You have to hand it to Roland Emmerich, his marketing for 1998’s “Godzilla” was fantastic. Before “Cloverfield” enforced not showing the monster until you had your butt planted in seats in theaters, Emmerich and Tristar applied the same marketing with just as much mystery. I fondly recall many of the early trailers for “Godzilla” being packed with questions about what the beast looked like rebooted. Hell, in 1997, I bought the movie book that explored the making of “Godzilla,” and there wasn’t a single picture in the book that gave a clear picture of the new Godzilla.
In many ways, director A.T. Sayre’s “Whatever Makes You Happy” is an accomplished romantic drama that builds on interesting conflicts. And while it may be rough around the edges in many respects, beyond its flaws there is a really good movie here. Reminiscent of “About Last Night” in certain elements, “Whatever Makes You Happy” focuses primarily on the character of protagonist Anna who spends most of her time in the safe bosom of her apartment and books. One day during a date with her boyfriend she meets the more rugged and daring aspiring musician Alex.