I was quite surprised by this film as I wasn't expecting much. I was intrigued from the first scene and found myself anticipating the path we were traveling. I thought the film was very well written, the direction was great as were the cast. Parts of the story were muddied occasionally, but overall it was a very fun movie with interesting, thought provoking scenes and dialogue. I'd definitely recommend it.
20 Reviews
Was entertaining but then....
jamesdeubanks19 December 2021
The quirky light hearted style of this film was enjoyable but then... Wiccan symbols kept popping up in a lot of the scenes. The sad reality is that this film is written from the white magic world view and never addresses evil. It only makes the case that it has to be this way so that others can experience good. This being a tenant of eastern philosophy, new ageism, and those who practice white magic. If you watch with a discerning eye you will see the witches and the warlocks played out. This whole film is about Woodys initiation into the group. But then....
One's Own Outlook Will Color 'Welcome to Happiness
stu-0032917 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I didn't attend the Phoenix Film Festival screening of Welcome to Happiness for the subject matter. I went because the cast includes two of my favorite actresses: Olivia Thirlby (The Wackness, Juno and The Wedding Ringer) and Molly C. Quinn, the daughter on ABC's Castle.
Then there was the reference in the synopsis to "a mysterious door in his closet that only allows certain people to enter." For me, that evoked images of Being John Malkovich.
So I really didn't see it coming when the film turned out to address a question with which I've struggled most of my life: Just what is "happiness"? See, I'm one of those folks who has trouble simply "being" in the moment; there always seems to be something more out there. It's an inability to be confident and satisfied in myself, my accomplishments, my health, my relationships and whatnot.
A Curious Setting
That doesn't seem to be a problem, at least initially, for Woody Ward (Kyle Gallner from American Sniper), who lives in an unusual apartment the walls of which are adorned with curious murals.
Residence in the unit comes with a responsibility. Periodically, the silence is shattered by the clattering of a 1980s-era printer in the hallway - followed quickly by a stranger knocking on the door. Woody must verify the visitor's identity with information from the printer, guide him or her into the closet with the mysterious door and then leave the person to await admittance. Like the old Black Flag Roach Motel ads, guests check in but they don't check out.
Woody has lived there for years and hasn't seemed to mind the ritual, but there are signs that it's starting to wear thin:
-- He tells one guest, Leah, that not everybody (i.e., him) gets to pass through the door. -- Following a meet cute with neighbor Trudy (Thirlby) at the mailbox, their initial date is interrupted by the printer and someone at the door. -- He encounters Leah on the street - the first time he's ever seen someone again after he or she went through the door - and she intimates that whatever is on the other side offers the chance to right some wrong in the past. This particularly rankles Woody, whose parents were killed by a drunk driver.
Despite the awkward ending to the first date, Trudy is smitten by Woody's ingenuousness and the fact that he makes his living writing children's books. But it isn't happily ever after; Woody has writer's block and is under pressure from his agent, Priscilla (Paget Brewster from TV's Criminal Minds).
Then there is his growing resentment that he somehow isn't worthy of passing through the door. It comes to a head when Woody tells Trudy and her friend Farrah (Chauntal Lewis) about the door. Determined to prove it in the face of their skepticism, he badgers Farrah, who had lost a hand in a car accident, into trying the door in the hope she might be able to alter the past. But as we've seen with Woody himself, he doesn't get to decide who passes through. His misbegotten effort simply alienates Trudy and Farrah.
The Other Side
Unlike Woody, the audience gets to see life on both sides of the door.
Pulling the strings on the other, Oz-like side is the eccentric Proctor (Keegan-Michael Key of Key and Peele), helped by his quirky assistant, Lillian (Quinn). This side is supposed to be "happiness," a surreal setting of brightly colored buildings amid landscape that looks a lot like the Arizona desert. From there, Proctor and Lillian engineer a subplot in which they manipulate two characters with a dark connection from the past.
The only character who acts in both worlds is Woody's landlord, Moses (Nick Offerman from Parks and Recreation), who is privy to the apartment's special qualities. Moses' presence is measured and calming, compared with Offerman's comedy roles.
Quinn, too, plays against her TV persona. Colorful and quirky, yet almost hypnotic in her movements, Lillian is the opposite of Alexis on Castle.
Welcome to Happiness offers an interesting take on what it means to be worthy. It also tries to illustrate happiness, but falls short. Behind all of the color and kookiness are the usual clichés about the grass always being greener on the other side and appreciating your life as it is.
