Happythankyoumoreplease

This wispy ensemble comedy was written and directed by Josh Radnor, who also stars as Sam, a shaggy would-be novelist living in Manhattan, along with his friends Annie (Malin Akerman) and Mary Catherine (Zoe Kazan). Sam unofficially—and illegally—adopts an African-American boy who ditches his foster mother on the subway. Sam then romances a bartender wannabe-singer named Mississippi (Kate Mara), persuading her to move in with him for three days rather than his normal one-night stand. Meanwhile, quirky Annie, bald as a result of a medical condition, broods over her unhappy life, while a sweet but bumptious co-worker (Tony Hale) tries to gain her attention, and Mary Catherine is upset over being pressured by her live-in boyfriend (Pablo Schreiber) to move to California (she considers the West Coast a cultural wasteland). All of this has the feel of a sitcom any network would cancel after a couple of episodes. With the exception of Mississippi, the characters are more irritating than endearing, and apart from Mara, the performers are a bland bunch. As affected and pointless as its ever-so-cute title, thisisnotrecommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary with filmmaker/star Josh Radnor and producer Jesse Hara, deleted scenes (9 min.), a “Happythankyoumoremusicplease” soundtrack segment featuring composer Jaymay (7 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a disappointing film.] (F. Swietek)