Cast
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Greg Kinnear
as Richard Hoover
Toni Collette
as Sheryl Hoover
Steve Carell
as Frank Ginsberg
Paul Dano
as Dwayne Hoover
Abigail Breslin
as Olive Hoover
Alan Arkin
as Edwin Hoover
Bryan Cranston
as Stan Grossman
Beth Grant
as Nancy Jenkins
Wallace Langham
as Kirby
Matt Winston
as Pageant MC
Julio Oscar Mechoso
as Mechanic
Marc Turtletaub
as Doctor #1
Jill Talley
as Cindy
Brenda Canela
as Diner Waitress
Chuck Loring
as Convience Store Proprietor
Crew
Director
- Valerie Faris
- Jonathan Dayton
Writer
- Michael Arndt
Producer
- Peter Saraf
- Albert Berger
- Marc Turtletaub
- Ron Yerxa
- David T. Friendly
Reviews
zombieakacris
"Fuck a lot of woman kid, I have no reason to lie, not just one. A lot of women."
Description:
A family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus.
Review:
Little Miss Sunshine is a 2006 dramatic comedy that delivers all around. With solid cast that includes Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, Abigail Breslin, Steve Carrell an oscar winning performance by Allan Arkin and Bryan Cranston and Dean Norris in Albuquerque pre Breaking Bad and a great script Little Miss Sunshine is a film that I missed when it first came out but glad I got around to it.
Kinnear is the loser husband to Collette's Sheryl and Carell is her gay suicidal brother. Dano plays her quiet son and Arkin the heroine addicted dirty Grampa. Breslin's character Olive qualifies for the Little Miss Sunshine competition and it's a race to beat the clock as the family takes a road trip from Albuquerque to California filled with unexpected surprises and personal revelations.
The films ending solidifies the families bond and leaves us wanting to see hopefully another chapter in the families life down the road. No Pun intended. Little Miss Sunshine is defiantly worth checking out if you have not already or just a rewatch as a reminder of how good it is.
Nov 17, 2019
CinemaSerf
Alan Arkin might have got the Oscar but it's Greg Kinnear who steals this for me. Talk about a pain in the proverbial! He is "Richard", a rather pompously self-motivated man who is trying to sell his nine point plan for success to "Grossmann" (a fleeting appearance from Bryan Cranston). Meantime, his young daughter "Olive" (Abigail Breslin) is continually practising for the eponymous pageant under the aegis of her foul-mouthed, cocaine-snorting, grandfather (Arkin) and beside her whacky brother "Dwayne" (Paul Dano) who has taken a vow of silence and hates everyone and everything. He just wants to join the air force. There's also a surprise guest in their home. "Uncle Frank" (Steve Carell). Now he's just got out of the ER having tried to kill himself after his student boyfriend dumped him for another Proust-spouting, but wealthier, scholar! At the helm, trying to keep this family from complete self-destruction is "Sheryl" (Toni Collette) and that task becomes distinctly more difficult when young "Oilve" is awarded a spot in the national finals - in California. Dad can't go, mum can't drive, brother couldn't care less - but "Olive" is determined so into a clapped out VW camper-van they all reluctantly pile and off on a mini road trip. This entertainingly addresses plenty of their demons, allows for a little tragedy to galvanise attitudes and ultimately, for me anyway, demonstrates clearly the ghastliness of those hideous ceremonies that stink of precociousness and gushing parental aspiration. The journey on four wheels is as much a metaphor for that being taken by all in their push-start jalopy, and with Kinnear really getting under my fingernails at just about every turn it's a much quirkier and more thought-provoking comedy that leaves very little out of bounds. Collette also looks like she is having some fun as they deliver a pithily delivered script that does entertain (and begs the question: why would she ever have married "Richard" in the first place?). Thank heavens for granddad and his musical tastes. Oh, and his porn, too...!
Mar 14, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Little Miss Sunshine examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Valerie Faris brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2006, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Little Miss Sunshine took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $8.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1500 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Little Miss Sunshine shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Ordinaries, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Little Miss Sunshine offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like There Will Be Blood and The Bucket List explore similar territory, Little Miss Sunshine stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 26, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Budget: $8,000,000
- Revenue: $100,523,181
Where to Watch