That said, the film's approach to those issues is original and creative - which works because the acting is superb. The characters of Woody, Lillian and Proctor (as well as the two portrayed in the subplot by Josh Brener of TV's Silicon Valley and Brendan Sexton III of The Killing) are richly drawn, and the ways in which the actors bring them to life a key to capturing the audience. It wasn't surprising, then, that Welcome to Happiness won Phoenix Film Festival's award for Best Acting Ensemble.
What doesn't work is a sharp New Age, Kumbayba-type turn near the end. What to that point is a nuanced portrayal of individuals runs smack into a big group of people embracing in unison some sort of common belief in solidarity against the real world - represented moments earlier by Trudy and Priscilla, clad in black, trying to yank Woody back to his reality. It just doesn't fit.
Still, Welcome to Happiness offers many of the qualities integral to an independent film that seeks to avoid the tropes of the genre.
###
Stu Robinson practices writing, editing, media relations and social media through his business, Phoenix-based Lightbulb Communications.
Then there was the reference in the synopsis to "a mysterious door in his closet that only allows certain people to enter." For me, that evoked images of Being John Malkovich.
So I really didn't see it coming when the film turned out to address a question with which I've struggled most of my life: Just what is "happiness"? See, I'm one of those folks who has trouble simply "being" in the moment; there always seems to be something more out there. It's an inability to be confident and satisfied in myself, my accomplishments, my health, my relationships and whatnot.
A Curious Setting
That doesn't seem to be a problem, at least initially, for Woody Ward (Kyle Gallner from American Sniper), who lives in an unusual apartment the walls of which are adorned with curious murals.
Residence in the unit comes with a responsibility. Periodically, the silence is shattered by the clattering of a 1980s-era printer in the hallway - followed quickly by a stranger knocking on the door. Woody must verify the visitor's identity with information from the printer, guide him or her into the closet with the mysterious door and then leave the person to await admittance. Like the old Black Flag Roach Motel ads, guests check in but they don't check out.
Woody has lived there for years and hasn't seemed to mind the ritual, but there are signs that it's starting to wear thin:
-- He tells one guest, Leah, that not everybody (i.e., him) gets to pass through the door. -- Following a meet cute with neighbor Trudy (Thirlby) at the mailbox, their initial date is interrupted by the printer and someone at the door. -- He encounters Leah on the street - the first time he's ever seen someone again after he or she went through the door - and she intimates that whatever is on the other side offers the chance to right some wrong in the past. This particularly rankles Woody, whose parents were killed by a drunk driver.
Despite the awkward ending to the first date, Trudy is smitten by Woody's ingenuousness and the fact that he makes his living writing children's books. But it isn't happily ever after; Woody has writer's block and is under pressure from his agent, Priscilla (Paget Brewster from TV's Criminal Minds).
Then there is his growing resentment that he somehow isn't worthy of passing through the door. It comes to a head when Woody tells Trudy and her friend Farrah (Chauntal Lewis) about the door. Determined to prove it in the face of their skepticism, he badgers Farrah, who had lost a hand in a car accident, into trying the door in the hope she might be able to alter the past. But as we've seen with Woody himself, he doesn't get to decide who passes through. His misbegotten effort simply alienates Trudy and Farrah.
The Other Side
Unlike Woody, the audience gets to see life on both sides of the door.
Pulling the strings on the other, Oz-like side is the eccentric Proctor (Keegan-Michael Key of Key and Peele), helped by his quirky assistant, Lillian (Quinn). This side is supposed to be "happiness," a surreal setting of brightly colored buildings amid landscape that looks a lot like the Arizona desert. From there, Proctor and Lillian engineer a subplot in which they manipulate two characters with a dark connection from the past.
The only character who acts in both worlds is Woody's landlord, Moses (Nick Offerman from Parks and Recreation), who is privy to the apartment's special qualities. Moses' presence is measured and calming, compared with Offerman's comedy roles.
Quinn, too, plays against her TV persona. Colorful and quirky, yet almost hypnotic in her movements, Lillian is the opposite of Alexis on Castle.
Welcome to Happiness offers an interesting take on what it means to be worthy. It also tries to illustrate happiness, but falls short. Behind all of the color and kookiness are the usual clichés about the grass always being greener on the other side and appreciating your life as it is.
That said, the film's approach to those issues is original and creative - which works because the acting is superb. The characters of Woody, Lillian and Proctor (as well as the two portrayed in the subplot by Josh Brener of TV's Silicon Valley and Brendan Sexton III of The Killing) are richly drawn, and the ways in which the actors bring them to life a key to capturing the audience. It wasn't surprising, then, that Welcome to Happiness won Phoenix Film Festival's award for Best Acting Ensemble.
