Josh Radnor

Becky Ann Baker

Rob Huebel

John Ashton

Chandra Russell

Ivy O'Brien

David Pasquesi

Antoine McKay

Natalija Nogulich

Colleen Camp

Eliza Shin

Rodney Crowell

Cassie Kramer

Lena Drake

Michael Shannon

Haroula Rose

Coburn Goss

Liz Cardenas

Ian Keiser

Mary Munez

Rhianon Jones

Tristan Scott-Behrends

Milan Chakraborty

Grace Hahn

Zac Rae

Oliver Hill

Ania Bista

Alex Márquez

Caralyn Moore

Johanna Coelho

Susan Berghoef

Marshall Cordell

Jack McWilliams

Vance Howard

Ted Reilly

Mark Glassgow

Comedy

Drama

All Happy Families

Chicago Media Angels

Neon Heart Productions

Glass Bead Films

Lucky Number 8 Productions

Attic Light Films

Pogi Studios

Fair Enough Productions

Ten to the Six Pictures

United States of America

Brent Marchant

Movie portrayals of family life often leave much to be desired when it comes to authenticity (especially for offerings on the Hallmark Channel). So it’s genuinely refreshing when a film comes along that depicts these stories with honesty while being eminently entertaining at the same time. Such is the case with writer-director Haroula Rose’s second feature outing about a Chicago family going through a variety of transitions that become ironically (and often hilariously) interconnected, all served up with sparkling wit and an excellent array of one-liners that are definite zingers without being hurtful or nasty. The construction of the narrative and its accompanying screenplay are meticulous and economical, moving along with a steadily sustained pace and never getting bogged down by prolonged sequences that languish or lose their zest, much in the style of director Nicole Holofcener’s works. All of this is brought to life by a finely assembled ensemble cast, especially its four principals (Josh Radnor, Rob Huebel, John Ashton and Becky Ann Baker) but also in its palette of intriguing supporting players. What’s more, the film does a superb job in its depiction of Chicago’s people and neighborhoods, presenting an authentic look and feel of the Windy City, one that residents of the Second City will relish and appreciate. “All Happy Families” is one of those offerings that aren’t widely seen (or made) any more, but it’s one of the best I’ve screened in a long time. This charmer deserves a general release and a robust fan base. Let’s hope it gets both.

English

Official Trailer