Not Another Happy Ending (2013)

Pretty Good

People are voting emotionally.

Better Late Then Never

It’s an especially fun movie from a director and cast who are clearly having a good time allowing themselves to let loose.

OK, so I gave an extra star just because it has Karen Gillan. She actually does quite well outside of Doctor Who. What I love about her is her quirky fun. There is something about her manner that just isn't quite like anyone else.This movie had several occasions where I actually laughed out loud. I don't do that much. It was not an over the top kind of ridiculous comedy, but like Karen, it is quirky and funny.One of the male leads, Tom, has a temper and an outrageously foul mouth, much of which is in French. He is likable despite that. The other, Willie, appears at times to be a gentleman and lives with Jane for a while as he writes a screenplay to adapt her first novel. *spoiler* Most of us probably guessed that he was a jerk who didn't really care about her despite asking her to marry. But we see through the movie that the real love is between Jane and Tom. *spoiler One cute plot device is that Jane actually sees and talks to her protagonist from the novels. She discusses with her Jane's block and her love. They even argue about the ending. Another cute twist appears near the end, but I won't spoil that.Karen appears to be *spoiler* completely nude at one point after Willie suggested writing in the nude to break her block. But, there is nothing to see here as the direction manages to cover her in the right places (or is it wrong) and sometimes in funny ways. While this is late in the movie, I don't think it is so much a spoiler. *spoiler*

Story about a schizophrenic and vulnerable woman called Jane and her relationship with a manipulative psychopath called Tom.When Jane was a child her mum died, and her dad turned to booze and disappeared, which seems to have contributed to her pursuing abusive relationships with father figures. Tom wages a campaign to make Jane's life as miserable as possible (resorting to breaking and entering, theft, kidnapping, and threatening to kill her dog), in order to exploit her financially and sexually.The dark subject matter is hidden in romantic comedy tropes in a similar way to 500 Days of Summer. To begin with it hits every romcom beat - you'll anticipate every new plot point - but gradually becomes less predictable and it's not till the end that it becomes clear if the story's going to be a redemptive one and she either kills Tom or escapes him, with a new sense of confidence, or if it's going to go the full tragic heroine route and have Tom take her away from her remaining family and set her up as a domestic slave. *cough*

With Karen Gillan evoking echoes of Diane Keaton in Annie Hall and Glasgow's merchant city standing in for Manhatten, NAHE is a true Scottish rom-com. Gillan is funny, beautiful and displays a real gift for comic timing. Weber looks equally gorgeous and though his delivery is sometimes idiosyncratic, he looks so good, it doesn't matter a bit! There's a fine supporting cast too and a 'light as air' plot beautifully orchestrated by director David Mackay. The positive, life-affirming values of Scotland''s biggest, dirtiest, but conversely most romantic city are well deployed as a dramatic counterpoint. Delightful!

I've seen this film twice now, first in Edinburgh at the film festival, then in Inverness. I enjoyed it both times.You have to bear in mind the target audience for this. It's for people who want to watch something light-hearted and fun, and in this it certainly delivers.It's quirky and fun and the cast give excellent performances. Karen is, as ever, beautiful and very camera friendly. She portrays the character well and her dialogue with the delightful Darsie is nicely done. Her dad is very believable and gritty. Willie is quietly loathsome and you really want him to be kicked to the kerb! Darsie and Roddy are excellent characters and acted very well indeed. The chemistry between Jane and Tom was a bit lacklustre, but it was still 'nice'.There's enough footage of Glasgow to show it in a nice light without it looking like an ad for visitscotland. It's encouraging to see Glasgow in a movie where it's not all about violence, poverty or drugs. (or zombies, if you count World War Z!)All in all, it's a nice movie. If you like this genre you should go see it. If you like Karen Gillan, you should DEFINITELY go see it!