Don't Miss 'Sunshine'

Rating: 8/10 (25 August 2006)

"Little Miss Sunshine" is a surprising and thoughtful take on the dysfunctional family picture - with elements of a road comedy and a pageant spoof thrown in. While the script is never quite as tight or witty as you want it to be, there are a few unexpected surprises in store. To weather the few dry spots there's a terrific cast. They never fail to bring empathy and humanity to the desperate characters. The direction and design are considered, but never overtly so (watch for the skillful use of sunshine yellows). This film put me in mind of Beth Henley's "Miss Firecracker" (a Holly Hunter vehicle) in which a group of sad and lonely Southerners find an emotional connection by helping a misfit girl through a small-time beauty contest. Both 'Misses' are testament to the human spirit and the strength of individuality.