It's a beautiful movie! After such films as Andrew Bergman's "Happy Chance", you unwittingly get distracted from pressing problems and get a huge charge of optimism. Even now I write this with a smile.
With more than a simple plot, thanks to a soft directorial pitch and a special warm atmosphere, the film immediately absorbs the attention of the viewer. I was pleased with the high-quality production of the picture, a well-chosen soundtrack and excellent humor. Bergman’s message to the viewer is as simple as possible, but it does not lose its value. And the film was made very well.
I was pleased that all the characters of Bergman’s work treated their roles with maximum efficiency. A good impression was made by the charismatic Stanley Tucci, who played a small but memorable role. Wendell Pierce and Isaac Hayes were pleased. Incredibly organically entered the image of her “heroine” beauty Rosie Perez. A favorable impression was made by the cute Bridget Fonda. And, of course, I want to say a few warm words about Nicholas Cage, who played the central role of the picture. The actor appeared in a somewhat atypical role for himself, but he coped with his task more than successfully, entering the image of his hero with all his inherent charm. Honored, albeit unofficial, audience award
P.S. Do good. It will surely come back to you.
7 out of 10
Some stories are so unique that you can’t believe they actually happened. But sometimes fate presents people with such amazing gifts that you begin to conceive of magic and magic, which invisibly watch us from the sidelines and when necessary, manifest themselves in all their unimaginable glory. Police officer Robert Cunningheim hardly ever thought about miracles, but the sense of adventure somehow occupied his thoughts, because one day he decided to buy a lottery ticket and promised waitress Phyllis Penzo half of the possible winnings for jokes. Not giving any special weight to the ticket or his promise, Cunningheim nevertheless saw with his own eyes what amusing games of providence were and unexpectedly for everyone he won a jackpot of $ 4 million, half of which he justly promised to give to the waitress. Such an extraordinary incident that lit up New York City waking up from the winter in March 1984 immediately spread to all local newspapers. While some readers may have mistook the article for another fiction of journalists, the story of Cunningheim and Penzo proves that sometimes miracles happen and can turn the life of any person for the better. I could not pass by such a remarkable event and Andrew Bergman, the author of the script of the popular adventurous comedy “Fletch” with the participation of Chevy Chase, who saw in the purchase of a landmark lottery ticket a great reason for staging a fascinating and heartfelt film. Taking up the sketches of Jane Anderson, Bergman slightly corrected them and brought them to work on the set of Nicholas Cage, thereby making “Happy Chance” one of those tapes that you just need to pay attention to.
So, the plot of the film introduces us to the ordinary policeman Charlie Lang (Cage), an amazing kind man who was not spoiled by the endless routine of his official life. Every time he goes on a shift, Charlie knows that everything will be fine, because this is the mood he puts in his head, but someone does not let him enjoy the joyful sunny days. And this man, his faithful wife Muriel (Rosie Perez), a hysterical, unpleasant and excessively greedy person, who needs only money from her husband and nothing more. Understanding the current situation, but not finding the strength to put in place excessively arrogant Muriel, Charlie tries to avoid unnecessary conflicts, but this does not bring him the desired happiness. His wife still demands huge sums of money from him every day for absolutely unnecessary expenses, and the hero himself sometimes does not even find a banal couple of dollars to leave for the waiters. It was just such a wind in his pockets that walked with him during his acquaintance with the charming Yvonne (Bridget Fonda), who served a police officer in one of the cafes. Realizing that leaving the girl without the slightest reward is extremely nefarious, Charlie recalls that he recently bought a lottery ticket, a victory in which guarantees a prize of $ 4 million. With a light heart, promising a pleasant friend half of the winnings, Charlie as if struck by this very fate and still got his millions, half of which immediately went to Muriel, and the second is likely to help him finally achieve the true happiness of which he dreamed, but was afraid to say.