What doesn't work is a sharp New Age, Kumbayba-type turn near the end. What to that point is a nuanced portrayal of individuals runs smack into a big group of people embracing in unison some sort of common belief in solidarity against the real world - represented moments earlier by Trudy and Priscilla, clad in black, trying to yank Woody back to his reality. It just doesn't fit.
Still, Welcome to Happiness offers many of the qualities integral to an independent film that seeks to avoid the tropes of the genre.
###
Stu Robinson practices writing, editing, media relations and social media through his business, Phoenix-based Lightbulb Communications.
Interesting
gwnightscream21 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This 2015 fantasy-drama tells about a children's author (Kyle Gallner) who helps others try to fix things from their past through a magical closet entryway. He tries to complete his next book in the process, but also wants himself to be happy. I thought this was interesting, I've been intrigued with secret passages/entryways since I was a kid and Gallner also produced this.
Weird little slow movie ruined by sound editing.
gary_denton1 January 2022
Most of the dialogue seems like whispers and you need the sound turned way up, about the highest setting you have. And then the music comes I and knocks you out of your seat. How did it get released in this condition?
Seems like an art film project with good direction and interesting actors.
Seems like an art film project with good direction and interesting actors.
An sweetly odd tale.
mockfilmreviews20 May 2016
So many of life's lessons can be attributed to children's literature. Authors from Dr. Seuss to Shel Silverstein shaped the way young minds perceived the world and prepared them for what lie ahead. Welcome To Happiness, the debut film from writer/director Oliver Thompson, spins a fanatical tale in a similar vein. Aimed at the grown-ups we've ripened into, this clever comedy draws upon the "whys" we inevitably ask ourselves as we press on through to adulthood.
Dropping the viewer directly into the world he built, Thomson keeps a close rein on the goings on and rules set forth by his script, only answering so much before adding on more mysteries. The opening scene sets the tone of the film, quirky and playful yet not lacking real raw emotion...
Dropping the viewer directly into the world he built, Thomson keeps a close rein on the goings on and rules set forth by his script, only answering so much before adding on more mysteries. The opening scene sets the tone of the film, quirky and playful yet not lacking real raw emotion...
Just badly made all around.
panthersdzynes6 December 2021
I can respect a low budget film, but this doesn't feel like that. It just feels lazy. Can't hear what the actors say during many parts of the movie. Some because the "background music" is just too loud, other times it was just recorded way too low. Bad, just bad. I did like the story line but will NEVER watch this again because of how badly it was created. You WILL have to change the volume many, many, many, many times during this show. In fact, just avoid the movie.
Very fun ride
rkhen10 September 2019
Whatever you think this movie's going to be, you're wrong. Instead it's a lot of things, all happening at once. If you go in with that understanding, you'll probably like it.
The performances are great, which is good, because without that, this film would be hard to love. The story winds around a lot before it gets to the point, then winds around some more after it gets to the point. I had no problems with this, because the characters are so well written and played that it was worthwhile just being in their (rather surrealistic) space.
Basically it's an art film, except not annoying. The main characters don't take themselves too seriously, and although the screenplay touches on plenty of "heavy" themes, nobody drones on about them in black-and-white Swedish.
Like all art films it's also packed full of symbols, and it's kind of fun spotting and pondering them. I suspect when I see it again in a few years I'll catch more, and a few plot points that breezed past me the first time.
Basically, it's a friendly practical joke that leaves you thoughtful, and little happy and sad at the same time. As an essay on life, that's pretty dead-on.
Good movie to see with someone you like to talk with.
The performances are great, which is good, because without that, this film would be hard to love. The story winds around a lot before it gets to the point, then winds around some more after it gets to the point. I had no problems with this, because the characters are so well written and played that it was worthwhile just being in their (rather surrealistic) space.
Basically it's an art film, except not annoying. The main characters don't take themselves too seriously, and although the screenplay touches on plenty of "heavy" themes, nobody drones on about them in black-and-white Swedish.
Like all art films it's also packed full of symbols, and it's kind of fun spotting and pondering them. I suspect when I see it again in a few years I'll catch more, and a few plot points that breezed past me the first time.
Basically, it's a friendly practical joke that leaves you thoughtful, and little happy and sad at the same time. As an essay on life, that's pretty dead-on.
Good movie to see with someone you like to talk with.
Tries too hard to be cute
paul-214824 August 2019
I admire anyone's imagination but I found this film to be really annoying and not at all rewarding. At times the dialog was so dreadful I had to fast forward through scenes. Also there's a lot of original music in this film which is supposed to be uplifting but it's just really bad music.
