Little Miss Sunshine

Seven-year-old Olive (Breslin) has just been accepted into the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant, but, as it's on the other side of the country, the whole family must take a road trip - including gay, suicidal Uncle Frank (Carrell) and their drug-addicted and abrasive Grandfather (Arkin).With the family pretty much defining the word 'dysfunctional', it turns out to be a life-changing trip for everyone. Occasionally, an independent film pops up that's engulfed in some sort of hype because of its esteemed cast, or the pricey sum it was sold for at Sundance, and more often than not these films promise so much and deliver very little. Little Miss Sunshine is a rare exception to rule; it's a film with equal amounts of character and heart, and makes for a beautifully-paced and hugely affecting road movie. There are a lot of threads within the film that need to lead somewhere, especially with so many characters that could be branded 'quirky'. The fact that it works tremendously well,, though, is a testament to the fine work of first time writers/directors Dayton and Faris, who wrap their movie in a warm loving blanket, while giving all the cast enough room to explore the personality of their respective characters. The only real standout here is Breslin (amazing), because she is so young; but it would be hugely unfair to single anyone else out of this generally outstanding ensemble cast, as everyone adds an equal amount of subtle brilliance and worthiness to their roles. Plot-wise, it's simplicity personified - but that allows us to concentrate on the characters, which ultimately is what Little Miss Sunshine is all about. With so much happening in the first half, it posed many a difficult question for its final third, leaving you guessing to how they could conceivably conclude the film in a satisfying manner, while simultaneously keeping the standard on par with the aforementioned brilliance that preceded it - but they do. A wonderful film, full of a warmth and originality that's all too rare in independent American cinema nowadays.