Pictures such as “Happy Chance” are no longer removed in Hollywood, since at one time too many of them were released, and the audience was somewhat fed up with life-affirming, kind and serene stories, similar to a fairy tale. But after a decade, when the most popular comedies began to be dominated only by rigidity, rudeness, vulgarity and sadism, “Happy Chance” and other good old films of a bygone era began to change again in the eyes of an audience experiencing a sharp bout of nostalgia. Director Andrew Bergman and Jane Anderson gave us a warm, interesting and heartfelt story in which you will not find dizzying plot twists, discouraging surprises and other moments that distract us from the most important. This story teaches us first and foremost to be human beings, not cardboard sets, wandering the world in search of just a living. But at the same time, the film openly scolds its protagonist, unable to stand up for himself in the same house with his wife. By drowning out his own dignity, Charlie Lang evokes highly controversial feelings, because viewers need more than his kindness to really feel for him. And Andrew Bergman still does not forget to press some dramatic accents to pull careless, but so pleasant and liking Charlie out of the quagmire that drags him deeper and deeper. This happens only after communication with the beautiful Yvonne goes to a strong friendly level, after which the changes that we have been waiting for begin to occur in the life of the hero.
Of course, it is not possible to say that participation in “Happy Case” refers to a number of outstanding works by Nicolas Cage, but he still managed to reveal before us a bright emotional palette that makes us cling to the screen closer and watch with real interest whether the main character will be able to escape from the clutches of an intolerable wife and feel a heat in the heart, which he probably never felt. Cage looks very touching here and is able to surprise those viewers who have seen him before in the images of crazy scammers and psychopaths. As it turns out, he really knows how to be diverse, despite the fact that his facial potential, unlike the depth of his gaze, is far from as saturated as we would like. Also, Bridget Fonda deserves attention to her person, who embodied the girl of dreams from an ordinary cafe, where she had to get out of necessity. Sweet and talkative Yvonne has to herself after the first acquaintance, and although obstinate character traits are also not alien to her, appearing in the frame she invariably attracts attention with her smile and makes you hope that Charlie Lang will still be able to take a decisive step towards her. And, of course, it is impossible to leave out of the spotlight the cocky Marielle, whose role was simply performed by Rosie Perez. A lady who has an irresistible interest in money does everything necessary to arouse indignation in the viewer and this she does at her best. One look at Muriel, and the viewer perfectly understands what kind of person she is and why Charlie Lang should pull himself together and prove himself a man. Perez contrasts well with Cage and despite the fact that her image is extremely repulsive, she becomes an integral part of the narrative and partly a motivating factor for the active actions of her timid on-screen spouse.
In conclusion, I want to say that “Happy Chance” is a pleasant mental picture with the right message and morality, which I do not want to challenge. Enjoy your visit.
By modern standards, a surprisingly good ribbon. I enjoyed watching it. Perhaps the rarest case in American cinema, when the characters throughout the film are extremely honest, although it is not required, and react to the events happening to them with childlike immediacy. It is this fact that you wonder how such simple guys live and work, perhaps, in the most cynical city in America. The contrast with modernity was striking: it seems that today, through the cinema and the media, we are taught to react with indifference to everything that happens around us (no, this is not an impression, this is so), they say, this is the most true tactic in life, leading to success. And in this film, on the contrary, responsive characters (not without problems, however) achieve their goals.
I like the variety of characters! In modern “pictures”, a meager range of emotions ranges from fierce hatred to stupid sarcasm, in other words, is in a negative range. Sometimes all this negativity is laced with a wretched semblance of love or puppy delight on the smallest occasion. In this film everything is honest: real emotions, and joy, and sadness, and anger, and simple communication of ordinary people.
About the technical aspects of the film (sound, camera work, etc.) I will not mention: the film is not about this. Lovers of special effects, he certainly will not please. At the end of the film, the story movement slowed down somewhat (I got distracted and went quietly poured myself tea), but it was only happy - the film is so peaceful that after missing a couple of minutes, you easily return to the topic and continue to watch with pleasure.
I recommend for viewing to those who are tired of the hustle and madness of the modern world, to restore mental balance, as well as for family viewing (including children).
