An unusually original, honest and funny film

Rating: 9/10 (23 September 2010)

Hollywood comedies are usually boring, predictable (by the numbers) and mediocre. "Little Miss Sunshine", 2006, is a notable exception. Contrary to the title, there's not much happiness in the story, instead, there's a lot of originality, honesty, insight, charm, sly humor and a little darkness contained in the story of the film. Overall, the film is genuine, charming, spirited and funny. In one unusual scene, about two-thirds in, the film takes a sudden, bold and surprising leap with it's comedy, which is to be applauded. The screenplay itself is worthy of praise and applause.
First time screenwriter Michael Arndt delivers something rarely seen in Hollywood: a very original and honest story. "Little Miss Sunshine" is about the dysfunctional relationships of an American middle class family and their road trip to a girl's beauty pageant. Yes, it's a simple premise and the road trip sub-genre of movies has been done many times before. Going through the conventions of the sub-genre of road movies, the movie loses some of it's power for brief periods of time, notable in one specific and unnecessary scene.
Writing and acting make the big difference in this film, to set it above and beyond most other comedies. It's a film not afraid to go beyond the usual boundaries of comedies and be honest and realistic about human nature and human relationships. Actually, "Little Miss Sunshine" is more accurately described as a "dramedy" (comedy/drama). Writer Arndt based the screenplay on personal real life experiences and relationships. Arndt has created an interesting and wide variety of family member characters, which their own clearly defined problems, anxieties and goals.We're quickly introduced to all the characters of the ensemble cast at the beginning of the film. The family dinner scene works well to introduce the dynamics of the family and their relationships to each other. In other words, good exposition to open the film.
Abigail Breslin (just 10 years old) and Alan Arkin both deliver realistic and charming acting performances. There are two directors in this film, which is odd, considering it's a small scale, low budget film. I think having two directors did not really cancel each other out for a possible Academy Award nomination. This is clearly a writing and acting dominated film. Both directors are relatively unknown newcomers to film directing. Direction is good, nothing special.The film ends with an accurate statement about the absurdity and ridicules nature of girl beauty pageants.