Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: HAPPY HOURS [Tribeca Film Festival - New York, New York]
With obviously anticipation for a Dawson’s Creek reunion, Katie Holmes' “Happy Hours” [Spotlight Narrative] does play into nostalgia but also concepts of personal perspective and growing older. The context of acceptance in a world that has become so rigid is a big theme that plays out with the idea of what this film is. It is more wistful than Holmes' last directing foray. It also has a distinctiveness of hope while not being sullen. Bringing Joshua Jackson obviously creates a certain decor in their scenes and as they walk through the streets of New York, one of course thinks about "Before Sunrise" in its context of that relationship. What is interesting is that in the end credits it says Part I: Love which is interesting, as it sounds like there is more story to be told.
The chemistry of Jackson and Holmes is undeniable. She chooses different actors to recreate them as young which makes sense though there is that anticipation which Holmes plays up well. We haven’t seen that gorgeous smile of hers like this in a while and it really brightens the screen. They are older, of course, but that is part of the play. You have to lean into it or something like this becomes inauthentic despite its best intentions. Holmes peppers both sides with some fun friends that add depth to the play. However the one that makes the most difference is Mary Louise Parker in giving space (and grace) into what needs to be seen. Memories are an interesting perception of the present which Holmes obviously has some experience with and, as this is written by her, it is obviously going to reflect that. And that is also clear in how she dedicates the film. "Happy Hours" is a romance but it is one in reverse which is coming to terms with a few different things. It plays on nostalgia of course but does have to say a thing or two about looking back. B
By Tim Wassberg
