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More About

• Debbie Downer
• Sally Hawkins
• Mike Leigh
• Eddie Marsan
• Fort Worth

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No one likes a Debbie Downer, but they don't really want to hang out with Pollyanna either. Mike Leigh's Happy-Go-Lucky explores how the world looks through the eyes of (and how the world looks at) an eternal optimist. Sally Hawkins plays Poppy, a 30-year-old, single preschool teacher in London who loves life and is incessantly happy and cheerful. She annoys the people around her and, yes, even the audience at times, but remains bright, intuitive and undeterred in her optimism. Like a more real version of Amelie, it's impossible to resist being drawn to her. Eddie Marsan creates a powerful antithesis to Poppy as Scott, an angry, hateful driving instructor who is forced to endure her daily doses of cheer. The film, like Poppy, lifts the spirits without being simple-minded, and inspires while remaining honest. Happy-Go-Lucky screens Friday through Sunday as part of Magnolia at the Modern (3200 Darnell St. in Fort Worth), an ongoing series featuring critically acclaimed films. Tickets are $8.50 or $6.50 for Modern members. Advance sales begin two hours before each show. For more information visit themodern.org/magnolia.html.
Fri., Dec. 19, 6 & 8:15 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 20, 5 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 21, 2 & 4:15 p.m., 2008