Length:
Released: 2006
When first introduced, the mix of characters in Little Miss Sunshine barely function as a family. A surprise win in a beauty contest throws everyone off guard, suddenly requiring them to drop everything, cancel all plans, and transport their little girl to the pageant (the source of the film's title). Everyone has an opinion on her participation, but despite contrasting philosophies, ideals and morals, the family develops a crazed commitment to arrive in time for the pageant.
As in any good road trip, it's the adventures along the way that make the story worth telling. Anyone with a VW bus knows its limitations, and the journey from New Mexico to southern California becomes an odyssey with its moments of comedy and tragedy. The yellow bus almost seems to smile as it avenges the constant need for speed in the modern world, lamenting the bygone era of travel at a slower pace.
The rich selection of actors in atypical roles demonstrate additional dimensions of their abilities. Young Paul Dano's reticent teenager, committed to a vow of silence, speaks only through words on his t-shirts and a notepad until halfway through the film, when he releases all his bottled-up emotions. Abigail Breslin plays his sister, the young heroine determined to follow her dreams, unaware of how they may look to the rest of the world. Toni Collette and Greg Kinnear play their parents, trying to hold the family together, which includes Steve Carrell (proving he's more than a comedian) as an uncle recently released on parole, and Alan Arkin (who won an Oscar) as the grandfather, the most supportive of his granddaughter's interest in the pageant).
The unanticipated road trip throws everyone's personalities, fears and quirks in a confined space. The family learns to accept and appreciate what each person contributes, and ironically it is their most naïve member who proves wisest, pursuing her own path rather than be led by others (as they all initially assume).
Little Miss Sunshine makes you laugh, cheer, and even cry. Even the most dysfunctional families have a bond, and this film lets its characters explore their differences before bringing them back together.
Their collective values are manifested in their little girl's dance at the beauty pageant. The absurdity of their presence is overruled by pride for her individuality, and their shared adventures draw them together as a family once again.
The way this small film became a sensational hit is the type of Cinderella story that keeps indie filmmakers pursuing their dreams. Little Miss Sunshine won hearts, awards, and success at the box office. Michael Arndt won an Oscar for his original screenplay, initially written in three days. Alan Arkin won an Oscar, and Abigail Breslin was nominated.
Their collective values are manifested in their little girl's dance at the beauty pageant. The absurdity of their presence is overruled by pride for her individuality, and their shared adventures draw them together as a family once again.
The way this small film became a sensational hit is the type of Cinderella story that keeps indie filmmakers pursuing their dreams. Little Miss Sunshine won hearts, awards, and success at the box office. Michael Arndt won an Oscar for his original screenplay, initially written in three days. Alan Arkin won an Oscar, and Abigail Breslin was nominated.
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