The Happy Poet
The Happy Poet
| 17 September 2010 (USA)
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When Bill, the title character, secures a very small loan to start his dream business--a health food stand--his struggles as an idealistic micro-business owner begin.

Reviews
Gutsycurene

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

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StyleSk8r

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

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Keeley Coleman

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

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Jerrie

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

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siwyaf

This movie is hilarious. I like how the tension is amplified with just a few notes on the piano, like in Eyes Wide Shut. I got the movie because of the title and the picture on the cover. I think it was filmed in Houston. It didn't disappoint even though I never heard of the director or the actors. I'm not an indie fan because movie critics have steered me wrong. The main character is played by the director who, as the main character, says that he would like to get a loan so that he can open up a hot dog stand and sell healthy food instead of hot dogs. The food looks delicious. He has a masters degree in creative writing so someone suggests that he could call his stand The Happy Poet to block out the huge picture of a hot dog. Some of the scenes are with real people and not actors which lends to the realism of the script. There is a liking in how the poet has an open trust in people but is used by them for their own self gain. The ending kind of ticked me off because there is no humor in corporations or conglomerates. A second viewing is helpful because of the irony, especially when he reads one of his poems.

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gemaria16

Terrific charming indie about a soft spoken but idealistic poet who wants to live green and start a healthy food cart business. I'm surprised this didn't have more press or reviews, but I was drawn to the title and the premise as a fan of indie flicks, a poet, almost vegetarian and dreamer who doesn't want to be, as the main character said, like "most people that hate their jobs". The tension is present from the opening scene: Will he be able to sustain his passion amidst hot dog eaters, doubters, debt, and unscrupulous employees? Director Paul Gordon is mesmerizing as his relatable protagonist Bill nods, mutters, and wraps eggless egg salad sandwiches his way through the business and dating world, earning sympathy and causing the viewer to root for him to find his voice, not just clear his throat. Johnny Mars stands out as the supportive but fallible sidekick who markets creatively, and Chris Doubek is convincing as Curtis, the random moocher whom offers just the right amount of encouragement for Bill to tolerate him and ends up being a guardian angel. Bill's romantic connection to a patient but frustrated Agnes, played well by Liz Fisher, seems just as promising but tenuous as his chances for success. Ultimately, the movie's message is uplifting and falls somewhere in the delicate balance of standing up for yourself and standing up for your dreams, which are not always in sync. As Curis in the movie said, ..."Just because you aren't writing doesn't mean you're not a poet...how you live your life is a work of art. This food is your art." Overall, a unique and enjoyable film with heart warming and laugh out loud moments. Highly recommended.

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samnitebc

As a person who eats healthy vegetarian foods, I was immediately drawn into the story about a below-average guy who sells vegetarian foods from a hot dog cart in a park. The humor in this movie isn't always obvious because of Paul Gordon's deadpan acting, which is top notch and sometimes infuriating because you want to reach into the television and shake the talking rock that he is. Don't get me started on his lack of skills when it comes to talking to the opposite sex.The script complemented Gordon's acting because of the excessive use of "cool", "yeah", and a few "uh's". Honestly, the writer must've consulted a slacker dictionary to create the dialog. But that's not a negative at all. It worked in this film and added to its charm.As an aside, that "Eggless Egg Sandwich" looked really good.

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Bill Papadopoulos

I saw the movie before two days in the festival of Thessaloniki. It has good performances , good actors. The plot was quick so during the film you will not get bored at all.The plot has some meanings also. You don't get use to watch movies with organic foods.In the beginning of the movie the first 10-15 minutes are a little confusing(not many action on the story) but later just getting better minute after minute. To tell the truth i was not expecting this movie to be good.. I think that Paul Gordon's and Liz Fisher's performances especially were very promised . The movie is a comedy and i can tell that it's a good one. I think that you cant get any better from a low budget movie!

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