My Newest and Brightest Hero

Have you seen Happy Go Lucky?

If not, add it to your Netflix queue right now.  It's my newest favorite movie, and I want everyone to be able to bask in its happy glory.

I am having a hard time putting all my thoughts about this movie into a cohesive piece, so I am just going to put a few wispy thought nuggets out there instead.

Poppy, the main character, goes on a character arch that is so much more genuine, interesting, and unique than I expected.

She also appears to own every color offered in a specific pair of lacy tights, and she wears them all through out the movie.  Given the proximity they have to her signature (and plot important) boots, I think that says a lot about her character.

The film suggests that happiness is a choice... for those of us who are lucky enough to make it.  It also suggests that optimism is not the antithesis of realism, despite what many pessimists may tell you.

I wasn't joking when I wrote this title- Poppy is my hero.  I've  seen many movies with characters that I love, relate to, or find fascinating.  But few and far between is the character that I look up to- a hero that doesn't wear a cape but can be admired for the way she treats herself and others.  A character that wants to help others see the beauty and joy in life, but doesn't sacrifice her own happiness for it.

So today I raise my glass (ok, coffee mug) and offer this toast:

"To happiness.  And may we all be lucky enough to be a little more like Poppy."