Writer-director Todd Solondz made a big splash on the festival circuit a few years back with Welcome To The Dollhouse, a highly overrated dark comedy that did nothing for me. With Happiness, Solondz has taken a slight step forward with this story of dysfunction, alienation and over-the-top gross humor.

The film is actually several stories that are bridged together through three very different sisters. One is shy and reserved, one is conceited, always getting what she wants and the last is a quirky housewife that is unaware that her husband is a pedafile.

Much of the dialogue, as in Solondz' previous film, is just plain stupid. But there some moments that work. Most of performances are very good, including Philip Seymour Hoffman as a timid computer nerd who likes to make dirty phone calls, and Dylan Baker as the sympathetic pedafile.

The film would work better if Solondz would trust the quieter moments instead of throwing in outlandish, bizarre humor that doesn't work. He should also refine some of his dialogue and stop playing the tortured artist. Still, Happiness is a big jump from his last effort. On a final note, if you are curious and want to see this film, you will have to travel to Las Vegas or Salt Lake because it won't play in St. George. However, it's probably not worth the drive.