Ray of Sunshine

Rating: 10/10 (22 April 2007)

Finally, just when you fear that the studio industry has all but killed the genuine filmmaker, save perhaps David Lynch, you see a ray of light. A bunch of talented people got together and told a simple story involving complex characters with a beginning, a middle and an end. No flash, no gimmicks, no "look-at-this-new-fangled-cinema technology-and-fancy-camera-work" bogus to cover up lack of substance. No "it's made to seem just like an indie" fakery. The cast delivers truthful and unforgettable performances, creating a family that is functional in their love and support for one another, no matter how messed up their lives and circumstances may be. Abigail Breslin as Olive wins before she enters the competition, bringing joyful innocence into a world of sorrow. "Little Miss Sunshine" takes the crown by not competing with the typical two- hour commercialism. There is hope.