10/08/06 Little Miss Sunshine

Little Miss Sunshine (2006), directed by Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris

watched w/ Leslie; theater (Crossroads 20 Cinema, Cary, NC); free screening; suggested by Jenny & Laurie & Joel

Happening across some free movie passes through a volunteer at work, we went out on a night on the town this evening...to see this quirky comedy that we have been hearing so many good things about for months. The story is a simple one, filled with complex characters and their strange idiosyncrasies that go on a mishap-laden adventure across the desert landscapes of America. While the cast of misfits deserves much praise in the actors themselves (we'll get to them in a minute), I think it's nice to point out the creative burst that comes from the film's two directors Dayton & Faris (who, to my knowledge are probably the only husband/wife team to direct a movie together that I have seen). Plus, they come from a healthy music video lineage that includes the likes of Smahing Pumpkins (beautifully shot "Tonight, Tonight" song), Weezer, Red Hot Chili Peppers & R.E.M. With that impressive background they must have had no problem in snapping up some Hollywood talent for their first feature film (and convincing them to be absolutely nutty in their roles. OK, now to the lovely weirdos that make up the story...there's loser motivational speaker dad (Greg Kinnear) and lovelorn push-over mother (Toni Collette) trying their darndest to raise two bright yet eccentric children, Dwayne & Olive. All the while they must contend with housing crotchety and inappropriate junkie grandpa (Alan Arkin), and Proust scholar uncle (Steve Carell) who's attempt at suicide over a secret gay affair has left him in the care of his family. With all the emotional and mental problems facing this family, it's hard enough for them all to be in the same room with each other, let alone taking a cross-country jaunt in an old beat-up VW van. Alas, that is the quest they must go on if they are to get their charming "ugly duckling" young Olive off to her dream of being entered in a pre-teen beauty pageant. Of course, this premise sends all kinds of self-esteem red flags a-flying. Brother Dwayne, who's immersed in his philosophical vow of silence and wants nothing more than to protest this act, must keep his little sister's best interests. Dad's lousy motivational comments, and mother's constant bickering puts Olive in a parental predicament. And the advice isn't coming any better from unstable uncles or foul-mouthed grandpa's. Despite all the heated turmoil, and automotive breakdowns (the constant squeal of a broken horn is hilarious), the family sticks together and makes it to their destination. Not to ruin the ending for you, but little Olive's routine at the beauty pageant will leave you bursting with laughter and uneasy smiles. Throughout the movie, you have a sense of hope and hilarity to this well-intentioned but messed-up group. It's that "ugly duckling" syndrome that we all in some way feel at certain points in our life, and that never gets truly showcased in most major cinema that makes this piece so enjoyable. Screw the establishment, and rock out to Rick James.

4 out of 5 stars