Metacritic Movie Ratings
Happy-Go-Lucky Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 100

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

  This is Mike Leigh's funniest film since "Life Is Sweet" (1991). Of course he hasn't ever made a completely funny film, and Happy-Go-Lucky has scenes that are not funny, not at all.

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• 91

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum

  The London universe Leigh creates (employing his trademark improv techniques to unite his ensemble, many of whom make their film debuts) isn't so much a reality as a hope, and an invitation to find joy and grace in everyday moments.

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• 90

  out of 100

  The New York TimesManohla Dargis

  Mr. Leigh has never been an artist for whom happy (word or idea) has been an easy fit. Life is sweet, as the title of another of his films puts it with a heart-swelling yes, but it's also an eternal fight against doom and gloom, the soul-crushing no.

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• 88

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia Puig

  It is that rare film that is equal parts entertaining, life-affirming and thought-provoking.

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• 80

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan

  As is always the case with Leigh's protagonists, Poppy does not fit into a schematic log line, she simply is. She exists with an intensity that few other filmmakers' characters can manage because of the singular way Leigh creates his people.

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• 70

  out of 100

  Variety

  Mike Leigh's mellowest work yet, and his most purely entertaining.

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• 70

  out of 100

  The Hollywood ReporterRay Bennett

  As surprising as it is delicious with an indelible performance by new star Sally Hawkins.

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See all Happy-Go-Lucky movie reviews at Metacritic.com