Friday, September 15, 2006

Little Miss Sunshine



Not what I was expecting. And I had no expectations. My only hope was that a cast this strong would deliver. And they did. Greg Kinnear has had the career every struggling actor dreams of. Going from a shitty talking head cable show to an Oscar nominated actor isn't the easiest of leaps. And while he never astounds me, he gives a solid performance that always believable. Toni Collette does a great job but she's given the least to do. Out of all the characters, she has no arc. Like most women roles, she's there to play straight man to everyone else. Steve Carell gives a fascinating subtle portrayal I'd never seen from him. If he keeps this up, he'll be the actor Jim Carrey wishes he was. And I love Alan Arkin. He's given me so many good performances I laugh as soon as he opens his mouth. His part is smaller than I expected but he makes every moment worth it.

As far as the plot, I'm telling you nothing. This is not a movie about plot. This is a movie about character and tone. It has a Hal Ashby quality feel to it. Think of a 70's film like "The Last Detail". Great cast, interesting story but you don't get the theme until you're halfway home. I don't see that enough.


Here's what the other critics thought.

2 comments:

Cromely said...

"If he keeps this up, he'll be the actor Jim Carrey wishes he was. "

Great line.

VE said...

I loved this film.