Rewarding on every level

Rating: 10/10 (15 August 2006)

Finally, a movie that is rewarding on every level.
I walked out of the theater with light tears in my eyes, while laughing, and I told my friend that "Little Miss Sunshine" is quite possibly one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time. Definitely better than any movie I have seen in the last year.
The acting was stellar from each of the main characters, especially Paul Dano, I believe. He had the hardest role in which to portray real emotion.
What I liked about this film is that it explores the range of emotions -- happiness, sadness, loss, disappointment, insecurity, judgment -- but none of it is blatant. It is merely suggested and the viewer makes up his or her own mind about the message they are to perceive.
It's not a dark comedy, but it's definitely not your standard comedy. There are no obvious jokes and punchlines, and each laugh comes with a twinge of realness as if you can feel what each character is going through when he or she speaks. It's comedic introspection at its finest.
Brilliant. I am definitely going to buy this when it comes out on DVD.