Well acted comedy drama

Rating: Null/10 (23 February 2009)

'Little Miss Sunshine' is a well acted comedy drama. The script may be contrived but the fine cast makes it feel fresh. Alan Arkin is a memorable foul-mouthed grandpa. Greg Kinnear plays an unsuccessful motivational speaker(!) Paul Dano is effective despite being silent for most of the film and Steve Carell is good in an understated dramatic role. While the usual life lessons are learned by everyone, there are also some hilarious pot-shots aimed at junior beauty pageants where kids as young as eight or ten take part. While hardly worthy of it's Best Picture nomination, the film is worth watching.
Overall 7/10