Doesn't deliver
malm-36924-9134423 November 2021
This movie was so stellar, just one of the best narrative movies ever.
subxerogravity25 May 2016
It was a strangle inventive ride, and at the end I was moved and felt like I learned something.
Welcome to Happiness is about a children's book writer who lives in an interesting apartment. Once in a while, his 1990s printer would go off and a stranger would knock on his door. He would ask the strangers three questions from the printout and if they answered correctly he would lead them to happiness, which the door to happens to be in his bedroom closet, but after 5 years when this guy discovers that happiness is a place in which you can change the one big regret in your life, he becomes disgruntled with the fact that he wasn't given the opportunity to change his one regret.
The movie puts me on a very emotional ride. I relate to the lead character Woody, played by Kyle Gallner. It was a great experience. Kinda like the Matrix, but more down to Earth without the Sci-fi and the Kung fu. It's not a coincidence that Woody is a Children's book Arthur as the movie dishes out the life lesson it that same poise, only it's for adults.
It was a brilliant narrative from beginning to end. The first act I was digging but then it got to a point where I did not like the message the movie was generating, then kaboom! The whole thing was laid out in front of me and I felt it. I can't remember when the last time a movie blew my mind like that.
Plus Keegan-Michael Key is so amusing in his role. This guy is just so entertaining without even trying.
Recommend trying this movie out. I'm not really the type to be enlighten, but It did spark something in me.
Welcome to Happiness is about a children's book writer who lives in an interesting apartment. Once in a while, his 1990s printer would go off and a stranger would knock on his door. He would ask the strangers three questions from the printout and if they answered correctly he would lead them to happiness, which the door to happens to be in his bedroom closet, but after 5 years when this guy discovers that happiness is a place in which you can change the one big regret in your life, he becomes disgruntled with the fact that he wasn't given the opportunity to change his one regret.
The movie puts me on a very emotional ride. I relate to the lead character Woody, played by Kyle Gallner. It was a great experience. Kinda like the Matrix, but more down to Earth without the Sci-fi and the Kung fu. It's not a coincidence that Woody is a Children's book Arthur as the movie dishes out the life lesson it that same poise, only it's for adults.
It was a brilliant narrative from beginning to end. The first act I was digging but then it got to a point where I did not like the message the movie was generating, then kaboom! The whole thing was laid out in front of me and I felt it. I can't remember when the last time a movie blew my mind like that.
Plus Keegan-Michael Key is so amusing in his role. This guy is just so entertaining without even trying.
Recommend trying this movie out. I'm not really the type to be enlighten, but It did spark something in me.
Absolutely Awful
mwillie-1488215 January 2022
Basically unwatchable. The "film" attempts to be weird for weirdness' sake--and it is pathetically transparent and forced in these attempts. Anachronistic in parts for unknown reasons (or certainly not for cohesive/well-written reasons, I should say). Too many scenes which add absolutely nothing to the plot or contribute to any kind of story line- typically accompanied by forced unintelligible dialogue. Unnecessary and OVER-use of '70s era zoom-in/zoom-out shots.
It is not "artsy". It is not smart or creative. I would compare it to I Heart Huckabees, but somehow worse.
It is not "artsy". It is not smart or creative. I would compare it to I Heart Huckabees, but somehow worse.
but then ...
brumms7822 October 2023
You will be ..... rewarded if you watch this with an open mind.
I have never finished watching a movie and been so confused, but at the same time knew exactly what happened.
If you watch this and don't give up on it early you will be pleasantly surprised. For me it was the moral of the story and the way each person learned that kept me intrigued. There was deff quirkyness but it wasn't over bearing and the subtle comedic sub plots were absolutely perfect.
The acting was amazing, plot just perfect and when everything came to a final conclusion I wasn't left wanting more or less. It was just the perfect amount.
7.8.
I have never finished watching a movie and been so confused, but at the same time knew exactly what happened.
If you watch this and don't give up on it early you will be pleasantly surprised. For me it was the moral of the story and the way each person learned that kept me intrigued. There was deff quirkyness but it wasn't over bearing and the subtle comedic sub plots were absolutely perfect.
The acting was amazing, plot just perfect and when everything came to a final conclusion I wasn't left wanting more or less. It was just the perfect amount.
7.8.
Life is to short for bad movies
ddavis7872512 December 2021
Slow and boring. 25 minutes was enough. I've seen enough bad movies to learn they don't get better. It's best to cut your losses early before you regret watching the whole thing. When you're bored and find yourself checking your work email it's time to turn the movie off and look for something more interesting.
