Little Miss Sunshine
Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: July 26, 2006
7.5
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 697 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
546
Mixed:
51
Negative:
100
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
5
rogerT.Feb 3, 2007
To my mind i think this film is good but not exceptionnal, i don't understand when i see 100/100 or good marks like that! if you see this movie you'll pass a good moment but you'll forget it quickly.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AshleyRussellFeb 3, 2007
Great movie
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
ryanjonasFeb 2, 2007
when the movie ended, i immediatly packed it up and sold it to the local Game Stop......i had to get this peice of crap out of my home
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
AnonymousMCFeb 2, 2007
horrible, simply horrible, it had the wit of an elementary schooler, and the filth of a pervert
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
PatC.Feb 1, 2007
Good show, almost great. So delicious that one tends to ignore the spillage when it goes over the top. As entertainment that rings true it's immediately gratifying, but the contrivances linger.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
NickM.Jan 31, 2007
im sorry, i just cannot understand the huge attraction to this movie. there was maybe one or two funny moments, but that was it....the jokes were stupid, and the whole thing was boring....at the end it seemed like they would end the movie im sorry, i just cannot understand the huge attraction to this movie. there was maybe one or two funny moments, but that was it....the jokes were stupid, and the whole thing was boring....at the end it seemed like they would end the movie with a good message, but then the movie disappointed me again, it couldnt even end on a good note....I WANT MY MONEY BACK!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ThereseJan 31, 2007
Sometimes we just live our lives in our own little worlds and forget just how much diversity is out there. This film has captured a family that has its quirks and is different; but aren't we all? Beneath the challenges each family Sometimes we just live our lives in our own little worlds and forget just how much diversity is out there. This film has captured a family that has its quirks and is different; but aren't we all? Beneath the challenges each family member faces, remains strength, love, patience, guidance and acceptance--not a bad lot to have in life. Every family has its own, ah, uniqueness, and this is a family to be cherished for all it has to offer each other and those viewing the film. Great cast and wonderful acting--give in to it and you will enjoy not only the experience but perhaps appreciate your own family, warts and all, just a little bit more.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
ReeceS.Jan 31, 2007
They tricked me, and stole my money.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MathewH.Jan 30, 2007
I loved this movie. It's irreverence as survivability, sarcasm as honesty, with the quirks and spasms of a lifetime condensed into a few days journey. Believable? Nah. But why should anyone care. Take the ride. It's carnival faire I loved this movie. It's irreverence as survivability, sarcasm as honesty, with the quirks and spasms of a lifetime condensed into a few days journey. Believable? Nah. But why should anyone care. Take the ride. It's carnival faire to be sure. But a warning. If you take yourself or anyone or anything seriously, this isn't for you. Just read the negative reviews if you have any doubts.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
EugeniaJan 30, 2007
I had to vote cause I thought the movie stank! I walked out of the film before the old man died--probably only the second or third film I've ever walked out of. This film Did Not Work! "Harold and maude" (a quirky independent film about I had to vote cause I thought the movie stank! I walked out of the film before the old man died--probably only the second or third film I've ever walked out of. This film Did Not Work! "Harold and maude" (a quirky independent film about disfunctional folks) worked. This film did not! It's absolutely pathetic it's been nominated for anything. Ensemble? Please. Thank God Altman (the great ensemble director) is dead. It's a sham. I thought it was big in Santa Cruz because someone local was a director (or something). I suppose when "Crash" beat out "Good Night and Good Luck" last year it was time to give it all a rest. The little was cute--let's hope her career lives through this experience.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
Evieb.Jan 30, 2007
