Happiness for Beginners

Only 2 minutes into this movie I immediately recognized the plot and realized I have read this book; didn't realize based on the title alone, but that's how strong the book plot hit me back when I read it over 3 years ago... According to my book review, this is one of the best books I've read and I even wanted to read it again someday. So it being made into a movie is a dream come true, and it did live up to my expectations but still think people should read the book! Always. The movie was lovely, the book was way more of a slow burn if you like that type of thing. Lastly, they should have kept Beckett's original monologue, it was so good I wrote it out at the time *ahem*: "I'm sorry human beings are such a blight. I'm sorry we litter your earth and choke the fish in your oceans. We have been given incomprehensible beauty on this earth, but we don't see it. We walk around angry and blind and ungrateful. I wish we were better, our dumb human race, but I don't have much hope that we ever will be. The best I can do today is say: Thank you for this world of miracles. We will try to be more grateful. And less ridiculous."

This is a feel-good movie with a throwback feel, one in which the writers aren't trying to shock or offend you, or bombard you with whatever the latest work lesson is from the perpetually-offended or pretend-to-be offended calvary.

This movie is the rare family-friendly movie that will appeal to most ages regardless of background or culture. It employs universal themes of self love, childhood crushes, second chances, finding hope again, etc. It just gives you that tingly feeling in your stomach, the kind that makes you glad or at least not perturbed that you spent a couple hours watching this random flick.

Recommended for anyone who just wants an easy, feel-good experience. I think the movie did what it set out to do, nothing more, nothing less.

I thought this was a really cute movie! I had no idea that it was a book so I really comment on that.

It didn't have to have complex characters or or political opinions or obvious social issues being pushed. Anything that was included in this movie seamlessly moulded with the characters which made it extremely easy to watch.

Just a lovely simple story to relax to...

Overall I think I'd there were more of these being made tv would be less stressful to watch lol I'm all for movies with a message but not ALLLLL the time it's exhausting and I feel like just scrolling the menu increases my anxiety levels.

I did find it kind of funny that nature wasn't "pretty" enough, so they had to add in flowers artificially.

Ellie Kemper plays the school teacher divorcée Helen, who decides to get out of her comfort zone and go on a wilderness hike to find herself. She goes on an excursion package with a handful of other misfits. Filled with dry humor, this was anything but a sad film. Her brother's best friend Jake shows up, initially clashing with Helen but then finding some common ground.

Ellie Kemper's dry delivery was perfect and contrasted nicely with her genuine smile. She had wonderful chemistry with Luke Grimes, who played Jake, and Nico Santos, who played the character Hugh. Luke Grimes was wonderful in this film, warm and steadfast. Nico Santos stole scenes right and left.

I had set the bar low for this film and was genuinely surprised that I enjoyed it. There is some great camping humor and a sweet story along with some gorgeous wilderness backdrops. I think true romantics will like this film.

Took a flyer on this and enjoyed it. Some cute, funny and quirky characters. A plot and dialog that moves the tale along. Absolutely stunning New England fall scenery.

Didn't read the book - didn't even know there war one - so had no basis for comparison.

One note: thought the editing could have been a tad tighter for such an easy going movie. A dozen minutes shorter would have made it even better.

Overall think of this as a Hallmark movie in the woods and you won't be disappointed. A fun date night movie where people find themselves and true love triumphs in the end. Go in with those expectations and.you won't be disappointed.