Another dysfunctional family film, so outdated...NOT, "Sunshine" bursts with originality and comic genius, kudos to Carrell

Rating: 10/10 (24 August 2006)

**** Steve Carrel, Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Alan Arkin, Paul Dano, Abigail Bresling. Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris
We've seen this concept before there's no doubt about that, but we have not seen this take on it. Newcomers Dayton and Faris prove to be a great talent when packing an ensemble cast that just bursts with comic genius, kudos to Oscar worthy Carrell. Not to leave anyone else out, including Collette and maybe a nod for Kinnear who just plays it off like he is so smart and wonderful, a true jackass
After a low on life Uncle (Carrell) commits suicide and fails, he moves back in with his sister (Collette) and her husband (Kinnear). Along with their son (Dano) who's committed to a vow of silence, Grandpa (Arkin) who's up on heroin and their sweet daughter (Breslin, another talent to watch). When the good news about her getting into a beauty contest arrives, it brings the bad news as well. This out of touch family has to bond while treading the states in a broken down VW bus.
This screenplay is original, and does not depend on swearing the laughs off. Instead it uses shear joy and the simplicity of this family as the tool. They may be unbelievably stupid and moronic but they are a family nonetheless. "Sunshine" is perfect in every single way, I laughed, I grew with these characters. I think it should get a few Oscar nods, and am very happy that my theater picked up this Sundance film. Hands down, the one film you must see all year long