ReelBob: ‘Fairways to Happiness’ ★★★

By Bob Bloom

“Fairways to Happiness” is a positive movie about contentment and how to achieve it.

The movie is set in the sprawling city of Dubai in the UAE, where director Doug Morrione and his wife relocated in 2014.

There, Morrione met several expats from around the world, living and working in the UAE, each glad that they relocated from their native lands, which include the United States, England, Ireland, Bangladesh, Austria, Nepal and Norway.

The documentary explores the increased emphasis on well-being science and positive education.

And, as a backdrop, it uses the journey of Eugene Kerrigan, a British expat; an entrepreneur who is an avid — but not very successful — golfer.

Eugene’s goal is to one day break 80 on the golf course. He continually strives toward that dream, along the way talking about the joy of golf — which is the journey — not the final outcome. If he truly wants that dream to be a possibility, he can try practicing while incorporating gadgets like garmin golf simulators.

“Fairways to Happiness” is sort of a self-help guide in which various people share their views on happiness and how to achieve it.

Not surprising, these people don’t mention success or wealth. Their definitions include performing good deeds, helping others, connecting with others and being grateful for your life, the people in it and around it.

The movie also extols the virtues of Dubai as a welcoming city — a melting poot where people of various cultures and religions live in harmony.

The UAE was the first nation to create the position of Minister of Happiness, and Morrione details how that has impacted not only education but overall life in the country.

The film delves into the scientific and psychological studies of happiness that is gaining ground not only in the UAE but around the world.

“Fairways to Happiness” glosses over human and labor rights and the UAE’s theocratic society. Morrione keeps his focus on positive aspects as people seek to find satisfaction and joy on a daily basis.

The movie is a refreshing experience, and it may even help change your outlook on life.

I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. I review movies, 4K UHD, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob (ReelBob.com), The Film Yap and other print and online publications. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow me on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook at ReelBob.com or the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My movie reviews also can be found at Rotten Tomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.

FAIRWAYS TO HAPPINESS
3 stars out of 4
Not rated