I will definitely watch this movie again and again.
Even before the uncle Kolya nicknamed "Cage" on the screen began to shoot at everything that moves poorly, destroy everything and cut the skulls of bad people, he played the roles of complex, dramatic and mostly losers. It’s hard to believe, but his characters on the screen were a long time ago, far away anyone: laboratory rats, police officers, and even tire sellers! Presented on the screen uncle Kolya miserable spectacle, but constantly these films ended well, because they were kind and from the heart. About one of these situations, one of these roles, I will tell you. I will tell you about the film, which now after the incident of 21 years is much more difficult to watch than in my carefree existence, but the main meaning and lesson of this film will always be relevant! Even for you, my young babes...
Well, let's start the lesson!
Charlie Lang on the one hand: the best example of moral principles, kind, decent, sweet, neat middle-aged man. A welcome guest in any society, a faithful husband, a fair policeman, a sympathetic man.
On the other hand: a spineless parody of a man, a non-initiative personality, a hen-heeled man, an unknown Kazanova and, to put it in your modern slang, just a sucker! You can continue for a long time, but it is better not to. He lives in his own world, where tulips bloom all year round, where there are no wars and quarrels, where there is a loving chimpanzee wife and only small problems associated with her, where there are worries, failure and pure love. And while the little-thinking people around Charlie are trying to achieve something in life, he burns through day after day without interest. Why? “Because you have to,” Charlie would say. And he would continue to work tirelessly for pennies, always obeying his wife, because there are “such duties.” But one accident, or perhaps not an accident on his head, turns his life - after all, he won the lottery 4 million dollars! “Live, spend, rejoice,” Caesar would have said. Charlie with a sense of complete relief begins to give all his blood and someone.
In fact, no kidding, a hero like Charlie Lang is a real tragedy in our society. After all, all his good spiritual impulses are a tool for ridicule and the possibility of using the services of Charlie by others. After all, his lifestyle is the average lifestyle of most men on the planet. Are these types of men we represent as a model? Is fate fair to such men? And how much will they achieve in life, but most importantly, how much happiness will they achieve? The fact that Charlie has won such a large sum is not a lucky accident. Happiness is that he met the man who was created to be with him in joy and sorrow for the rest of their lives. Your soul mate. My outlet. My Ivon. It doesn’t matter how they manage their money. The main thing is that their lucky lottery ticket is their happy meeting.
I do not believe that even a modern person can not help but touch the scene at the pier with a sincere desire to kiss Charlie, the soulful music accompanying the vicissitudes of the film, which is barely audible, but penetrating to the very soul; not to charm the balloon flight of a new happy family.
The first half of the film seemed a little boring, the second — different. Cage and Fund are good, if only because their faces are the faces of ordinary New Yorkers, in which you see real people. The news that the story of true love turned out to be based on real events is tormented to the depths of the soul by thoughts. Once again, the Americans are surprised by the desire to place the burden of evangelists of happiness on the shoulders of modest black guys (one Morgan Freeman from Bruce Almighty is worth it). Reminiscent of "Happy Chance" and "Route 60", and a similar film with James Belushi (I don't remember its title). The original translation of the title of the film is: "It has to happen to you."
A story like a fairy tale is even more beautiful than if it could be a fairy tale because it is not.
For family viewing, as a small mentor to manage your fate, as an epiphany film and just a good movie - "Happy Ticket". He is waiting for you, my dear ones.
Before new meetings! 8 out of 10
The track record of director Andrew Bergman, although small, has several remarkable films. Prior to his directing work in the film “Happy Chance”, he had already participated in the creation of such films as “Fletch” and “White Fang” as a writer and producer, respectively.
“Lucky Happiness”, the idea of which was based on a real story that happened between a waitress and a police officer, was positively received by most film critics and viewers and grossed almost $ 38 million at the box office. The film was really easy, not devoid of humor. And although there is some exaggeration in the picture in the form of the greedy and grumpy wife of the main character, from whom, probably, every man would leave, as well as the deliberate naivety of the main characters, the impressions of this do not spoil at all.
