FILM-FORWARD.COMReviews of Recent Independent, Foreign, & Documentary Films in Theaters and DVD/Home Video
HAPPY HOUR
Anthony LaPaglia stars as Tully, a self-proclaimed "drunk with a writing problem," who spends
his days as an advertising copy editor. The job is a joke to Tully, a published author working on a
new book - for the past 17 years. One night Tully notices an attractive woman, Natalie (Caroleen
Feeney), at his local watering hole matching him drink for drink. Soon the two are chatting it up
and the sexual innuendoes are flying. They end up back at Tully's place where Natalie, so very
ladylike, offers to burp the alphabet; Tully thankfully declines her offer.
Their night of drunken revelry develops into a surprisingly sweet relationship. (It's actually quite
refreshing to see a man pick up a woman his own age and still want to see her the next day.)
Tully introduces Natalie to his best friend Levine (Eric Stoltz) and the three form a perfect
triangle. They go out drinking every night. Levine crashes on Tully's couch while Tully and
Natalie take the bedroom. It's all fun and games until Tully receives devastating news from his
doctor.
Anthony LaPaglia's performance is reminiscent of Nicolas Cage's gruesome suicidal imbibing in Leaving Las Vegas. However,
LaPaglia brings sadness and vulnerability plus a determination to live to his role. He does an exceptional job
depicting Tully's
progressive state of decay as he experiences withdrawals, the increasing
sallowness of his skin, and his sense of fear. Tully
tries to maintain his dignity, even as he is forced to wear a
colostomy bag. Simply put, LaPaglia is riveting. Tanya Chesterfield
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