Exuberant and touching comedy

Rating: 10/10 (18 August 2006)

Why can't I give this movie more than 10 stars? What a wonderful, funny and joyous movie! Storytellling at it's best, Little Miss Sunshine begins with little Olive's eyes as she peers into a beauty pageant on video over and over. We are skillfully introduced to the characters---all robustly interesting---via quick, snappy shots of the camera. It is enough to draw me in hook, line and sinker. As they all converge in the dining room, mother, father, son, little Olive, her grandfather and uncle, we suddenly realize that we are not just observers but participants---cleverly being engaged into investing emotionally with the family that we suddenly find disturbingly familiar. Before we realize it, we are taken on a hilarious 'roadtrip. But lest I give you the impression that this is a roadtrip movie, (it's not...) let me just say that every turn this movie makes is a revelation---a new and refreshing metaphor of dreams and hopes; of that journey that we all want to take--- the one that leads up to the summit of our innermost desires.
The cast is perfect. Duane, the son, has taken a vow of silence and is turned on to Friedrich Nietzsche. The grandfather, recently kicked out of his retirement home after being caught snorting coke, is played by the wondrous Alan Arkin who gives the character its heart. He is perfect in the role. The uncle, Frank, has just been released from the hospital for a failed suicide attempt. Played by Steve Carell, we were transfixed by his mesmerizing performance---a man full of hurt, disappointment and loss but never losing that comedic quality perfectly pitched to make us fall inlove with him. The father, Richard, played by Greg Kinnear, is a 'motivational speaker' intent on reaching the summit of success but sadly, does not have what it takes to get there. The development and evolution of his character is an Oscar worthy tour de force. Every tick, every wrinkle, every tilt of his head is magic. We clearly see what goes on inside. We can almost hear him talking to himself. When the movie reaches it's joyous pitch perfect denouement, Greg Kinnear shines the brightest as his character lets loose. We want to root for him. I found myself laughing and then crying joyously with him and his family as they all unite in a sweeping gesture of solidarity, pride and joyous opposition. Toni Collette, who plays Sheryl, Olive's mother, is phenomenal, as usual. She is the glue that holds the family together.
Watch for two of the most poignant and unforgettable scenes in the movie. The first one, between Olive and her grandpa, the night before the big pageant. Beautifully nuanced, the characters seem to jump right out of the screen and into your heart. The second, between Olive and her brother, played by a gem of an actor, Paul Dano, as brother and sister whose magical connection to each other is so palpable, you'd swear you heard some dialogue. Then you realize there's none. And yes, what you clearly hear is simply the beating of your own heart as the audience holds its breath in utter tenderness. It would be a travesty if this movie eludes multiple Oscar nods. But then again, I would not be surprised.
Little Miss Sunshine is rated R for language and some reference to pornography. Some may find the pageant scenes offensive. They would be looking at the glass half empty for this movie is full of heart, soul and magic. They rightfully do not deserve to see nor enjoy the beauty and pathos that this wonderful movie carries in spades. This one's a definite treasure trove of art expressed in the images of fine movie-making.