Geekscape Movie Reviews: ‘Hector and the Search for Happiness’

Hector and the Search for Happiness is a film that sees Simon Pegg in a much more serious role, and he delivers.

Hector is a psychiatrist in need of some inspiration. His clients are boring him, he feels as though he is making no difference in life, and while he loves his girlfriend, he feels the need to explore the world for happiness. So he goes on a quest to ask people the question: What makes you happy?

His trip takes him all over the world, starting in China, where he meets a wealthy banker (played by Stellan Skarsgard) who shows him a night on the town. He visits Africa, where he meets up with an old friend and tries to help the poor, and has fantastic adventures. From there he visits an old flame, played by Toni Collette, and an old professor, played by Christopher Plummer.

What attracted me to this movie, first off, was that I read the book, and of course actor Simon Pegg. But if you’re expecting Shaun of the Dead kind of humor, you will be disappointed. It’s much more of a dramady. The casting also drew me to the movie, and the stars did not disappoint. Besides Pegg, Plummer and Collette, the film also included Jean Reno (The Professional, Mission Impossible) as a drug dealer in Africa and Rosamund Pike (Jack Reacher, Surrogates) as Hector’s girlfriend.

Overall, the film had its funny moments, of course, but was also quite deep and touching. If you’re in the mood for a feel-good film with a bit of comedy and adventure thrown in, this is your movie.

4/5 stars.

Hector and the Search for Happiness opens in theaters this Friday, September 26th. Here is the trailer: