Most of the time movie critics can't really affect the success or failure of a big Hollywood blockbuster. Superman Returns received critical praise but then failed to do the big business that was expected of it. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest on the other hand, received decidedly mixed reviews and is still packing them into the seats. The one area where critics are able to influence the outcome of a movie is with smaller independent films. If enough positive reviews come out about a movie that has no or limited marketing behind it, they can generate a positive buzz that will eventually lead to a wider release and possible awards. With that in mind, I would like to contribute my positive review to the already swelling list of positive reviews for Little Miss Sunshine, a sad and very funny movie that deserves to be seen.
The movie is directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, both music video directors (but don't hold that against them). The script is by first-time screenwriter Michael Arndt, whose wit more than makes up for any first-time errors. Aiding these rookie filmmakers is a very talented group of actors who each bring their character to life with perfection.
While the plot is centered around that tried and true Hollywood formula of the "road picture", it is the extremely dysfunctional family that's on the trip that makes it worthwhile. The reason behind the trip is that the young daughter, Olive (played with break-your-heart sweetness by Abigail Breslin), discovers that she is a contestant in the Little Miss Sunshine pageant because the winner of her regional contest had to drop out at the last minute. With the family being in a little bit of a cash crisis, it's decided that they will drive Olive from their home in Arizona, to California where the contest is to be held.
At the head of the family is Richard (Kinnear), a failed motivational speaker on the verge of a deal that he hopes will bring him success at long last. His wife, and supporter of the family while Richard struggles, is Sheryl (Collette), who isn't exactly happy about Richard's recent financial difficulties. Olive, slightly overweight and with glasses almost as big as her face, is their daughter. Also along on the trip is Sheryl's gay brother Frank (Carell), the country's leading Proust scholar, who recently attempted suicide when his student/lover threw him over for the country's second leading Proust scholar. Richard's drug addicted, porn-aficionado father (Arkin), who lives with the family, tags along as well since he is Olive's coach. Rounding out the odd bunch is Sheryl's teenage son from a previous marriage, who has taken a vow of silence until he achieves his dream of joining the Air Force Academy.
Each of the characters brings along their own troubles, all of which are explored in a true and funny manner, and all of the actors bring something special to their roles. Someone once said that comedy is a tragedy that happens to someone else and this movie demonstrates that theory to perfection as most of the jokes arise from the dysfunction and sadness within this family.
The ending, when they actually arrive at the pageant, might be a bit over-the-top and the characters might be too distinctly drawn, but none of this matters when it comes to the entertainment value of this movie, because over the course of the story you will find that you both care and can laugh at them, often at the same time.
Do yourself a favor, if you have the opportunity to see this movie, take it.
