Watch The Happy Poet

The Happy Poet is a 2010 independent comedy-drama film that tells the story of a fast-food worker turned struggling vegetarian chef who dreams big, but can't seem to catch a break. The film is written, directed, and stars Paul Gordon in the lead role of Bill, a likable, earnest, but somewhat naive man who decides to turn his life around by opening his own vegetarian food cart.

Bill is a honest and gentle person who always tries to do the right thing. He quits his job at a fast-food restaurant and decides to start his own food-cart business in order to serve healthy and affordable meals. His ultimate goal is to open a restaurant and become a successful business owner. Despite facing numerous obstacles such as financial difficulties, permits, and bureaucratic hurdles, he remains committed to his dream.

As he begins to build his business, he finds that it's not as easy as he thought it would be. He struggles to make ends meet and must resort to using some less-than-traditional methods to keep his business running, including dumpster-diving for food and trying to sell his vegetarian hot dogs to skeptical customers. However, his determination and enthusiasm never wanes.

In his efforts to stay true to his principles of sustainability, Bill also develops a friendship with a homeless man named Curtis (played by Chris Doubek). Throughout the film, Bill tries to make a positive impact on Curtis's life, even as he experiences his own challenges.

Parallel to Bill's story, he is also trying to develop a romantic relationship with a fellow vegetarian, the free-spirited Agnes (played by Rachel Hardy). However, their relationship is complicated by Agnes's on-and-off boyfriend, AJ (played by Jonny Mars). Bill and Agnes's relationship is one of the most interesting and relatable elements of the story, as it explores the nuances of romantic relationships and how they can be affected by external forces.

The Happy Poet is a low-budget indie film, shot in a documentary-style that provides an authentic and relatable feel. The simplicity of the production values showcases the beauty and simplicity of the story. The movie is not just about running a business, but it also explores the struggles of achieving one's dream, against all odds. It is about being true to oneself, even when the world is against you.

The performances in the movie are great, with Paul Gordon giving a standout portrayal of Bill, the hopeful and optimistic protagonist. Rachel Hardy also impresses in her role as Agnes, bringing a light and carefree spirit to the movie. Jonny Mars's portrayal of AJ, complete with a condescending and aloof personality, makes him the perfect foil to Bill's earnest and gentle character.

Overall, The Happy Poet is a charming and heartwarming film that teaches us the importance of following our dreams, even when the road to success is difficult. It is a reminder to stay true to ourselves and to never give up hope. It serves as an inspiration to those who are striving towards something better and encourages us to keep moving forward with unwavering determination. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate small-scale, honest stories with relatable and lovable characters.

The Happy Poet is a 2013 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 49.