Read Positive User Reviews for Hector and the Search for Happiness

8

AnalyticCriticSep 25, 2014

24 On Metacritic? Lower than Transformers 2 and 4? How. This movie is not bad. Not even close.. Yes it could have improved on a couple of things like lowering the runtime and having some messages that contradict one another. The acting is24 On Metacritic? Lower than Transformers 2 and 4? How. This movie is not bad. Not even close.. Yes it could have improved on a couple of things like lowering the runtime and having some messages that contradict one another. The acting is superb by Simon Pegg and every one else... Soundtrack? Quite good. Overall for a full ticket price you should maybe see this, but for say matinee prices you should definitely watch this.… Expand

7 of 7 users found this helpful70

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9

cwhatSep 28, 2014

I went in with low expectations from all the negative reviews, but I found "Hector" uplifting. I like Pegg's other work, and don't find this to be such a departure, except when his normally cherubic face contorts into a pile of emotional goo.I went in with low expectations from all the negative reviews, but I found "Hector" uplifting. I like Pegg's other work, and don't find this to be such a departure, except when his normally cherubic face contorts into a pile of emotional goo. The cast clicks, dialogue is clever, music is worldly, cinematography is beautiful. In the running for my favorite film of the year.… Expand

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

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10

SirwhovianOct 12, 2014

Best movie of the year and my new personal favorite. I went through and read the critics reviews and the only reason I can see why they gave this film such bad ratings is that they accidentally went and saw transformers 4. This movie is justBest movie of the year and my new personal favorite. I went through and read the critics reviews and the only reason I can see why they gave this film such bad ratings is that they accidentally went and saw transformers 4. This movie is just plain fantastic. Wonderful story, funny but moving at the same time. Pegg is just as amazing as ever. Please don't listen to the critics! This film is AMAZING!… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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10

Koalabear135Jun 13, 2015

An amazing story, shows a glimpse into humanity and ourselves through open and receptive eyes. Critics talk about privilege and childishness? just journalism majors unable to accept that maybe, just maybe, people who went to school for a realAn amazing story, shows a glimpse into humanity and ourselves through open and receptive eyes. Critics talk about privilege and childishness? just journalism majors unable to accept that maybe, just maybe, people who went to school for a real degree can have problems too? aside from how they will feed themselves?… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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10

pt213Jan 21, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm sorry, but the critics don't know what they are talking about. If you watch this movie, and you don't experience some empathy with Hector or any of the many relate-able characters, you yourself need some therapy.

Spoilers follow: As the title states this film is the search for happiness.

The story follows a man who is content with his job which is analyzing how and why others are not so, and how to improve upon their lives without any knowledge himself. Upon his realization of said character flaw he seeks happiness for himself. As the story confronts the character with common notions of happiness and/or conflict, his reactions to said circumstances lead to his own determination of his definition of happiness by the end of the movie.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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8

wicketFeb 20, 2015

Hector, unlike the rest of us who have visited 50/100+ countries (insert your chosen feel-good comment to compare with Facebook friends), has visited no countries outside of England, probably not even outside W1. That's the point - not thatHector, unlike the rest of us who have visited 50/100+ countries (insert your chosen feel-good comment to compare with Facebook friends), has visited no countries outside of England, probably not even outside W1. That's the point - not that we should feel better/superior than the character. It's a storybook model, hence the Christopher Plummer voiceover at the start and end. One of the best told stories, despite the Hallmark card bullet points, of the year.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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8

analogkid280Dec 10, 2014

I thought it was great. It did not have any real surprises, but it did entertain. Acting was good. Overall nice to see a quaint movie that includes no explosions. The scene in the small airplane with the outside the plane special effects wasI thought it was great. It did not have any real surprises, but it did entertain. Acting was good. Overall nice to see a quaint movie that includes no explosions. The scene in the small airplane with the outside the plane special effects was really cool.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

SethEvandorMay 31, 2015

Good movie. I was expecting something slightly different and came away not really knowing what to think. It's different and the characters are ordinary people. Spice up your life?

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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9

RoraEstAug 6, 2015

It is alright written and maybe not too deep. They kept doing the shortcuts with repeating fancy unexpected lucky passenger siting right next to you, well maybe that's just odd, how lucky our hero character.
The point is it's even wellIt is alright written and maybe not too deep. They kept doing the shortcuts with repeating fancy unexpected lucky passenger siting right next to you, well maybe that's just odd, how lucky our hero character.
The point is it's even well directing. Peter Chelsom did his great at this one. He captured how great actor is Simon Pegg and he wants audiences to be sure it's not about the movie but it's all about all casts in this movie. I think it's simply almost get close with 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' without *idk* CGIs. I really love that airplane diorama this movie use.
This is a great story. Great performance! Critics were just have no idea what they are doing. My goodness, if I have their job, this movie has lots of potential materials to talk about. I read one of critic that wrote, "help-self industry" kind of thing, that critic, I presume must really had problems with personal life after watching this movie that needs to see a doctor, or maybe the critic really hates it's own personal psychiatrist. #lol
Or, Maybe because they didn't get pay a lot for watch it or give a time for it. #shame
It deserves better score.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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9

