self deprecating fun-fest

Rating: 9/10 (6 August 2006)

The reviews I found at the time I saw this movie (today - weekend of first release) were mostly very positive and there were a small number very negative, and I went into it expecting a lot - assuming it's one of those pictures you either identify with and love, or just don't understand what the big deal is (like with Napoleon Dynamite for me, a movie I wanted to like and just can't - sorry fans; but I loved Donnie Darko and notice some parallels in the "you control your own destiny" sense).
My end impression is that I loved this movie - not every single moment - but I did genuinely laugh out loud more times than I can remember for a recent film. I've read a couple of reviews at this point claiming it is dark and cynical over being a comedy, and yeah, maybe you could interpret it that way but I don't think that's the point of the film at all - quite the opposite.
There are people out there claiming it's just an updated version of "National Lampoon's Vacation". As a great fan of that movie I disagree - yes there are similar plot mechanisms, but Little Miss Sunshine delivers a similar message (life is short and have fun and revel without shame in who you are) in a fresh, modern way.
This film is not for those looking for quick cheap laughs and nothing else - I saw Talladega Nights last night enjoyed it, I'm no stickler, -but it's one of the best in a long while that makes you laugh and want to examine your own life.
Arlington, VA