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Happy 40th (2015) Online

Happy 40th (2015) Online
Original Title :
Happy 40th
Genre :
Movie / Drama
Year :
2015
Directror :
Madoka Raine
Cast :
Fernando Acosta,Jenni Blong,Robyn Cohen
Writer :
Madoka Raine,Madoka Raine
Budget :
$35,000
Type :
Movie
Time :
1h 40min
Rating :
6.3/10
Happy 40th (2015) Online

A woman celebrates her 40th birthday by having her three best friends come and stay with her and her husband for a long weekend. This woman has been in a wheelchair for the past two years, and it has led her to isolate herself inside of her home. Her husband stands by her as he lives with the guilt of causing the car accident which put her in the wheelchair. Over the course of the three day celebration, it is revealed that everyone is struggling with their own lives and identities. When one best friend makes a terrible mistake and betrays the woman on her birthday, everyone is immediately and uncomfortably forced into looking at their own lives and their own limitations.
Credited cast:
Fernando Acosta Fernando Acosta - Dan
Jenni Blong Jenni Blong - Ana
Robyn Cohen Robyn Cohen - Sasha
Duane Pinto Duane Pinto - Limo driver #2
Alexandra Popma Alexandra Popma - Cleaning woman
Jeffrey Popma Jeffrey Popma - Limo driver #1
Madoka Raine Madoka Raine - Kat
Brian Slaten Brian Slaten - Ben
Yvonne Woods Yvonne Woods - Sophia

This film was shot in 9 days.


User reviews

Mazuzahn

Mazuzahn

I was hesitant about watching this movie after I read the summary only because I was feeling down and wanted more of a pick-me-up theme. I was so glad I went ahead decided to view it as it not only picked me up, but took me down and around and back up again. The acting was amazing - pure, electric, emotive, realistic, passionate, convincing, and at times even playful.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie - it made me think and dig through layers of what my expectations would be for myself, my spouse and friends were I to encounter the same life- altering challenges the characters in the movie were forced to deal with.

The actors became the characters - their skills were such that, at times I was so immersed in a particular scene, I felt like I was in the same room with them.

Also, the directing was fantastic. (Contrary to what a previous comment stated, I thought the director looked about the same age as the other women in this movie).

I plan on seeing this movie again!
Zugar

Zugar

Happy 40th (2015) was written, produced, and directed by Madoka Raine. (She also is one of the leading actors.)

Ms. Raine has enormous talents, energy, and enthusiasm. The film was definitely an indie, but it didn't have a "We have no money, so overlook the flaws" sense to it. It was professionally shot and edited, and the acting was great.

Three women friends gather for the 40th birthday at the home of their mutual friend. The only problem is that their friend is now in a wheelchair. Each of the women has problems, and these problems come to light as the movie progresses.

There's not much more I can say about the plot without spoiling the film for people reading this review. I hope that, once you've read the review, you'll want to see this movie. It's has distribution, but it might be a while before it's available for the small screen. We saw this film at Rochester's Little Theatre as part of the High Falls Film Festival. It will work better on a large screen, so look for it at festivals. If you can't find it, wait until it's available, but don't forget about it. You don't want to miss it--it's too good.

P.S. Madoka Raine was in Rochester for the screening of the movie, and I got a chance to speak to her afterward. Her character in the film is ravaged by a terrible personal loss, and by too many uppers and downers. She looks much older than the other three women. However, in real life she is far more youthful. She told me that the ravages were partly caused by lack of sleep during the filming, but mostly by makeup. Also, of course, by great acting.