Happiness for Beginners

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Happiness for Beginners

Released Jul 21, 2023

1h 43m

Romance

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

35%

Tomatometer

26 Reviews

52%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Helen has always lived her life as far from the edge as possible. Newly divorced, she joins a quirky group of strangers on a survival course for the "Adventure of a Lifetime" with the hope of learning how to live — and love — again.

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Critics Consensus

A bland journey of self-discovery that's too inoffensive to stand out in a crowded genre, this romantic dramedy offers little Happiness for Beginners -- or viewers at any other level.

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Robert Levin

Newsday

This is the movie equivalent of background TV, something to have on while you're paying the bills, or something. There's cinematic comfort food and then there's just comfort, without the food.

Rated: 2/4

Aug 9, 2023

Full Review

Noel Murray

Los Angeles Times

Ultimately, the film’s formulaic qualities are too much of a drag.

Jul 31, 2023

Full Review

Nell Minow

RogerEbert.com

Like a mapped-out trail, you know where it will end up, but there's enough to enjoy along the way.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 28, 2023

Full Review

Jennifer Green

Common Sense Media

This low-key ensemble hiking tale matches its forest setting -- attractive but never stunning, pleasant but not extraordinary.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 16, 2023

Full Review

Graeme Tuckett

Stuff.co.nz

Happiness For Beginners might just about get you through the night before the Sav' Blanc runs out.

Aug 9, 2023

Full Review

Milagros Amondaray

La Nación (Argentina)

... A noble movie that allows Kemper to trek dramatic territory and command a story with solvency and charisma. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 3/5

Aug 8, 2023

Full Review

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Paul James D

It may be formulaic in that romantic comedy way but it stills gives you lots of cozy moments that you can watch over and over again. Makes me want to go on a hike with some randos in hopes of self-discovery...and some good laughs.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/27/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Slow going, I might watch it again as background noise. If you are expecting Luke grimes from Yellowstone you will be let down.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

10/26/24

Full Review

Roger W

A bear attack at the end would have been the only thing to save this awful movie.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

09/21/24

Full Review

Shlomo S

The type casting and script are so awful it would have been unwatchable if it was made in 2004.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

09/06/24

Full Review

Chris T

Pretty dreadful. Time I’ll never get back

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

08/26/24

Full Review

Feyona I

Love this movie! The film was perfectly cast and the chemistry between the leads is wonderful. Highly recommend

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/24/24

Full Review

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Vicky Wight

Director

Ellie Kemper

Helen Carpenter

Luke Grimes

Jake

Gus Birney

Kaylee

Nico Santos

Hugh

Alexander Koch

Duncan

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Synopsis

Helen has always lived her life as far from the edge as possible. Newly divorced, she joins a quirky group of strangers on a survival course for the "Adventure of a Lifetime" with the hope of learning how to live — and love — again.

Director: Vicky Wight
Producer: Geoff Linville, Berry Meyerowitz, Vicky Wight
Screenwriter: Vicky Wight
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Cranetown Media, Synthetic Cinema International
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 21, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 27, 2023
Runtime: 1h 43m

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