I felt totally conned by this movie. I can just imagine the Fox poeple at Sundance thinking, "Those arty blue-staters LOVE quirky indie comedies like this, with their ironically suburban aesthetics and implausible motel sets that mimic I felt totally conned by this movie. I can just imagine the Fox poeple at Sundance thinking, "Those arty blue-staters LOVE quirky indie comedies like this, with their ironically suburban aesthetics and implausible motel sets that mimic 'Wallpaper' spreads from 1999!" The script was total garbage; I could hear its rusty gears creaking throughout, especially during the exposition scenes when the writer had to contrive a way for the entire family to agree to take the road trip. I think Little Miss Sunshine might be my least favorite movie of all time. No doubt it will win best original screenplay at this year's Oscars.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful
1
GlennS.Jan 29, 2007
Possibly the worst movie I have ever seen. Shocked at all the good reviews. Never cracked a smile once neither did the other 3 people I saw it with. Awful.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
N.F.Jan 28, 2007
This was a great move. It was funny-at times- but I was much more pleased with the great characters like the Grandpa(Alan Arkin) and the fabulous preformance by Steve carrel. All in all, I loved it, and I would totally reccomend it. I just This was a great move. It was funny-at times- but I was much more pleased with the great characters like the Grandpa(Alan Arkin) and the fabulous preformance by Steve carrel. All in all, I loved it, and I would totally reccomend it. I just don't understand why it's getting 1's and 0's, it was a really fun movie to watch. Rent it, watch it, love it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
BurrrT.Jan 28, 2007
The people who rated this movie lowly either didn't finish watching the film or went in expecting one thing and can't forgive the directors for giving them something else. Yes there were small holes in the plot but each performance The people who rated this movie lowly either didn't finish watching the film or went in expecting one thing and can't forgive the directors for giving them something else. Yes there were small holes in the plot but each performance was excellent, nothing was crammed down your throat, and the ending was one of the funniest in recent memory.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
DavidR.Jan 28, 2007
How about putting this in bold font across the top of the DVD box, "The Most Overrated Film of the Decade." Look I know a good movie when I see one and never let the hype get to me. I thought Sideways and Lost in Translation were well How about putting this in bold font across the top of the DVD box, "The Most Overrated Film of the Decade." Look I know a good movie when I see one and never let the hype get to me. I thought Sideways and Lost in Translation were well deserving of their praise when they came out and were nominated for Best Picture but this was a joke. Let's go over a few of the stand-out scenes **Spoiler**: Alan Arkin uses countless expletives for no reason at all until he finally dies, Carell mispronounces Proust about fifteen times, Paul Dano mopes around for two hours then turns into the grandfather and curses uncontrollably for no reason, and finally the movie climaxes with a so-quirky-she's-cute kid stripping in a beauty pageant. Chevy Chase must be rolling in his grave right now thinking about this poor attempt at remaking his comedy classic. And can we talk about Steve Carell's underacting? It seems he went into a coma sometime around the start of production and hasn't come out of character since. You can watch his eyes in the film carefully read over the cue cards off screen while trying not to fall asleep.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
10
ReidF.Jan 27, 2007
Imagine a comedy in which each of the main characters has to confront losing his or her dream. Now, picture that comedy taking place mostly in a little yellow van that has a character all its own, and you have
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
DanE.Jan 27, 2007
I don't understand how people could give this movie a 9 or 10? It's just plan bad! Read Happy Killmore he's right on the money about this stinker. Bad is bad and this movie is bad!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AntonH.Jan 27, 2007
Watching Abigail Breslin act like an eight year old girl was terrific! The movie captured the joy of her innocence, and how it eventually brought a family who was traveling in different directions together. The cast had real chemistry, and Watching Abigail Breslin act like an eight year old girl was terrific! The movie captured the joy of her innocence, and how it eventually brought a family who was traveling in different directions together. The cast had real chemistry, and was really impressed with Steve Carell's choice of movie after the 40 Year Old Virgin. Alan Arkin was superb as the grandfather. His love for his granddaughter was real, and the shot at child beauty pageants was really funny! This isn't the age of Ozzie and Harriet, but what you see in this movie is the love of a real American family. This movie will make you smile as much as you laugh, because it felt so real.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
