Set in a provincial Canadian town where life has long revolved around the local now struggling mill, this low budget indie takes the “let’s form a band” trope and mixes it with small town character comedy. The result is a hit and miss assemblage that’s most successful when it’s about the scrappy, high energy band called “Happy FKN Sunshine” jamming in the basement of a house owned by bassist Artie’s (Dana Hodgson) uncle Eddy (Ted Dykstra) who owns the local music store.
Written by Ryan Keller and J. Gordon Ross and directed by Derek Diorio, “Happy FKN Sunshine” doesn't quite hit the same notes when the band isn’t performing. The central storyline is about Will (Matt Close), the band’s leader, but who’s a little too passive to propel the action. The other bandmates include lead singer Vince (Connor Rueter), a bit of a bully, drummer River (Maxime Lauzon) who gets little screen time, and Artie who is dismissed as the local nerd and misfit until the band decides they need his chops on bass.
Will and his feisty sister Ronnie (Mattea Brotherton) have a tight bond that helps them cope with their abusive father Frank (Lewis Hodgson), a mill worker now out on strike. Ronnie, who has the backbone and rebellious spirit her brother lacks, earns money selling weed and buys Will a guitar. She becomes the band’s manager and Brotherton provides some spark as the band begins to gel and perform at paying gigs.
Artie’s tall tales become the subject of Vince’s anti-gay taunting which is one of the tonal missteps in the film along with an awkward scene between Vince and Artie’s father who has had brain surgery. Frank’s physical abuse of his kids especially Ronnie is disturbing and also at odds with the more freewheeling comedy. But once they start playing, the band provides these wayward characters with a focus along with some needed success. The movie’s depiction of the joys of making music in a basement rings true and its popping soundtrack is worthwhile.
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