DebsmouthOct 26, 2014

This film is so uplifting and its a story you can lose yourself in- excellent acting from Simon Pegg.It really delved into what does make people happy, loved it and the travel, not it had humour but a great message I recommend highly you comeThis film is so uplifting and its a story you can lose yourself in- excellent acting from Simon Pegg.It really delved into what does make people happy, loved it and the travel, not it had humour but a great message I recommend highly you come out with a good feeling it must be happiness!!! You don't get that much enjoyment from movies now.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

RalfbergsJun 7, 2015

I was amazed at the low ratings by critics here and I completely agree to those who say that this is a really good movie. Of course, the ending was a bit too predictable I'll agree, but the overall journey through the movie had manyI was amazed at the low ratings by critics here and I completely agree to those who say that this is a really good movie. Of course, the ending was a bit too predictable I'll agree, but the overall journey through the movie had many interesting, funny and quirky bits, plus it made you think, which is always a good thing about a movie. Basically Hector is a psychologist who doesn't feel that happy and decides to go on a journey hoping that it will help him to find the happiness he needs - in that journey lots of interesting, funny, strange and sometimes scary things happen to him through.The only reason why I am giving an 8 is because towards the end of the movie it became too predictable and wasn't as interesting as before, even though still good. I mean, even with such an ending, I hoped they would make it harder to predict what's coming. Anyway, definitely a movie you should watch!… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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10

norseJan 25, 2016

A case where the critics got it oh-so-wrong. The movie is beautiful in its cinematography, with outstanding actors delivering outstanding performances. Seriously, I've never seen Pegg this good. Respect. The way to story flows is amazing ifA case where the critics got it oh-so-wrong. The movie is beautiful in its cinematography, with outstanding actors delivering outstanding performances. Seriously, I've never seen Pegg this good. Respect. The way to story flows is amazing if you've gotten heartily sick of the usual in-your-face Hollywood fare. I was tired and cranky and really didn't want to see this movie, my girlfriend made here and what can I say, there's a reason I call her my better half.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

samichsupernovaJan 12, 2015

Absolutely loved it. This film isn't going to change the world but it definitely has its heart in the right place. If you enjoyed "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" then you'll be sure to love this. Honestly, this isn't as hokey as reviewersAbsolutely loved it. This film isn't going to change the world but it definitely has its heart in the right place. If you enjoyed "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" then you'll be sure to love this. Honestly, this isn't as hokey as reviewers are making it seem, and actually there is a lot of insight here. The script has more than a few heartfelt moments. Rosamund Pike and Simon Pegg show that they still have great chemistry (see "At World's End"). Director Peter Chelsom hasn't made a better movie. Great editing, casting, music, script, etc. Worth a rental at least.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

lukechristianscMay 19, 2015

"Hector and the search for happiness" is a cheery delightful drama with the best performance I have seen from Simon Pegg, through out the film I was smiling because the performances were great "it's a feel good movie." The writer and"Hector and the search for happiness" is a cheery delightful drama with the best performance I have seen from Simon Pegg, through out the film I was smiling because the performances were great "it's a feel good movie." The writer and director Peter Chelsom's dramatic visuals is beyond powerful he knows how to make his characters shine. Rosamund Pike was delightful her acting is superb. What the film is so authentic also energetic it's message: "Humanity should concern not so much with the pursuit of happiness but rather with the happiness of pursuit." The film nails as an inspiration and it's soft core also fresh. But at times Pegg can over do it with his performance and in the beginning i did not care for his character. The performances are great! ignore the negatives go watch this movie. Grade A… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

Meth-dudeMar 17, 2017

It had an original and interesting story, great acting, it was funny, charming, well made and entertaining. Hector and the Search for Happiness truly is a different and charming movie.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

smiyamotDec 5, 2015

How many of us know people at work who complain about their lives but do nothing about it? Well, Hector wants to help his patients be happy by finding out "how to be happy", which must mean Hector doesn't know already, so Hector must not beHow many of us know people at work who complain about their lives but do nothing about it? Well, Hector wants to help his patients be happy by finding out "how to be happy", which must mean Hector doesn't know already, so Hector must not be happy. An interesting plot for a movie, maybe one we've seen before in a drama, but this is a comedy so Hector sets out to the most unlikely places to search for happiness. An entertaining trek through the unbelievable.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

FilmaholicSep 24, 2014

Please don't go by what the "critics" have to say here. This is a VERY different from role for Pegg, so for people that have this preconceived notion that this is a typical Pegg movie, you are going to be greatly disappointed. This movie isPlease don't go by what the "critics" have to say here. This is a VERY different from role for Pegg, so for people that have this preconceived notion that this is a typical Pegg movie, you are going to be greatly disappointed. This movie is a "journey" into searching within ourselves. I am sure that everyone well relate to different parts of the this movie.… Expand

8 of 9 users found this helpful81

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9

theNILEMar 26, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Enter Hector's monotonous world. He is plain, he is dull, and he is flawed. But he isn't detestable, before you dislike him, it gives you a chance to ponder whether he was really content with his life, it's just enough to avoid making him seem like a bitter person with no personality. The beauty is it all shows you a plight of humanity, while helping you connect to Hector through that humanity. The great thing is, it's not even a serious movie.

I think many people found Hector to be boring, but it wasn't trying to make a character who is interesting... Go watch John Wick, maybe you'll cry and then say it's a sad movie which means it's bad... right? I don't know what those people have been watching or what they expected when the title pretty much tells you this is going to be about humanity.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

LeZeeDec 14, 2015

Chase your life (dream), don't let it chase you away.

A multinationally produced film product. The story as well won't take place in one place, but travels around the different continents. It is when 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' meetsChase your life (dream), don't let it chase you away.

A multinationally produced film product. The story as well won't take place in one place, but travels around the different continents. It is when 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' meets 'The Ultimate Gift'. A very inspiring theme, made by 'Serendipity' director which is his first film since last five years. Looks like it is his career best, at least in my perspective it is. The film talks about the different human moods, especially about the search for happiness as the title suggest.

Being I am a movie fanatic, I won't watch great flicks every day. It is not easy to come by, sometimes I have to go through 5 movies, sometimes 10 and sometimes a month long wait. In my recent watch I liked so many flicks, but never considered them as my favourites until this one. Like I said its been months and I am super excited with this film.

As usual, my nemesis, the critics led it to the box office flop. I am saying the same thing that it's definitely not suit for critics, but families (excluding kids) and mainly middle-aged people. It will be too early for children to understand the movie and there is a nudity, but no sex scenes. The old people can enjoy watching it, but won't inspire them like 'The Bucket List' did.

"Do you have any children, doctor?
My husband and I, it was our only regret. We couldn't.
But, you know what? It was bloody good fun trying."

Usually for the western countries, self-discover means visiting India. We have seen movies like 'The Darjeeling Limited', 'Eat Pray Love' and many more that focuses on the similar subjects. This film gets rid of that so called cliche and goes ahead with different locations. The title character Hector goes for a such mission looking for happiness through self-discovery, meets different people and their cultures. Even he undergoes several life threatening situations and also meets his past (people) only to clear his head.

Hector was a very fond of Tintin comic books, he kind of imagines that he's Tintin and his dog as Snowy, but there's no confirmation in this regard in the movie. The adventure he takes exactly depicts what Tintin stories do. Looks his mood was kind of affect since his childhood. In the opening scene, he loses his dog which represented his 'Happiness'. Also, where the 'Unhappiness' (probably his girlfriend in his real world) rose above and tailed him since. These are simply my theory considering unexplained things or trying to crack down the hidden messages.

I won't deny that some of the ideas were borrowed from the other flicks. It might not be as fancy as 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty', but it had some of its own great momentum like, laughs, craziness, emotions, romance and adventures. I have not seen Simon Pegg's all the movies, but in this he was never seen before avatar. I'll definitely remember it for him as long as I'll be in this film watching business. I was expecting his usual comedy, but I was absolutely blown away for witnessing an uplifting movie. If you focus deeply on the narration, you could virtually experience passing through all those provinces shown in the film. Definitely one of the top 10 films from the year 2014. I highly recommend it, certainly a must watch.

9/10… Expand

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7

weirdcryoDec 27, 2015

This movie has highs and lows, it's predictable at times and beautiful at others, it have cultural stereotypes but at the end Simon Pegg's lead overcome every negative aspect.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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10

SinuousGraceNov 7, 2020

Watched this last night -- in November 2020. My wife just found it on Hulu and it had Simon Pegg so she figured "what the heck?" It was a refreshing film, beautifully filmed, thoughtful, and honestly touching. Came here to Metacritic,Watched this last night -- in November 2020. My wife just found it on Hulu and it had Simon Pegg so she figured "what the heck?" It was a refreshing film, beautifully filmed, thoughtful, and honestly touching. Came here to Metacritic, curious, and seeing the "29" aggregate from the critics is HILARIOUS. Come on! This is EASILY a 7. The idea that this should deserve a "red" score is laughable, but it seems that even back in 2014 critics' reviews and ratings were already becoming inversely related to how much we enjoy films (something that's only grown more prevalent in the years since this movie came out).… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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10

moodboomSep 10, 2020

All the sad critics that can't handle the joy of this movie ("schmaltz"? Sorry it's not cynical enough for you...) can suck an egg. Thank you to everyone involved for this slice of goodness. Especially Rosamund Pike. Divine.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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9

Duro_de_mamarNov 22, 2022

I love this movie, it's emotional, exciting, reflective, engaging and very beautiful it's a movie that makes you think about happiness and its definitions

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