Little Miss Sunshine

[LasciviousXXX]

Overview at IMDB


This Independent Film could have gone either way. It could have been an excellent Indie film with a good sense of realism, or it could have been an Indie piece of trash trying too hard to be real. Lucky for us, the viewers, it falls into the "Excellent" category.

This movie's strengths lie in its cast and the ability to draw you into the story. So many Indie films come up short when trying to bring realism into the script. Little Miss Sunshine succeeds where those movies fail. The cast does an excellent job of being able to illicit real emotions from the audience. Toni Collette does a good job of portraying the family mom trying to keep it together and Greg Kinnear shines at being an annoying over compensating father.

But the movies true stars are Steve Carrell and Paul Dano. I was skeptical of Carrell's role going into this as I didn't know if he could pull off a straight role since the majority of his work is in the comedy realm. However he does an AMAZING job of portraying a man who is recovering from a failed suicide attempt. He brings pain and emotion and loneliness to the film and is able to do serious roles quite well.

Dano does a very good job of playing your standard rebellious teenager but brings a wellspring of emotion and believeability to the role. He was really good in "The Ballad of Jack and Rose" but shines in this movie. Overall, kudos go to the great cast for making an ordinary trek to California seem a little more extraordinary.

I recommend it to all the LLG's looking for a good Black Comedy/Drama

[BP22]

Saw it last weekend with the wife. Great movie.

[simplechords]

I might go see this tonight, thanks!

[clampdown]

My wife went over the weekend with her sister and I was a little bitter I didnt get to go. I will have to check it out when it comes on DVD.

[rumballs]

Originally Posted by BP22

Saw it last weekend with the wife. Great movie.

[Jeff]

My wife and I saw this last night. I didn't know what to expect, especially not being a fan of Steve Carell, however, I can say that a really enjoyed the film. It had some very funny moments but overall had a plot that was dark and intense.

[Dr_Wogz]

We saw it last night (Cheapy Tuedays!)

The wife loves Steve carell, and this was fun & xcute movie. Definietly worth a look!

[LSU_Stogie]

I saw LMS this past weekend and I wasn't regretting purchasing the ticket at all. I love Steve Carrel, esp. in The Office, and it was nice to see he can play a serious role and add humour to the depression.

This movie reeked of family trouble plagued with a father who chooses to deny the family falling apart and money woes...it was intriguing and had a lot of add-ins that were memorable (like the kid not talking throughout half the movie.)

This indie movie reminded me of Garden State.

[RONINDICE]

The most real and honest movie I have seen in a long time by far. Superbly acted and wonderfully directed. The soundtrack mostly performed by DeVotchKa was excellent as well.

[boonedoggle]

Just finished watching this movie on DVD. I must say, this was a very good movie that really demonstrated its Indy Film roots. Excellent movie direction and cinematography and the actor chemistry was second to none. This movie has a very big heart and is a must see. Drop what you are doing and go rent it now!

[publicspeakingnerd]

Originally Posted by boonedoggle

Just finished watching this movie on DVD. I must say, this was a very good movie that really demonstrated its Indy Film roots. Excellent movie direction and cinematography and the actor chemistry was second to none. This movie has a very big heart and is a must see. Drop what you are doing and go rent it now!

[Legends of the Playground]

I watched this a few weeks ago. I really enjoyed it. Great cast and script. It was nice to see Carrell doing something more low-keyed than his Office/Michael Scott role and I always like Greg Kinnear.

Made a profound statement (whether intentional or not) about children's beauty pageants.

[novasurf]

Just caught this on Sunday. LMAO, a great flick.

[dunng]

I agree, great movie!