T.D.M.Jan 26, 2007
I'm not a fan of independent films, especially cloyingly artsy-fartsy ones like this. There are some chuckles to be had, but the little girl is nearly pushed out of the picture by her dysfunctional family, and the movie just sort of I'm not a fan of independent films, especially cloyingly artsy-fartsy ones like this. There are some chuckles to be had, but the little girl is nearly pushed out of the picture by her dysfunctional family, and the movie just sort of petered out at the end without finality.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
JohnJan 25, 2007
Predictable, cheap, condescending, and hollow. The characters are paper-thin, embodying weird idiosyncratic mannerisms instead of developing into actual, somewhat believable "people;" the script is flat-out awful, poking fun at the Predictable, cheap, condescending, and hollow. The characters are paper-thin, embodying weird idiosyncratic mannerisms instead of developing into actual, somewhat believable "people;" the script is flat-out awful, poking fun at the misfortunes of the characters at every opportunity; and while the acting is decent provided the material, nobody could save this movie from itself. Little Miss Sunshine is not, by any stretch of the imagination, a good (or even decent!) film -- let alone something that gets nominated for Best Picture. Don't believe the hype.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
MichaelK.Jan 23, 2007
Looking at the people who gave this movie bad reviews, I think they wanted this movie to be a straight-forward comedy. But it's not. It's really saterical and tonge-in-cheek. People who dont find this movie funny are jus idiots who Looking at the people who gave this movie bad reviews, I think they wanted this movie to be a straight-forward comedy. But it's not. It's really saterical and tonge-in-cheek. People who dont find this movie funny are jus idiots who dont hav a high enuff IQ to get the jokes.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AaronL.Jan 23, 2007
Allan and Ethan have NO IDEA WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT. This is a splendid dark comedy, whose characters offer endless smiles both through there words and actions. If you are looking for the 40 year old virgin, look else where. Yet, if you Allan and Ethan have NO IDEA WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT. This is a splendid dark comedy, whose characters offer endless smiles both through there words and actions. If you are looking for the 40 year old virgin, look else where. Yet, if you are looking for You, me, and everyone we know, you will enjoy this film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JimJan 22, 2007
Very good movie, not slapstick funny but the kind of funny that sticks with you.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
HappyKillmoreJan 22, 2007
If you liked Sideways, you'll like this movie. The movie did make me laugh out loud once or twice, which I suppose would lead some to believe I enjoyed it. However, it was more or less the same laugh I get watching America's If you liked Sideways, you'll like this movie. The movie did make me laugh out loud once or twice, which I suppose would lead some to believe I enjoyed it. However, it was more or less the same laugh I get watching America's Funniest Home Videos where the little kid whacks the father in the nuts with a plastic bat. These characters are under-developed and uninteresting. They've tried to find the freakiest combination of liberals possible. Drug-addicted foul mouthed grandfather who ends up dieing mid-road trip and gets lugged along (You've seen this movie before, it was National Lampoon's Vacation which I'd give 9 out of 10). The son who doesn't speak until he realizes he can't become a military pilot. But he's 15 which means he's in school, right? How do you get through school without talking? The brother-in-law is gay and suicidal and explains exactly why he's suicidal to the daughter at the dinner table. Seems like a loser to me. The mother has absolutely no interest in what the grandfather is teaching her to do at the Little Miss Sunshine contest and also, evidently, has never been to a competition. Way to go mom. Finally, the father is trying to be a "self-help" guru but hasn't tried a single one of his step on his OWN FAMILY! He doesn't deserve to succeed since he lives with the biggest bunch of rag-tag morons on the planet! This movie was awful. I didn't like the characters, I didn't identify with the characters, I didn't care about the characters. They all deserved to fail...and they did.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
KEND.Jan 22, 2007
Very good little picture. Good acting, & direction.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
JamesM.Jan 22, 2007