Also pleased with the choice of Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda for the role of the central characters. It turned out a good screen pair, perfectly looked throughout the tape.
The picture has many advantages in its asset, but I want to highlight, probably the most important of them: after viewing, there is an understanding that in the future, for sure, there will be a desire to see it again.
8 out of 10
The film is saturated with such simple romance, naivety, I liked it and most likely it is in my mood and mood and the most amazing thing is that it is based on a real story, which gives the film some weight, at least in my eyes.
The film tells a simple, absolutely transparent story of a brave policeman and just a good man who was catastrophically unlucky with his wife, obsessed with money, they were not poor, but she always lacked them. Luck smiled at them and they won a huge amount in the lottery, half of which, the main character gave the waitress, the day before he did not give her a tip and therefore promised to share the winnings, if any happens, since he was a man of his word, he kept it, which, of course, did not approve of his wife, by the way, in something I agree with her.
The whole plot is based on the mutual sympathy of the policeman and the waitress and the global greed of the Migra – wife. Usually they say that money spoils people, in this case, they just showed the true faces, feelings, motives and aspirations of the main characters, and also thanks to them the morality of the film erupted - do good, to others for the good, and then runs the common thought that money is not all that is necessary for happiness.
The film is definitely for one-time viewing, all the characters are so monumental, or positive, or negative that the whole action is more like a fairy tale and quite primitive. All their actions, dialogues are more than obvious, the predictability of the plot manifests itself at all stages of the picture, which is a little annoying sometimes, but no more.
Something to say about acting is very difficult, the reasons are all in the same one-sidedness of the characters, because of this sometimes there is a feeling of overplay, but still note that Cage go sentimental roles, in my opinion, melodrama as a genre, this is his hypostasis.
I will recommend the film to watch, but first you need to take into account several factors, this is a really romantic mood, not saturated with melodramas and the temporary ability to ignore the obvious plot twists, if all these components are at least close to your subconscious, when you sit down to watch, then the film you will like.
Something else first. Bitch wife, not really a bitch, just stupid and not kind. But her example shows the classics of the psychological syndrome of “suddenly found purpose”, which is called “Ostapa carried” or military psychologists “major syndrome”. In fact, these are the very SLOW TRUMPS that should be passed along with fire and water to understand you are a real person or not yet grown up.
And just Charlie and Yvonne this test with honor. And the main problem of real people, or rather not the problem, but what causes them problems in everyday life is that they judge other people by themselves, which almost always turns against them. And if someone with you slyly rejoices in such “punctures” of good people – this is very indicative.
There's an old Eastern parable. When the squirrel’s nest caught fire, the swallow flew to the sea and brought a drop of water in its beak to extinguish the fire. The crow brought and threw a straw into the fire. The fire did not extinguish from the drop, and the straw did not become stronger, but who is a friend and who is an enemy, these small drop and straw showed in full!
How do you measure and measure half the last hump that a friend gave you? How to measure the cost of life saved and the associated risk? The actions of real people outside of value categories are simply the materialized good of the biblical Samaritan. And most often in life, real people do not receive such a real and lifetime reward, as in the film in the form of meeting true love, winning the lottery, an article in the newspaper and responding to it. And “lucky luck” is not winning the lottery, but just everything that followed and happy ending, which is just called “like in the movies.”
And this is what makes the film so happy that it was rewarded and deserved.
But even without this reward and winning in the lottery, real people would remain as real as worthless people would not rise above their worthlessness. And it is all the more pleasant to watch this story of the triumph of justice “to each according to his business”, where Nicholas Cage and Bridget Fonda so well played, conveyed the bright images of their characters without sweetness and replay, that you believe in the way it is shown, even without a footnote, that the film is based on the true story of the New York policeman.
