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Little Miss Sunshine
- Rent Little Miss Sunshine for Free after reading this Little Miss Sunshine review
DVD release date: December 19, 2006
Rating: 4 out of 4 stars
Very rarely does a movie successfully combine nuanced characters with a genuinely satisfying story, but when the attempt is successful the result is a superb movie like “Little Miss Sunshine.” Granted there are some big names in the cast which I’m sure helped the release of this film, but the plain truth is that it’s just a damn good film.
The movie begins with our introduction to the Hoover family: Richard (played by Greg Kinnear), an unsuccessful motivational speaker who constantly peddles his nine-step program to anyone who will listen. Sheryl (played by Toni Collette), the mom who’s trying to hold the whole family together. Frank (played by Steve Carrell), an uncle who has recently attempted to commit suicide and now lives with the family. Dwayne (played by Paul Dano), the unspeaking angst-ridden teen who worships Friedrich Nietzsche. Grandpa (played by Alan Arkin), the foul-mouthed grandfather who was kicked out of his retirement home and now lives on the Hoovers’ couch. And, of course, Olive (played by Abigail Breslin) as the seven year old girl who strives to be crowned Little Miss Sunshine. Each character plays an important role in the dysfunctional family dynamic that is the Hoovers. There is constant arguing and tension between them. However, when young Olive learns that she has a chance to compete in the Little Miss Sunshine competition, the entire family bans together and sets off on a journey from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Redondo Beach, California.
The cast is superb and they collectively bring this exceptional script to life. But, the standout here is Abigail Breslin’s portrayal of Olive. Very rarely does an actor of her age display the kind of intelligence and dramatic skills that she displays here. I suppose the old adage is true: you can’t teach intelligence. And, it’s obvious from her performance that Breslin possesses that trait. But, again I must note, it is the entire cast that brings the film to life. Plus, the writing is just damn funny – from the cursing grandfather to the filmmakers’ take on beauty pageants for girls just out of their toddler years, the movie just takes a unique spin. Although, I must warn you dear reader that I am a big fan of indie films, especially ones that present slices-of-life that we’re not accustomed to seeing, so keep that in mind when you’re deciding whether or not to rent this DVD. But, I read somewhere that “Little Miss Sunshine” has so far raked in about $160 million worldwide, so it’s not as if I’m recommending some obscure Ukrainian film about the downfall of Khrushchev. But, I digress. I highly recommend this movie.
Reviewed by K. Moo
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