I had heard the critics say how good this movie is so I wantedI enjoyed the movie. I laughed at the funny antics like everyone else but I really started to get interested in it after I began to add up all the pieces of Alan Arkin's I had heard the critics say how good this movie is so I wantedI enjoyed the movie. I laughed at the funny antics like everyone else but I really started to get interested in it after I began to add up all the pieces of Alan Arkin's character and came to the conclusion that he's a child molester. There are so many signals that this might be true through out the movie that it becomes kind of sad. Sad because we, the audience, like the family are totally oblivious to the fact that he is probably molesting her the whole time he's in the movie. Because it's played by Mr. Arkin we think that this character is just a harmless heroin sniffing, foul mouthed porn magazine toting old man that just happens to share the hotel room with his granddaughter. The child is so innocent that she sees nothing wrong with sharing the strip tease he taught her to Rick James' "Super Freak" and the parents had no idea what he was teaching her. Even the shots of the little girls in the pageant remind you of JonBenet Ramsey and make you think "what's going on here?".… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
TerryR.Jan 21, 2007
Horrible ending, in true "independent" film manner. Amusing but puh-leese, not a "best of" in any sense.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SheriK.Jan 19, 2007
Quirkiest dark comedy I have seen in years. Never realized a disfunctional family could be so hilarious. Must see.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
TonyFJan 16, 2007
Incredibly overrated. Critics love these quirky independent films. I think they are so starved for good movies they overreact to anything different. Not very funny and not very insightful.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
JHWJan 15, 2007
I understand that the story tells about all the troubles this broken family goes through, but I just didn't know what point the movie was trying to make. They callled it comedy, but there wasn't really anything to laugh about. In I understand that the story tells about all the troubles this broken family goes through, but I just didn't know what point the movie was trying to make. They callled it comedy, but there wasn't really anything to laugh about. In fact, the end comes quite suddenly, it doesns't even have a scene that reconciles the entire situation and puts the family back into one piece. I just don't get it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DanB.Jan 14, 2007
Pretty funny. Pretty clever. Grandpa's the best and he dies, but, still. Oh and, is it me or does Greg Kinnear seem to always be in movies that are good? Either he or someone working for him knows how to choose scripts, or something.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
IgorG.Jan 14, 2007
Overrated. It never ceases to amaze me how an audience will sit through a 100-minute flick in silence except for two or three laugh-out-loud moments, then label the thing "hilarious," and "hysterically funny." Come on people, raise your Overrated. It never ceases to amaze me how an audience will sit through a 100-minute flick in silence except for two or three laugh-out-loud moments, then label the thing "hilarious," and "hysterically funny." Come on people, raise your standards -- don't give modest efforts like this rave reviews just because they have a few moments of poignancy and chuckles.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
MikeW.Jan 14, 2007
Very overrated. Mildly amusing in a few spots but predictable. I was disappointed given all the "rave" reviews.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
KristinP.Jan 13, 2007
Hysterical, heart warming story.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
MartinS.Jan 13, 2007
One of the best movies I've seen all year. Would have given it a 10 but found the competition scenes a bit cliched. Excellent performances all around.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JoshB.Jan 12, 2007
One of my favorite films of all time. Hilarious, laugh-out-loud funny movie (for people who don't take themselves so seriously). Also heart-warming and touching. Overall, a very satisfying experience at the movies in 2006 that One of my favorite films of all time. Hilarious, laugh-out-loud funny movie (for people who don't take themselves so seriously). Also heart-warming and touching. Overall, a very satisfying experience at the movies in 2006 that can't be topped.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
AllanT.Jan 12, 2007
Enoumously overrated movie. Typically "quirky character ensemble" that the chumps at Sundance regularly swoon for. Totally diconnected when it comes to the relationships between the characters, and to the incidents in the story.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JohnnyC.Jan 10, 2007
