having had a big falling out over their business and that her father ended up with nothing and her uncle became very rich after the court case. What do you think of the lessons he learned over the course of the movie? Man's quest for meaning has some swearing, risqué moments. A naked woman lies next to a man while asleep; her backside is visible. Comedy. In another scene, a man pushes a woman around. | profanity glossary |. A man flies a remote controlled plane and it crashes into a tree. Based on the award winning book, My Life As An Alphabet by Barry Jonsberg, H IS FOR HAPPINESS is a classic Family Feature Film that will make you laugh, cry and cheer with delight; the story of one unflinchingly honest twelve year old girl’s determination to bring her family back from the brink. Much of it is light and breezy, but a lot of it is ponderous, too, and may not appeal to younger viewers. Offbeat buddy comedy has language, drinking, some drugs. Families can talk about Hector and the Search for Happiness' messages. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Kidnappers beat up a character and threaten to shoot him point-blank; he's bloodied and scared in an extended sequence. Candice (Daisy Axon) is a red-haired, spunky, and very smart teenager whose remarkable resilience has served her well following the crib death of her little sister. Be the first to review this title. ► A boy and a girl hold hands. David Stratton Reviews: H is for Happiness ... award-winning theatre director John Sheedy makes his feature film debut with a charming coming-of-age tale about a … Directed by John Sheedy. ‘H Is for Happiness’: Film Review This delightful coming-of-age dramedy provides feel-good entertainment for the entire family without pandering — or sacrificing style or substance. H is for Happiness Director: John Sheedy Cyan Films In Theaters and Streaming on Video on Demand: 09.18. H is for Happiness is a cute and family-friendly film that is sufficiently entertaining. The themes of teen angst, dysfunctional families, young romance and coping with tragedy are not exactly new territory for indie films. How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives, Get fun, free Holiday Gratitude activities from Wide Open School, Online Playdates, Game Nights, and Other Ways to Socialize at a Distance, Keeping Kids Motivated for Online Learning, Determined to figure out how to become a happy person, Hector decides to travel the globe, first to China -- where he meets a very successful, though not terribly happy, business executive (, ) -- and then to Africa, where he has a run-in with a drug lord (. ) A girl cuts her finger in the kitchen several times (we see no blood and we see bandages on her fingers). And you will be helping support our website & our efforts. And that is definitely the word. A girl yells at her mother about needing to start living their lives three years after her infant sister died; her mother yells at her and throws a cup that shatters on a wall next to the girl (she pulls a small shard of ceramic out of her neck and we see blood on her finger). "H is for Happiness is the story of Candice Phee (Axon), a relentlessly optimistic and hilariously forthright girl on the cusp of her 13th birthday. what amazes me most is the performance of Daisy Axon, the main character actress, shes among the best in her class,. $9.99 Buy. Unlike the MPAA we do not assign one inscrutable rating based on age but 3 objective ratings for SEX/NUDITY, VIOLENCE/GORE & LANGUAGE on a scale of 0 to 10, from lowest to highest depending on quantity & context |more|, Print a page, share with friends, and yes, please go ahead and email links. But is he happy? What does it all mean for Hector and Clara? The star rating reflects overall quality. The themes of teen angst, dysfunctional families, young romance and coping with tragedy are not exactly new territory for indie films. Some discussion about the proper dosage for prescription pills. After designing and facilitating the course: The Art and Science of Happiness at the college level, Donovan and Faith Thomas have decided to put these principles into a book for children. See Hector to be reminded of what you may already know but have forgotten -- life is what you make it -- and enjoy it on that level. Starring Daisy Axon, Richard Roxburgh, Miriam Margolyes, Emma Booth, Joel Jackson, Deborah Mailman, Wesley Patten, Alessandra Tognini, George Shevtsov. Are there realistic consequences? Candice's family is in disarray: her mum has been living with depression since the death of Candice's baby sister, while her dad and his brother - Candice's beloved Rich Uncle Brian - are not on speaking terms. Rent AU$6.99 Buy AU$24.99 Comedy. Award-winning short film director John Sheedy (Mrs McCutcheon) directs newcomers Daisy Axon (Judy & Punch) and Wesley Patten in this Australian domestic drama based on Barry Jonsberg's young adult novel, My Life as an Alphabet. Rating… A man tells a girl that she is too young to make financial decisions. A boy tries to kiss a girl and she pulls away. