Little Miss Sunshine

Year: 2006

Grade: B+

Country: USA

Director: Dayton/Faris

Review

nice, unique comedy from a first time writer and a directing team that has basically just worked on music videos. in little miss sunshine they craft an offbeat, but not entirely unbelievable, family unit that goes on a road trip that rivals national lampoon’s vacation; dead grandparent included. there’s a great dynamic between all the family members partly because the film isn’t a star vehicle. sure carrell is the hottest one in the group, but arkin (catch-22) shows he isn’t washed up yet, kinnear proves again that he’s an underrated comedic talent, and collette (japanese story, sixth sense) adds to her round resume. paul dano is a relatively unknown actor whose big breakout was the flawed, but good, indie film L.I.E. abigail breslin plays prospective little miss sunshine herself and does quite a textured and impressive job, especially given her age. also look for bryan cranston in a slimy role as stan grossman, a character name also used in fargo; there’s a millersmovies exclusive for you. yeah right.

Watched in theater