Ahh... the beginning of a new school year, so many things to do, and a notoriously bad time for film releases. Studio execs know that we're all busy running around buying books and clothes and are far too distracted to notice the list of terrible movies playing for sparse audiences in theaters. Once in a while, however, some smart exec sneaks in a film that will shine above the rest. This August/September movie season, that ray of light is "Little Miss Sunshine."
A quirky film with a budget that would only provide refreshments for the crew of a big summer blockbuster, "Little Miss Sunshine" showcases an impressive ensemble of actors and an equally impressive script. More than just another movie about a dysfunctional family, "Little Miss Sunshine" has a little something for everybody, including the literature geeks out there.
If you are drawn to this film because you love Steve Carell's comedy antics, you may be surprised by his slightly subdued role in this clever and uplifting comedy. But be not afraid; Carell's role as Frank, the suicidal uncle and Proust Scholar, showcases more of his quiver of acting skills than any previous film role.
Joining Carell are veteran thespians, Alan Arkin, playing the ultra-hip junkie grandfather, Greg Kinnear, as the motivationally speaking dad, and Toni Collete as the mother trying to hold everything together.
If the list of accomplished actors above isn't convincing enough for you, enter Abigail Breslin and Paul Dano, two young actors who become serial scene-stealers in this film. Abigail Breslin plays Olive, a plain but clever and innocent little girl who aspires to be a beauty queen. Breslin's performance is entirely believable and reduces over-acted film attempts by other child stars like Dakota Fanning, to Saturday morning cereal commercials.
Paul Dano (The Girl Next Door in 2004, and Taking Lives in 2004) provides an equally convincing and fun performance as Dwayne, the driven but confused adolescent brother.
Excellent chemistry and a delicate balance between physical and verbal comedy highlight the noteworthy feature-film directorial debut of co-directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Grammy Award winning music video directors).
Another nod goes out to Michael Arndt, the screenwriter who blended witty dialogue, dry humor, and stark realism together to create a brilliant script. Arndt's story carries you on the road in a Volkswagen Minibus, twisting and turning through a myriad of emotions with his group of unconventional characters.
Despite dealing with some heavy issues like suicide and the ethics of youth beauty-pageantry, "Little Miss Sunshine" leaves you aglow with warmth for Olive and her maniacal family.
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