Character And Comedy In a Winning Proportion

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2006)

I don't usually write reviews, but felt this warranted one.
I just attended a screening in Indianapolis and, wow, this movie exceeded every expectation I had.
For one, the cast is amazing - so dynamic in their roles and as a dysfunctional whole. It's hard to single out individual performances, as they all mesh so well. Each character is disillusioned or caught up in their own ways, only finding solace and togetherness in the innocence and beauty of their daughter Olive.
Admittedly, the first act starts out a bit slow. But watch out, because like the family car, once this movie gets rolling it isn't stopping with the laughs! A good deal of the comedy in this movie revolves around the parallel between the family and their VW Bus they're driving the Redondo Beach, which provides many of the memorable gags throughout. Surprisingly enough, none of these gags ever seem to wear thin and, if anything, become better as they become more absurd. The film builds up to a great third act, where Olive provides an impromptu quote that seems so fitting for the film.
It's funny, pointed, twisted, clever and confident, a film driven by the strength of its characters...literally at times.