I went with my wife. We have two young kids. The movie felt like a fun room mirror. Carell and Fey WERE the movie. They are great together and I hope they get a chance to work together with a script with more teeth. There were so many funny bit characters I wish they all had a chance to breath more life into the movie. Clearly there was only budget for a taste of them. The movie also made me realize how much I miss Ray Liotta. He was so under-represented he doesn't even appear to show up in the credits or IMDB master cast list! Note to sequel writers: Either put Carell in a thong and "go with it" or skip the pole dancing next time out.
I read some of the reviews and agree that the movie was misrepresented in both critical review and advertising. Happy--Go-Lucky is a "typical" Mike Leigh movie, not the "departure towards a "Happy" movie" that the review I read before going suggested. I appreciate Mike Leigh's work, and think this is one of his best films. The characters are rich, the points subtle and movie highly enjoyable.... if you knew what you were getting into. I suggest going to appreciate it, not be "entertained" by it. You will also be entertained.
It would not call this a laugh riot, and Bill Maher doesn't always "get it right" but when it comes to religion, with this movie, he and the director "nail it". A must see for all Sarah Palin fans!