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization, earns a small affiliate fee from Amazon or iTunes when you use our links to make a purchase. If H is for happiness, it should also be for heartwarming and heartfelt. H is for Happiness is rated NR. Add to Wishlist. Lots of brands/products are spotted, including Skype, BMW, the New York Times, iPod, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Ferrari. Who has the energy for it? H IS FOR HAPPINESS, Australia, 2019. Parents: Set preferences and get age-appropriate recommendations with Common Sense Media Plus. Parents need to know that Hector and the Search for Happiness -- which is based on the novel by Francois Lelord -- blends humor with a thought-provoking plot about a middle-aged man's identity crisis. All rights reserved. – Death of a child, SIDS, bullying, happiness, friendship, secrets, delusions, guilt, trust, abandonment, mourning, fears, traumatic brain injury, string theory, mental health issues, hope, family schisms, alternate dimensions, patents, depression. Suggest an update to this review. But overall, a very very good movie. A man becomes frustrated and says that he is going to visit his estranged brother and “Give him a piece of my mind.” Two men argue bitterly in a restaurant and one accuses the other, saying, “You robbed me.” A girl tells a boy, “I might die a violent death.” A man holds a cooking pan that is in flames and he says, “Man the pumps.” A man talks about having been too late for his daughter’s delivery. – A woman takes a pill and calls it a “happy pill.” A man and a woman drink champagne at a restaurant. Sure, this is a kids film, but you’d be hard pressed to find anyone of any age not rolling in the aisles with laughter. Based on the award winning book, My Life As An Alphabet by Barry Jonsberg, H IS FOR HAPPINESS is a classic Family Feature Film that will make you laugh, cry and cheer with delight; the story of one unflinchingly honest twelve year old girl’s determination to bring her family back from the brink. A 12-year-old girl (Daisy Axon) struggles with trying to keep her family together and helping them find happiness again, after a tragedy has changed their lives. The main message from this movie is to be kind and caring towards others because you never know what people are dealing with. H is for heartwarming. Just go to our search page or use the search bar, with or without a keyword, from the top navigation menu. Get full reviews, ratings, and advice delivered weekly to your inbox. “H Is For Happiness” (PG) *** and a half IN 2013, Australian Barry Jonsberg published a book called “My Life as an Alphabet” about 13-year-old Candice. We welcome suggestions & criticisms -- and we accept compliments too. We display the minimum age for which content is developmentally appropriate. If you find yourself lost, metaphorically speaking, travel might be a way to find yourself and come back home. H is for Happiness Theatre director John Sheedy makes his feature début with this filming of Barry Jonsberg’s young adult novel My Life As An Alphabet , and the result shoots for a little of the gratingly surreal whimsy of Girl Asleep , but there’s a harder, sadder emotional core. His latest novel is Father of the Bride of Frankenstein. And an alternative way to h for heaven, than have a look at this one. "One of the 50 Coolest Websites...they simply tell it like it is" - TIME, The current economic climate has reduced our revenues. $9.99 Buy. W hen I first heard about little Australian dramedy H Is for Happiness, I was all in.An offbeat look at an unconventional tween girl? However, it is a visually pleasing film with plenty of heart, soul, and (you guessed it) happiness. A twelve year old girl with boundless optimism and a unique view of the world, is inspired by the strange new boy at school and sets out to Read our parents' review for details on sexual content, violence and strong language to find out why. How does the movie depict drinking? its definately the best australian film ive ever seen, its so full of smile, hope , happiness and a whole lot of grief and dispair. A horse defecates on a stage during a performance and we see a pile of feces. It's just fun to watch. var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; Read our parents' review for details on sexual content, violence and strong language to find out why. Be aware that while we do our best to avoid spoilers it is impossible to disguise all details and some may reveal crucial plot elements. The first-ever United Nations happiness report finds that the U.S. ranks high but not highest in happiness and life satisfaction, with Finland, Denmark and Norway often dominating the top ranks. We won't share this comment without your permission. H is for Happiness is one of our favorite movies of 2020. A husband and his wife dance briefly until she cries and leaves the room. znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr); It's a wonderful feeling when a film really takes you by surprise. H is for Happiness Director: John Sheedy Cyan Films In Theaters and Streaming on Video on Demand: 09.18. , Talissa Mansfield bottom of that U hits some time in the 50s. Was dramatic on institutional racism and how that factors into achieving the Dream work and unsure where... Resonant plot ► we hear the girl ’ s also one that leaves you hopeful... Email address, it is a coming-of-age comedy set in a Dream about.. 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