Over-hyped but still an amazing film!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
CarolynS.Jan 8, 2007
Great movie from start to finish. This had me laughing one minute to holding back tears the next. Well-written & acted, I hope this movie gets nominations in every category. A++ all around. Abigail did a wonderful job in this film.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
MarkJ.Jan 2, 2007
A truly touching summer film. At its humourous best it had traces of the sibling rivalries of Chevy Chase's National Lampoon Vacation movies, but what makes it great is a superb cast delivering highly personable characters, allowing for A truly touching summer film. At its humourous best it had traces of the sibling rivalries of Chevy Chase's National Lampoon Vacation movies, but what makes it great is a superb cast delivering highly personable characters, allowing for great empathy from all walks of life.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
EthanR.Jan 2, 2007
Okay. What we've got here is an R rated comedy about a young girl named Olive entering a beauty padgent. To do that her family need to take a little road trip. This shouldn't be a comedy first of all because there's barely any Okay. What we've got here is an R rated comedy about a young girl named Olive entering a beauty padgent. To do that her family need to take a little road trip. This shouldn't be a comedy first of all because there's barely any comedy. It's more like drama. But this movie is so stupid and pointless. The son won't talk because he took a vow of silence. He took a vow of silence because he wants to be a pilot. It doesn't make much sense. The uncle is a homosexual man who tried to kill himself because he didn't get the guy he wanted. The grandpa is an annoying person who takes drugs and swares a lot. The father is so annoying. The mom is probobly one of the only normal people in the family. The story line was so bad. They take some 1 and a half day roadtrip to a beauty pagant. It didn't take an intelligent guy to write the script. BORING! STUPID! DON'T GET IT!!! OR RENT IT!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MattJan 2, 2007
Best movie of the year and one of my new favorites. It's almost a quest story really, involving a trouble-plagued journy and each character facing their own demons.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
AnymouseJan 1, 2007
Very good film! Good actors, touching story. I loved it for its atmoshere and for its characters. It was worth watching, thought i think, that the ending is a little bit lame.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
hsDec 31, 2006
In no way was this a comedy. The only art that was humorous was the very end. It is not worth struggling though just to get to that point. When it was over both my girlfriend and I looked at each other and asked how could this get good In no way was this a comedy. The only art that was humorous was the very end. It is not worth struggling though just to get to that point. When it was over both my girlfriend and I looked at each other and asked how could this get good reviews. Sometimes methinks that people give good reviews to lousy movies jsut so they can think they are semi-intelligent or highbrow. Watch ANY movie but this.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
EldonDec 29, 2006
Just awesome, really. That is if it doesn't go over your head, as it clearly has with some reviewers here. Geez, get a clue.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
FritzmeisterDec 28, 2006
Horrible ! The movie depends on curse words, drug addiction and freaks that are supposingly portraying an American family....A dark comedy and critics loved it ? Excuse me ? I weep for the future .... A waste of time. Period.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
BitBurnDec 27, 2006
This movie was brilliant beyond my expectations! If you're tired of all the Hollywood crap such as (List too long) well you'll love this movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
JoePDec 27, 2006
I have to say this movie was quite entertaining. Seven year old Olive (Abigail Breslin) is a nerdy girl trying to compete for Little Miss Sunshine against California young beauty queens. She and her whole family head from New Mexico head off I have to say this movie was quite entertaining. Seven year old Olive (Abigail Breslin) is a nerdy girl trying to compete for Little Miss Sunshine against California young beauty queens. She and her whole family head from New Mexico head off to California to compete. She teaches her elders an important lesson.. Greg Kinnear is the father who thinks there is no such thing as second place. The whole family is dysfunctional. The Dad is a motivational speaker that has a meltdown, the son won't talk, grandfather is a heroin snorting junkie , and Steve Carrell is the very funny mothers brother who just got out of a mental institution after his teenage boyfriend dumped him. All in all, Little Miss Sunshine provided a different refreshing twist to a very quirky, yet funny comedy that is a very enjoyable movie to watch for the whole family.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
