Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) More at IMDb Pro »

Mike Leigh's done it again ... for fans and detractors alike! Poppy, his latest creation, sails through this slice of life with a smile on her face, fun on her mind and kindness in her heart.

Irritating? I didn't think so. On my good days, I rather hope there's a little of her in me.

Realistic? She's not even meant to be. This character, remember, began her existence as a series of doodles and scribbles on one of Mike Leigh's hard-working notepads, probably many years ago, although more than likely inspired by real-life friends or acquaintances.

For me, she was quite brilliantly brought to life by the excellent Sally Hawkins. Ironically, if she calls to mind any other inhabitant of Planet Leigh then it's probably Jane Horrocks's rather more sour Nic (or was it Nat?) in Life Is Sweet.

And Poppy has much to be happy about. A true friend, with whom she shares a not-too-shabby flat in a Finsbury Park that I shall not stoop to comparing with the N4 district of my own experience. A job she was born to do, among supportive colleagues. An enjoyable social life, memories of travels past, a cool reetro bike (for a while, at least ... ) and a wardrobe straight out of (ahem!) an Australian's nightmare all go to emphasise the message given by the film's title.

Of course, With a little practice, any fool can probably act ridiculously happy for a few hours ... I've done it myself more than once, come to think of it. What Hawkins manages so well (and just enough to plant the seeds in the viewer's mind) is to harness those great betrayers of a person's true feelings - the eyes, facial expressions and body language - to hint very subtly at some inner compulsion, a squeaky, rickety old door that she works hard to keep closed within her. Perhaps not exactly the pain behind the mask, but a hidden discomfort that must forever be pushed away.

Into her life ambles driving instructor Scott, played by the ever-welcome Eddie Marsan. If Poppy can be said to stroll across life's duckpond without even getting the soles of her cowboy boots wet, then Scott is a man slowly drowning. The film's strongest plot line (this *is* Mike Leigh!) charts the evolving relationship between these apparent opposites,and the interplay really lights up the screen.

To say more would dent your enjoyment should you decide to go and see for yourself, and I don't do spoilers anyway! If you go by bike, remember to lock up securely or - better still - maybe your best friend will take you along in her "mad" yellow car.

However you get there, why not let Poppy's attitude infect you for a few hours after you leave? It probably will anyway ...