Oh Dear God
david_stever5 December 2021
This movie has a number of actors I've liked before in previous movies, shows and roles but dear lord, after watching this, I hope they and the crew liked what they did, because i have nothing to show for it on my side. If only I could go back and change my decision to watch this dreary piece of naval gazing.
Touching
hawk_moondance12 July 2018
I put off watching this for quite some time because it looked interesting but weird. Now that I've watched it, it's interesting but weird. It's a web of life story that, at its core is similar to Crash, yet nothing like that movie. I loved the artwork. The apartment where the majority of the movie takes place is amazing. I'd love to live there! It makes the movie more visually interesting since, as I've said, most of it takes place in that space. You get the impression that Woody, the protagonist, is tied to the place by his obligations. Anyway, the story is heartwarming. For me, it was a slow start, got good around the middle, and was a bit anticlimactic in the end. But, it holds a good message and that's what makes it touching.
Compare the moral vision of these two movies
mycoalem9 March 2023
Compare Welcome to Happiness, to It's a Wonderful Life. It has a similar concept of 'erasing.' I won't get into any detail so I don't spoil anything. I'll keep it vague. In the 1946 movie we find out that if George Bailey is 'erased' from people's lives the whole town is a hellhole.
In this modern movie we see the same result except these people aren't good like George Bailey, yet, their bad deeds somehow made life better for others.
It's a Wonderful Life inspires people to understand their sacrifices and good deeds spread so much goodness.
This movie tells us that if we do terrible things they also lead to wonderful things and good deeds. It's a moral message that if you do terrible things, don't worry because it was really a good deed if you look at it another way.
George Bailey was a saint and people's lives were made better. These characters in this modern movie did bad things and people's lives were made better. Do good and people's lives will get better or do bad. Maybe it doesn't make a difference?
George resents the real sacrifices he made but this character resents doing good deeds for others? The character in this movie is no George Bailey! His complaint makes him seem spoiled rather than legitimately frustrated like George Bailey was. We don't feel that George is just being spoiled.
This really seems like a morally idiotic version of It's a Wonderful Life... conceptually. This is the version our modern society perhaps deserves.
In this modern movie we see the same result except these people aren't good like George Bailey, yet, their bad deeds somehow made life better for others.
It's a Wonderful Life inspires people to understand their sacrifices and good deeds spread so much goodness.
This movie tells us that if we do terrible things they also lead to wonderful things and good deeds. It's a moral message that if you do terrible things, don't worry because it was really a good deed if you look at it another way.
George Bailey was a saint and people's lives were made better. These characters in this modern movie did bad things and people's lives were made better. Do good and people's lives will get better or do bad. Maybe it doesn't make a difference?
George resents the real sacrifices he made but this character resents doing good deeds for others? The character in this movie is no George Bailey! His complaint makes him seem spoiled rather than legitimately frustrated like George Bailey was. We don't feel that George is just being spoiled.
This really seems like a morally idiotic version of It's a Wonderful Life... conceptually. This is the version our modern society perhaps deserves.
Life's Mostly a Jumbled Mess
EggOrChicken31 July 2019
Ultimately it was an exploration of faith, and the feelings behind having it, or not. Life is like a quilt some say. The back-side we see is mostly a jumbled mess that makes no sense. This movie takes a solid swing at showing us there's also a front to the quilt, as disconnected as it may seem. Just keep the faith my friends! It will all come together eventually I promise you.
Absolutely Blew Me Away!
thomaskrafft19643 October 2021
Not expecting much from an unknown film, I was so pleasantly surprised at the web of story lines that half way through I restarted the movie to find little details I overlooked. I knew this would be a movie that I would want to share with others and perhaps hold a discussion afterward. Each person will have a personal interpretation, but I believe that it will always be positive.
Antiquated printer with side-holes...
athies8 November 2017
Several unrelated(?) stories? Not as painful an exchange to watch as I'd expect. It is actually charming-ish.
Quirky collection of characters with interesting walls and antique phones.
Someone's a literary fan... a trifle inconvenient.
No. 2 again? Monet books about.
This must be what you call eccentric.
This is a very unusual and creative story.
Ooh... I see the circle in coming together.
Quite a few Starbucks cups.
Happiness AZ? Is that a desert joke?
Quirky collection of characters with interesting walls and antique phones.
Someone's a literary fan... a trifle inconvenient.
No. 2 again? Monet books about.
This must be what you call eccentric.
This is a very unusual and creative story.
Ooh... I see the circle in coming together.
Quite a few Starbucks cups.
Happiness AZ? Is that a desert joke?
See also
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