6.5/10

Based on the best selling novel of the same name, the film stars Hector (Simon Pegg) as a psychiatrist lacking inspiration who has become increasingly tired of his humdrum life. As he tells his girlfriend, Clara (Rosamund Pike), he needs a change in his daily routine: he hasn’t really tasted life, and yet he’s offering advice to patients who are just not getting any happier. Armed with buckets of courage and child-like curiosity, he embarks on a global quest in hopes of uncovering the elusive secret formula for true happiness. Thus begins a larger than life adventure with innocently funny results. “Hector” may not be one of the best films of the year, but it’s one that will give your spent money enough entertainment to warrant a trip to the theater. Going into this film, it reminded me a lot of 2013’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, but where “Hector” branches off is in the definitive answer as to what gives him his happiness. The result was a little more muddled in “Mitty” because of a series of false daydreams. Pegg is his usual charming self. He can do so much in just a smile that many comedic talents don’t learn in a lifetime. As Hector, he flexes acting chops that have never been shown by him. Simon shows in this film that he is a lot deeper than just another comedic actor. That is one thing that worried me heading into this film; i felt it would be too funny and muddle the deeper meaning to the message. I was happy to be proven wrong in the shining example. The quirky and romantic chemistry between Pegg and Pike reflects that of this being the 2nd film that these two have been together in. The journey across the world forces them to react to handicaps in their relationship that they have never addressed before. The movie also has brilliantly talented short cameos by Jean Reno, Toni Collete, Christopher Plummer, and the european treasure known as Stellen Skaarsgaard. Each one of these actors aren’t in the movie long, but they all leave their mark in different ways at different parts of the world. The movie is split into three parts represented by his journey in Tokyo, Africa, and Los Angeles. The first and third acts are where the movie thrives at it’s most substantial. It’s in that middle 45 minutes in Africa where the movie is spoiled by character transformations for the worst, and a homosexual character that is played for giggles by the audience. That is the lone problem that keeps this film from being one of the top of the year. It lacks the maturity to ever go all the way with a serious storyline by adding childish gags along the way. I am glad the movie wasn’t punished too much by these roll your eyes moments, and the journey’s final answer feels very pleasing with how much more appreciative our protagionist has become with his life. The camera work is done very exceptional with lots of colorful backgrounds representing the lands they explore. In Tokyo, there are lots of neon lights, in Africa, there are lots of yellow and orange shots to represent the sun shining down on the safari’s. Beautiful cinematography is accompanied by a catchy background jingle that will have you always tapping your feet. “Hector and the Search For Happiness” is a pleasant treat that no doubt makes us reflect on the pleasantries of our own lives and cherish them. Not everyone has happiness, but everyone is entitled to it, and any film that spreads that message is alright with me. The film is currently hard to find, but i would definitely recommend it when it hits DVD.