Little Miss Sunshine

After a scorching summer of substandard movies, "Little Miss Sunshine" was a breath of cool and refreshing air. In my opinion, it was the best movie of the summer and a notable movie of the year. It is very rare that an independent movie can be both popular and quirky, but "Little Miss Sunshine" does just that. It provides a plethora of interesting characters who commence a road trip (a staple of independent films) to enter a little girl in a beauty contest. There are three reasons why "Little Miss Sunshine" is a huge success with audiences and critics.

First, the cast is perfect. Some highlights: Greg Kinnear is great as the ambitious yet witless patriarch. Toni Colette plays the role she has mastered: a plain yet strangely attractive middle aged woman. Finally, Steve Carell gives the best performance of the film as the quasi-suicidal gay scholar (again, a staple of independent film). I was so blown away by Carell's performance that I cannot help but speculate about his future as an actor. I think it is quite possible that he could make a very fruitful transition from comedy goof-ball antics to dramatic roles (a la Bill Murray and Tom Hanks). I hope writers continue to take advantage of Carell's impeccable timing as an actor.

Second, the film very interestingly balances wholesome familial themes with a parody of trashy poor people who enter their daughters in beauty contests. Although the family is loving, one cannot descry their dysfunctional nature nor their motives for placing so much credit in contests. The grandfather of the family is loving and supportive, but is addicted to heroin. The enigmatic son is goal oriented (he wants to fly jets), but is hateful and buried in his existentialism. Finally, the little girl in the contest is cute and lively, but also aesthetically challenged. Throughout the film, the family confronts their duel nature (their ambitions against reality) and ultimately learn more about theirselves.

Third, the writing and directing in "Little Miss Sunshine" stands as a pillar in a season of Hollywood blunders. As for the former, we are given a witty story, weird digressions, and snappy dialogue that keeps us laughing and even sulking in parts. The directing is what one would expect from an independent film; it was interesting, color coordinated, detailed, and emotionally driven. I especially liked the scenes with the pastel yellow Volkswagen.

In the end, I highly recommend this movie. It will appeal to movie fans as well as those who only go to the cinema once in awhile.

4.8