Little Miss Sunshine

Rating: 10/10 (6 August 2006)

Little Miss Sunshine The funniest film of the year is here with its dark humor and subtle undertones, first time writer Michael Arndt has created six people that in some way, you can find a bit of yourself in. The film is so crowd pleasing and hilariously funny that you can't help but want to be a part of this dysfunctional and at times inappropriate family. Each character is carrying their own baggage and personal flaws that make you sympathize and empathize with them. The head of the family, Richard, played by Greg Kinnear is a failed motivational speaker and invests a large sum of money into his "Nine Step Program" to being a winner. He is at many times unlikable and completely uprooting. His ball and chain is the never disappointing Toni Collette who plays Sheryl, the backbone of the family who supports her children in every decision and dream they have. She is the true heart and soul of the family and empathetic in her thoughts and words. Next in the lineup is Grandpa rendered brilliantly by Alan Arkin. Grandpa is a rebellious older man who has developed a drug habit and gives many words of "wisdom" to the family. We also meet the infamous and mysterious Dwayne whom has taken a vow of silence in order to achieve his next goal. He has dreams of joining the Air Force and flying a jet and gets many laughs through facial expressions and mannerisms. And lastly is the angelic and innocent, Olive; she's precious, guiltless, naïve, curious and exciting. She is one of the most notoriously beautiful characters in cinematic history. You fall in love with her and not only because of her "cute as a button" persona but for her genuine love for life, dreams and most importantly her family.
The true beauty of the film is in its simplicity because in that, you find all the vulnerability in each character and find an immaculate motion picture. The depth of the film can't be explained in words but in its experience and emotions that follow. Each aspect of the film is effortlessly practical but initially multifarious. This film is living proof that two minds are better than one because the two directors, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris engaged themselves in each personality and technical quality. The cinematography is always soothing and utterly attractive. The time spent in the VW bus never feels like motion sickness and you feel like a passenger yourself just observing the lives unfold. The score of the film helps bring certain scenes to life and makes the movie that much more touching. The editing also goes with soft transitions and smooth operating.
From the opening scene of dinner at the table you are locked up and don't dare to blink thanks to these actors. The performances are picture perfect and each actor offers something remarkable to their role respectively. Greg Kinnear's 'father-role' is definitely the least liked throughout the film but his character's transformation into a loose, loving father and wife is portrayed ideally thanks to Kinnear. He is without a doubt a lead and should be pushed in that category but unfortunately he doesn't have enough emotional depth to find his way to a top five. Globe consideration is needed and undeniably inevitable with the laughs he brings. The great and underrated Toni Collette is the backbone of the family and adds on another car to her train of terrific performances. She is also a co-lead and should also be pushed in that category. The Best Actress category has been weak for a few years running and this year seems no different except for Kate Winslet and maybe Ashley Judd and she can make her way into the finale and come back to a ceremony that she's been missed at for 7 years. Academy Award nominee Alan Arkin is hands down funniest player of the cast. Unfortunately his screen time is minimal but he is a veteran and if the Academy feels compelled to bring one to the ceremony he can be it. Grandpa is vulgar, comedic and completely smitten by his beautiful granddaughter Olive. He coaches Olive for the pageant and gives her pep talks that could bring the coldest heart to room temperature. Steve Carrel is the gay brother of Sheryl, Frank whom recently attempted to commit suicide because of job-loss, broken heart and social status deterioration. With his career going as greatly as it has he could find himself as the Thomas Haden Church of the year but with a better name. I could foresee both Carrel and Arkin both making it. Paul Dano is the most simple of the group and fortunately this will be the stepping stone for him to step off of into serious and thought-provoking roles. Dwayne is tortured, complex and witty and Dano shows it easily. The best in show honors is awarded to the beautiful and lovely Abigail Breslin can be this year's Freddie Highmore. She deserves many accolades but the Academy is extremely flakey with rewarding young child performers. Olive has all the things going for her to go to the Oscars. She has her scene of brilliance, her lovable persona, a pretty good resume of films and the best thing, she's adorable. The fact that she sticks out among these brilliant veteran, Oscar nominated performers is miraculous.
"Little Miss Sunshine" could very well be the "Sideways" of the year plowing its way into a best picture nomination along with realistic nominations for Arkin, Carrel and Breslin. I feel this film will be battling Guillermo Arriaga from "Babel" and Emilio Estevez for "Bobby" for the Original Screenplay award at the 2007 ceremony. I can't choose and I don't even want to think about it yet. "Sunshine" brings much light into your heart and is without a doubt the most uplifting, feel-good movie of the year.
Grade: ****/****