BryanS.Dec 25, 2006
An incredibly solid comedy that is, at times, both hilarious and quitely brilliant.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
ScottS.Dec 25, 2006
Not quite what everyone is making it out to be, but it keeps your attention and is well worth watching
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
HollyC.Dec 24, 2006
I'm a total film buff and I thought this movie might be overhyped, but it really blew away any expectations I had. The writing/screenplay was excellent and worked on so many levels. The cast was also outstanding--every single character I'm a total film buff and I thought this movie might be overhyped, but it really blew away any expectations I had. The writing/screenplay was excellent and worked on so many levels. The cast was also outstanding--every single character was wonderfully written and acted. Steve Carrell is turning into quite the actor whether it's comedy or not. Little Miss Sunshine could easily win the Oscar this year and I definitely recommend it to anyone, though some language might be too much for the under 14 crowd. People that compare this to the Griswalds and National Lampoon Vacation movies are strange indeed. This isn't that sort of comedy at all--though it will make you laugh and maybe cry (at the same time). This is a character-driven 'real' movie (not really satire) and quite subtle in a lot of ways. Bravo to Mike Ardnt for writing such a wonderful little film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AnonymousMCDec 23, 2006
I am pissed, and its not because the movie is bad. The movie is great. The movie is one of the most enjoyable movies ever made, and definately the most enjoyable in the past 5 years. I am pissed because of all the bad reviews people giveI am pissed, and its not because the movie is bad. The movie is great. The movie is one of the most enjoyable movies ever made, and definately the most enjoyable in the past 5 years. I am pissed because of all the bad reviews people give this. My god! I watched this with my entire family. We all loved it except for my movie critiquing brother who always has a tendancy to judge movies and games in his first five minutes and keep his opinion no matter what. He was the only one in my entire EXTENDED family who didn't love it. Everyone who hates it is too busy finding ways to hate it, and concocting half-brained similarities to other movies to actually enjoy it. The entire point of movies is enjoyment, and thats what this wonderfully cast {aspecially Steve Carrel}, hilarious satirical comedy that doesn't hit you over the head, and quirky writing and scenes {I loved the entire beuty pagent part} bring. I mean, my God. If you don't enjoy this movie, or at least give it a five, you have something wrong with your personality.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
CheyenneSDec 22, 2006
Will someone please explain the appeal of this movie? Look just because you have the classic quirky formula of cute glasses wearing kid, drug addicted grandfather and bearded depressed character doesnt mean it's good. It means this film Will someone please explain the appeal of this movie? Look just because you have the classic quirky formula of cute glasses wearing kid, drug addicted grandfather and bearded depressed character doesnt mean it's good. It means this film arrived ten years too late. We've seen it all before, get over it critics. We only need one Wes Anderson.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
G.H.Dec 20, 2006
Many reviewers have compared Little Miss Sunshine to National Lampoon's Family Vacation, usually tacking on "with heart," or "with soul," or "with humanity." It's easy to understand why - in both films, a family takes a road trip Many reviewers have compared Little Miss Sunshine to National Lampoon's Family Vacation, usually tacking on "with heart," or "with soul," or "with humanity." It's easy to understand why - in both films, a family takes a road trip laden with comic foibles to a destination that comes to be imbued with an almost mythic importance. The difference, the "soul" or "heart" that people tack on to Little Miss Sunshine, is that the audience is supposed to sympathize with the Hoovers, rather than simply accepting them as comedy drones a la the Griswolds. The problem is that there's really very little reason to do so. They are caricatures, and often mean and unpleasant ones, at that. Like Sideways, it peddles this unpleasantness as character depth and asks us to like these people almost entirely because they're unlikable. When they overcome, or at least try to address, their flaws, it usually feels more like plot contrivance than any kind of real effort or epiphany, and the whole ends up feeling cheap and flimsy. Don't