Grade: B-
Synopsis: After unwittingly eating an entire plate of pot cupcakes, an actress (Anna Farris) finds herself at the center of several misadventures.
Smiley Face deserved better. Director Gregg Araki’s film is refreshingly funny, and features an award worthy performance from Anna Faris. While it may not have broken box office records, a small run in college towns would have built a strong cult following.
Dylan Haggerty’s script is a mix of stoner humor, screwball comedy, and genuine inspiration; a tone he establishes perfectly in the film’s opening scene. Further, at only 88 minutes Smiley Face acknowledges that it’s more or less a one-joke movie, and doesn’t wear out its welcome, thus ensuring a high replay value.
For her part, Faris carries the film with ease. It’s a tricky proposition, as her character could easily come across as self-absorbed and lose the audience’s sympathy, but Faris walks the line, winning you over from the very first scene.
Bottom Line: Smiley Face isn’t a touching film, or one with a resounding message, it’s 88 minutes of inspired insanity that takes its rightful place alongside Harold and Kumar, Beer Fest, and other great “party” movies.
