Screenwriter: Michael Arndt
Having a bad day? Bad week? Watch Little Miss Sunshine. I guarantee you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cheer for what has become one of my favorite movies of 2006. (And if you’re having a bad year – already – well, I suggest you call off work and watch it twice.)
Little Olive (Abigail Breslin, who played Mel Gibson’s daughter in Signs) caught the beauty pageant bug while visiting her out-of-town cousins. Now she dreams of taking that famous stroll down “runway lane” as a beauty pageant queen. As luck would have it, the winner of the regional pageant Olive participated in had to forfeit. As runner-up, Olive gets the chance to compete in the state competition.
Olive and her out-of-sync family – comprised of her motivational speaker father, Richard (Greg Kinnear); frazzled but supportive mom, Sheryl (Toni Collette); mute-by-choice brother, Dwayne (Paul Dano); suicidal, homosexual uncle, Frank (Steve Carell); and out-spoken paternal Grandpa (the one and only Alan Arkin), who also happens to be her choreographer – travel in their VW van to help Olive fulfill her dream and end up getting to know each other a little better in the process.
What I liked: Every single minute of this award-winning film! The acting is outstanding, the writing is believable and brilliant, and the story is simple yet highly enjoyable.
What I didn’t: Not a darn thing.
Madeleine says: Add it to your collection
What do you say?
I loved this movie too - made me laugh out loud and I don't do this with movies often.
Posted by: Romie | January 31, 2007 at 05:48 PM
This movie is AWESOME! I totally agree with everything you said.
Posted by: magickat | January 31, 2007 at 07:12 PM
Hello Madeleine!
Well first off, welcome back! I know I wasn't around before but I read your note above and can understand how life has a way of detouring us. Glad to hear it was for the better. Yes, Little Miss Sunshine is a gem, a wonderful cast with fully realized characters and while the story is a little thin, it doesn't disappoint.
Best of luck and oh, if you're interested drop by my movie blog - Above the Line: Practical Movie Reviews. I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts on my thoughts.
best->
rory
Above the Line: Practical Movie Reviews
http://www.rorydean.wordpress.com
Posted by: Rorydean.wordpress.com | August 01, 2010 at 01:31 AM