Ralph_Wiggum

I suppose that any movie with excessive violence and a passable soundtrack can now officially qualify as 'great' in our society, so it should come as no surprise that 'Gladiator' is critically renowned. Still, did we have to witness a grinning seven year old boy being trampled ruthlessly by horsemen? Did we have to hear the line "They tell me your son squealed like a girl as he was nailed to the cross, and that your wife moaned like a whore as she was ravaged over... and over... and over again?" Thank you, Ridley Scott.

It's sad that people are so casually able to dismiss stomach-churning moments such as these in the film...for what? For a supposed hero's hollow 'vengeance' that may or may not ever come to fruition? For Russell Crowe's rugged (cough) good looks? Whatever the reason, it's bad enough that the average audience continues to have such a fascination with 'bloodlust', but that gratuitous violence towards children (even though fictionalized) now passes as part of the overall entertainment package...what does that say about us as a society?

This movie was not just bad, it was an abomination that actually made "The Stupids" starring Tom Arnold seem like a deep, worthwhile film in comparison. Filled with just about every perversion imaginable, including a father who's a closet pedophile and secretly lusts after his young son's friends.

I've heard this movie called a 'black comedy', but there was nothing even remotely funny about it. Kids are used as props for running gags (or worse) throughout the film. Every person in this film is so completely selfish and devoid of depth that they make you long for the quiet dignity of Pauly Shore's characters. The plot line is ridiculous and offensive. Oh yes, and the ending has not one redeeming quality. But other than that...GREAT film!

In all seriousness, this stunningly horrible film is one that you should avoid at all costs. If you find yourself so desperate for entertainment that you're considering renting this movie, may I suggest that you take a trip to your local laundramat instead? There you will be able to watch clothes dry through little round glass windows, an endeavor that I promise you will be far more interesting and amusing than viewing "Happiness" ever could be.

John Thaw is a an excellent actor. I have to admit that I was impressed by his range in the role of a crusty old curmudgeon who reluctantly agrees to take in an evacuee from the streets of London (WWII time era).

That being said, the film is also excellent. A very moving story with a satisfying ending. Some of the characters are a little underdeveloped (the school teacher in particular), but none of them are essential to the plot. Basically, the story is about the old man and the boy, and the film needs little else.