Welcome to Happiness - A Movie Review

Everything happens for a reason.

Welcome to Happiness is a 2015 film. Woody has a magical door in his apartment that allows people to change their mistakes. Questioning the power of this door himself, Woody attempts to change one event from his past.

Welcome to Happiness occupies a theme that we’ve seen in several films - but it’s portrayed uniquely. Actors were given good intent and direction for this story. Think about what happiness means to you and how your decisions have an impact on your life.

The cast did a remarkable job in their performances, analyzing a script that has multiple layers. Kyle Gallner was excellent as Woody, a young man who has his own ‘change the past’ business, Woody wonders who is qualified for a second chance. Uncertain of his life, Gallner did a good job at making this character vulnerable, seeking more of life’s answers.

You have to pay very close attention to this film. There are separate stories but they intercept. Nick Offerman is another underrated actor. Playing a man at wit's end, he finds a new beginning. Offerman had one noteworthy monologue. I liked his reactions in one scene where he has to follow Woody’s directions.

Keegan Michael-Key is a memorable performance as the Proctor. He really has fun with his quirky role. Olivia Thirlby deserved a bigger role. I liked her character and the relationship she has with Woody. More credits include Brendan Sexton III, Molly C. Quinn, and Frances Conroy.

It’s because of Oliver Thompson’s perceptive direction that this film works. Welcome to Happiness is mysterious. There’s also a hint of wonder. I like what he did with the reveal of what is behind the door. Movies are all about the unexpected.

The cinematography also deserves credit for how precise shots are set up. Welcome to Happiness experiments a new testament to fantasy. Music choices were lighthearted. I love the interior designs of the film reflecting the character's personalities.

Welcome to Happiness is an offbeat fantasy film. After a series of questions, this enchanted door leads people seeking closure to an alternate reality where their past mistakes are undone - but not in the way you’d think. This is the reason why you need to watch this film.

Mixing realism and fantasy, the movie stays grounded, never straying into weird territories. It explores relatable themes like guilt, redemption, and human emotions. This balancing act adds to the overall enjoyment of the film, leaving audiences both entertained and moved by the characters' revelations.

The movie has some strange moments, mainly Keegan Michael-Key’s angle in the story. One subplot involves two brothers mending their relationship, but there is not enough focus on this storyline.

If you were allowed to go back in time and change a significant event, would you do it? Will your story stay the same if you change the past? Think about it and all the achievements you’ve made right now.

We all have something from our pasts that we’re not proud of. One of the best messages from this movie is to talk about them. Talking is far better than bottling up issues so we can work out healthier solutions.

The film’s premise is unique. It’s similar to films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but these films use completely different ideas for the characters to recall memories of the past. We need more films that derive a clever twist in a premise that’s been used dozens of times.

Check out Welcome to Happiness. It’s a different film. Give it a chance to understand the premise.