Happythankyoumoreplease was a romantic comedy and the directorial debut from How I Met Your Mother’s Josh Radnor released in 2010. Writing, directing and starring
alongside Malin Akerman (Watchmen, Couples Retreat), Tony Hale (Arrested Development, Stranger than Fiction) and Zoe Kazan (Ruby Sparks, It’s Complicated). Released in 2012 and in a miniscule amount of cinemas peaking at 19 cinema’s in New York and Los Angeles but it did receive the Audience Award at its premiere during the 26th Sundance Film Festival.
Following the story of 6 New Yorkers as they attempt to understand love in their own way. As Sam Wexler(Radnor) tries to get to know a waitress/cabaret singer called Mississippi (Kate Mara – 127 Hours, Iron Man 2) whilst trying to work out what to do with a boy who got separated from his family on the Subway and refuses to go home. Sam’s best friend Annie (Akerman) who due her condition of suffering from alopecia struggles to accept herself as beautiful despite the continued attempts to tell her so by a co-worker, Sam #2 (Hale). Along with Sam’s cousin Mary Catherine (Kazan) who is struggling with her boyfriend (Pablo Schreiber – The Manchurian Candidate, Lords of Dogtown) wanting to move to L.A. but her complete distaste for the city and worry of what will become of them.
With convincing performances from the whole cast who show the transition from struggle to joy in their own way and really helps to make this film such a heartwarming tale. Due to the film being made on such a small budget and it’s very limited release, all of the attention in the film is on the acting with no real fancy graphics and really is a down to earth simple film that uses its simplicity to it’s advantage. And a soundtrack to match, with all original music written and performed by New York native and folk singer Jaymay. With her style of music being a perfect match for the overall tone of the film with her heartfelt lyrics and relaxing playing style.
Unfortunately due to the limited release, Happythankyoumoreplease is not available in most countries in the world so hardcopies can only be purchased through US Imports but if you have something able to play it, it is worth the investment.