Capsule reviews for Sept. 16

Happy, Happy

This debut from Norwegian director Anne Sewitsky isn’t loaded with the deadpan humor found in many Scandinavian imports these days, and perhaps it could have used more. This familiar tale of a romantically frustrated housewife (Agnes Kittelsen) whose life is turned upside down when a new family moves in next door seems to draw more from Hollywood conventions than European quirks. The isolated wintry setting yields solid performances and a few strong character-driven moments. However, the woman’s affair with her neighbor (Henrik Rafaelsen) produces few surprising twists, and a subplot involving the children of the two families is just bizarre and unsettling. (Rated R, 88 minutes)

My Afternoons with Margueritte

Modestly charming if slight French comedy stars Gerard Depardieu as Germain, a slow-witted, middle-aged man who finds an unlikely friend in Margueritte (Gisele Casadesus), an elderly woman who reads her novel aloud to him while the two share an afternoon on a park bench. The encounter proves beneficial to both, for Germain as a way of finding someone who accepts and appreciates him, and for Margueritte in discovering a friend who appreciates her wit and humor. There’s not much depth or surprise, and it probably would have worked better as a short film than at feature length. But the actors are excellent and generate some touching moments together. (Not rated, 82 minutes)

Stay Cool

Cut some slack to twin brothers Michael and Mark Polish (Northfork) for this long-delayed groaner of a comedy about an author (Mark Polish) who returns to his hometown to give the commencement address at his old high school, only to find himself immersed in the same social problems he faced as a teenager. It’s not a great concept to begin with, and the jokes are mostly broad and obvious. However, it reeks of post-production tinkering, and is credited to director Ted Smith, a pseudonym used by Michael Polish following a dispute with the producers after filming. Also stars Winona Ryder, Sean Astin, Hilary Duff and Chevy Chase. (Rated PG-13, 94 minutes)