Once given long ago, Nicolas Cage had unnaturally brown hair and blue-black, unstretched eyebrows, with which he looked quite comical, but that in “Happy Case”, that in “Marked by the Moon” with Cher (both melodramas at the junction of the 80-90s) and looked and played much better than now. Recently, fattened by fame and licked by stylists, he looks at the redistribution of his own physical capabilities, but naturalness and spontaneity both in appearance and in the game flash less and less. He's hiding it. And why would he act in projects oversaturated with graphics, where it is enough to pose with frowning notorious eyebrows and tightly compressed sensitive lips?
And once upon a time, still rather awkward, fledgling actor of Italian origin so diligently acted in his insignificant works, that it is dear to watch. “Lucky Happiness” or “It Could Happen to You” (in the original) is one of those faint, but very sweet projects that each of the participants did with their soul. Being still a “little man” in himself, not corrupted by fame and money, Cage painfully sincerely played a small, gray, ordinary man, a policeman Charlie, open to the simple joys of life, and by nature his kind, generous, right and fair. Untainted, in a word. And unspoiled people, as life shows us, even in the cinema is very few – we are used to calling them simpletons and sluts only because they do not have our cynicism and practicality. And why, interestingly, the generous rich are considered noble patrons, and the generous poor - fools?
Well, would it occur to me not to be a simpleton to give the waitress the promised two million dollars after the lottery ticket (in business!) turned out to be winning? The miserly, enterprising wife of the character was for well-known reasons against such a non-trivial (dumb) act and impulse of her husband - but do we like such people? You don't. They are greedy, self-serving, unattractive. Not to say that in similar circumstances, even the best of our tribesmen would do something similar. However, Charlie gave the stunned Bridget Fonda these two million, marked the beginning of a truly amazing, touching love story, and not only love.
How often do we do something good to others? Of course, sometimes it happens, but, agree, such love for humanity wakes up in us exactly when in our own life everything is going well, so I want to share with others my own happiness, material goods or just a good mood. “Kissed” by God, a police officer and a waitress arranged free training for children from Queens at the Yankees Stadium, handed out tokens on the subway and committed other good deeds, which is simply impossible to watch without tenderness.
The film makes you rest your soul. It is simple, uncomplicated, and does not pretend to cult or fame. Few people know him, but those who do, I am sure, love him. It is difficult not to love him, because he resurrects the best in us, we easily identify with the characters, and the charm of the simple, everyday life of working people envelops us with a peaceful veil. Looking at how carefree adults skate on rollers in Central Park, I want to get drunk skates on wheels and rush to count the chest of the pole. And the finale, horribly far-fetched, but again glorifying the kindness of ordinary mortals, raises the mood.
A wonderful film, easy, romantic, with beautiful dialogue and a calm, touching atmosphere. Of course, this doesn’t happen, but doesn’t the unreality of Hollywood fairy tales attract us, despite fiction? Sweet, kind fiction, which is the best movie of the comedy and romantic genre.
The granddaughter of Jane Fonda, Bridget is a beautiful actress who could not, however, repeat the stellar fate of her relative. With the appearance of the neighbor’s girl, however, she gets along with a brilliant talent, which she demonstrates in films of a variety of genres, starting with “Lonely White Woman”, and ending with “There is no way out”. Not the most diverse examples, but in comedy she feels very comfortable. Inexperienced, fun, trusting and open characters Cage and Fonda give birth to sympathy. We would like to know such people, to be friends with them, without fear of betrayal or deception.
In the movie, Bridget, however, was unlucky. Looks wrong. Now in vogue glamorous, bursting with selicone ladies like Scarlett Johansson, whose swollen face to look without shuddering is impossible even in advertising L'Oreal. Her cheeks are visible from the back, and the smile is so repulsive that a reasonable question arises: Did you not tell you, girl, that with such a face you should stay away even from amateur soap cameras? It's not hard to guess I'm rooting for people like Bridget. Pretty, sweet, pontifical girls with a kind heart. This is what love stories should be like.
Bottom line: a good movie. Very good. To the pleasant music and with a taste of unstained 80s, where the sidewalks were flooded with sunlight, and people sincerely smiled at each other.
10 out of 10.