Whatever Happened to Harold Smith?

I had never heard of this movie and probably never would have, had I not been up far later than most normal people. It came on Sundance the other night when there was nothing else on and I left it on while I worked, and I couldn't be happier I did!

Whatever Happened to Harold Smith? is a British flick about an unassuming, middle-aged man who possesses uncanny psychic powers. In an attempt to entertain some older spectators, he inadvertently ends up in more trouble than he could predict, which leads to his being publicly exposed.

Scientists test him, the media lionizes him, and the general public believes him to be either a monster or demi-god. All of this plays out as his youngest son - a likewise unassuming, disco-loving bloke - pursues a girl who changes his life, his wife steps out on him with his son's best friend, and a group of punks run amok. It's only slightly less sordid than I make it sound.

The acting is great, the story terrific, the special effects are meager and extremely effective, and the movie is a really fun romp. While a comedy, Whatever Happened to Harold Smith? is one of those films that subtly brings up a lot of heavy questions without minimizing or mocking them. It has some brief nudity and a few questionable scenes, but it's not completely unsuitable for an age 13+ audience. It should be noted that it's a period piece, set in the late 1970s - early 80s, so viewers that young might not get everything.

This is one of those movies that lifts your spirits and has you cheering out loud. It felt great watching - I hadn't realized I needed a real laugh so badly! There are some great, laugh-out-loud parts, and the humor plays effectively across the spectrum, from the silly to intellectual, from the observational to the situational.

Highly recommended!