42 Seconds of Happiness (2016) User Reviews

42 seconds of happiness in 89 minutes of movie

[anonftwtf · 5/10 · 2 December 2017]

Have you ever tried hanging out with a new group of people only to realize you don't have much in common and, worse, they barely move beyond small talk? Sure, they're decent human beings and you've heard some neat stories to suggest they're worth getting to know, but good lord... You end up listening to layers of inane prattle as they talk over each other and laugh at quasi-humour just to fill the air while you try to not seem as awkward as you feel. Occasionally they make slighting comments to their significant others and get passive aggressive about past grievances, so now everyone feels as uncomfortable as you... but then another barrage of inane prattle wipes the slate clean(ish) and you start looking for an excuse to leave. This movie feels exactly like that.

However, there are some exciting and humorous moments throughout the film. The cinematography style is pretty impressive and the use of split-screen is effective without being confusing. Unfortunately the camera work is a bit too shaky and poorly aimed (unless the implied perspective has Parkinson's).

Not for everyone, but definitely enjoyable by the aforementioned.

Authentic and effective

[Andre266929 · 7/10 · 29 March 2020]

I loved the balance of authenticity and chaos in this movie. It's wild and dramatic while also being thought-provoking and effective.

7 Stars

[ridgley-james · 7/10 · 30 August 2020]

Had memorable scenes. And I would say has some talent behind it that could go far.

Touching and charming!

[Anmer93 · 8/10 · 10 September 2019]

A truthful depiction of a group of complex individuals, this film is a shocking accurate portrayal of the human condition, fantastic performances, naturalistic dialogue and interactions that will leave you thinking you really know these people by the end of the film. Touching and charming!

Not even 42 seconds of a good movie.

[ClassicZozeeo · 1/10 · 19 February 2019]

I've seen bad movies before, but this is beyond bad. I generally like movies that show friends getting together, so that's why I watched it. But this movie didn't have one character that was likable. They don't seem like friends. Even in the first 15 minutes, all they do is argue and yell. It's annoying, and it seems pointless.

Elite Human Dynamics Film

[TheAll-SeeingI · 10/10 · 10 September 2019]

"42 Seconds Of Happiness" is an exquisite piece of emotional filmmaking, and one which reminds us that we don't all need a deserted island or a prison cell to find ourselves trapped with others in unusually cramped quarters.

In this case, the inescapable setting is a family wedding in which Cybil (Becca Ayers) and Maria (Margaret Kent Murphy) are celebrating their special day. Unfortunately for Tomas (Robert Z Grant), his ex-wife Alis (Lauren Sowa) has also received an invite, and she's bringing Marc (John Concado), whom she started seeing while still married to the suffering Tomas. As viewers, we're dropped right into the middle of that burgeoning war zone, with wedding guests taking sides along the fault lines. Yet the real pain awaits unmasking the next morning, as that's when "42 Seconds Of Happiness" realizes its true psychological launch point.

This is a terrific movie borne of fully realized filmmaking; it's uncomfortable at times due to its deeply heightened understanding of human interaction, and the energies it generates to display those truths show remarkable skill in their conjuring. "42 Seconds Of Happiness" puts us in a place which at first looks very familiar, yet it's charged with all the uniqueness of storytelling we expect from our most elite relational dynamics films.

This film is unforgettable

[sara-mcdermott · 10/10 · 4 May 2017]

I absolutely loved this film. It is totally unique - the way it is filmed, and the easy way it follows the natural conversations of a large ensemble cast, is amazing. The ensemble cast is also pitch-perfect, not a false note in the bunch. The use of split-screen is also fascinating. I rank this as a must-watch for indie film-lovers, especially anyone who enjoys dramas with a hint of suspense and/or rich character discussions. It's unlike anything else out there.

See it and get the hug you need

[cirim-49269 · 10/10 · 28 August 2020]

I remember one of the first screenings of this incredible film experience back in the old NYC on a windy October night in 2016.

Me and a bunch of people, together in a packed cinema uptown, will soon not be strangers anymore. This happened back in the day when we could fearlessly sit together in a dark room and go on a journey without the anxiety of becoming sick or infecting anyone with anything but laughter.

I also remember that I wandered 13 blocks after the screening just thinking about what I've experienced. The film opened up so many sensitive questions, touched on so many carefully hidden wounds, resurrected so many purposefully buried thoughts.

When the lights went on and everybody was on their way out, somehow, I thought we won't be alone during our journey home.

I am often reminded of this feeling during the current crisis, and how much we took for granted. Especially with regard to shared experiences of seeing the incredible films like "42 Seconds of Happiness", which made us part of the same family, if only for a night.

It's a masterful film - Kallas' direction and her actors are out of this world, while one could sense the freedom Kallas gave the actors to spread their wings, fly and fall, pick themselves up again, fly higher, descend faster, just barely missing the hard, cold ground. They all played their hearts out, and to achieve that kind of performance, they needed to have just as fierce director.

The song at the end is where it all came together for me in such a subtle, effortless way, that after it all ended, I felt the urge to give everyone in the room a hug.

Today I'm sorry I haven't done that (weirder things happened in NYC) especially since we're today advised not to hug each other anymore. But the film itself is such a warm and gentle hug, maybe just that little something everybody needs right now.

On the other hand, "42 seconds of Happiness" is a loud, messy, complicated - but above all - human, beautiful and heartfelt film.

Forgive the cryptic message (if you see the film, you'll understand): After seeing "42 Seconds of Happiness" I'm sure you wouldn't have to wish - you would actually feel like you knew writer-director Christina Kallas when you were a kid.

Real life drama

[vigilant56 · 9/10 · 1 November 2019]

42 Seconds of Happiness is a Drama that you will not soon forget. The Directing style and choices add to make the story that much more compelling. Two thumps up.

Excellent ensemble cast

[schrades22 · 8/10 · 24 September 2020]

Despite having a large cast, everyone of the performers stands out without being overstated or showy. The film definitely has a John Cassavetes feel, if you're into his pictures, you'll love this movie. It has a lo-fi production value but doesn't feel cheap. This film is definitely worth your time.

Complications of relationships

[susanmillernyc · 10/10 · 1 September 2020]

Compelling, realistic, shot beautifully. I was pulled into it by the structure, which developed as hoped.

Really good directing

[hgfilms · 8/10 · 2 September 2020]

I enjoyed this movie and specifically the directing and shot selection.

Wonderful!!

[jennicacarmona-305-854902 · 10/10 · 3 September 2020]

Really well done! I highly recommend! Christina Kallas does a great job directing. You should definitely check this out!

The human experience

[jimborussell · 9/10 · 9 October 2020]

This film explores the intricacies of relationships in a unique way. The depiction is true and honest and the characters are natural. Enjoyable.

Amazing Work

[amitbhudev · 8/10 · 2 September 2020]

A compelling work of cinema that takes you to explore relationships in a different way.

The force of the 70s is strong in this one.

[rkotecki-1 · 10/10 · 2 September 2020]

The picture breaks free of the indie conventions to root around more interesting emotional dynamics, the kind that made the work of May, Altman and Mazursky so classic in their prime. Worth the time.

Happiness

[angelalame · 10/10 · 1 September 2020]

In 42 seconds. No more not less, put a smile on my face

A party to remember

[heliot-93181 · 9/10 · 31 August 2020]

This film was so realistic that I could imagine myself throwing a beer can across the table at somebody. We've all been there. It would have been one of those gatherings that would be talked about for years to come. But the ending was so surprising that I sure didn't see it coming. And yes, that happens in real life, too!