get me wrong - I don't believe that all characters have to be likable or kind, and I certainly don't think they should ever be flawless, but I have a problem with being asked to feel warmth toward a collection of jerks simply for their comic mishaps. The film's most enjoyable moments and most likable characters come from Steve Carell and Paul Dano, who are unfortunately sidelined most of the time. The finale that so many have called "outrageous" and "heartwarming" felt exploitative, implausible, and more than a little mean - in other words, a micro version of the entire film. With the Griswolds, the audience knew all along they were being given caricature - broad, ridiculous characters in wacky situations. It didn't matter if we liked them or not - we were just along for a very foolish ride. Little Miss Sunshine's Hoovers are supposed to be more "real," but end up just being irritating and unfunny.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
GlennA.Dec 20, 2006
Predictable plot line, and one dimensional characters. Over-hyped, under-stuffed.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
WillyP.Dec 19, 2006
Overrated, calculated "indie" flick, with a great cast that overcomes the pat characterizations and second-hand plot twists.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
AndrewGDec 17, 2006
Relatively entertaining, but forced. Most of the characters were written with the depth of a 2nd rate sitcom (the brooding teen boy, the grumpy but lovable grandfather, the lovable misfit daughter, the bumbling but lovable father, the Relatively entertaining, but forced. Most of the characters were written with the depth of a 2nd rate sitcom (the brooding teen boy, the grumpy but lovable grandfather, the lovable misfit daughter, the bumbling but lovable father, the troubled but lovable uncle who also happens to be the token "indy" film gay guy, the hardworking mother who's the core of the family), but were reasonable well acted, considering how lame some of the writing is. Nothing here you haven't seen before.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
FrankB.Dec 15, 2006
Overated!!! Read David G's review below, exactly what I was saying to myself. Nice little moments with a very embarrasing ending. Do not be fooled by the hype around this " indy" film.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
SamJDec 13, 2006
This film had such an intriguing and interesting cast of characters that once it got rolling, it had me glued to the seat. The dialogue is great, and the people cast did their roles with great conviction. My only real complaint was a This film had such an intriguing and interesting cast of characters that once it got rolling, it had me glued to the seat. The dialogue is great, and the people cast did their roles with great conviction. My only real complaint was a somewhat strange (though still plausable) twist involving the Grandfather... it leads to a morbid laugh, though. On that note, it should be noted that this film covers a wide variety of human emotion, which it should definitely be lauded for.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
RachellaW.Dec 10, 2006
Good but not great. The film has some funny moments and scenes, but there's nothing particularly moving nor engaging about it. Some elements seem deliberately cute, and potentially involving scenes are rushed as easy buttons are pushed. Good but not great. The film has some funny moments and scenes, but there's nothing particularly moving nor engaging about it. Some elements seem deliberately cute, and potentially involving scenes are rushed as easy buttons are pushed. Some characters, particularly the grandfather, are merely quirky for quirkiness's sake. The script, overall, is rather thin, and the directing is wildly uneven. Greg Kinnear and Toni Collette are very good in rather slight roles. Steve Carell shows significant range in another underdeveloped role.… Expand
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8
RobertI.Dec 10, 2006
True to the core of rancho America, where pageants hold a kind of loopy promise for unrecognized talent. Each of these keenly etched characters fulfills an individual portrait, framed by a director's unique graphic vision. In between True to the core of rancho America, where pageants hold a kind of loopy promise for unrecognized talent. Each of these keenly etched characters fulfills an individual portrait, framed by a director's unique graphic vision. In between the laughs, the family huddles with red menus around a diner table, or sprawls as wide as the landscape, punctuated by that yellow van. There is a real eye here, as well as an eye for human comedy and cloying hope.… Expand
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10
DaveP.Dec 7, 2006
Drawn from the same font as Sideways, full of dark humour, revelation, flaw and sunshine. I did not expect to be so drawn in, and the time flew so quickly I had to double-check the time when it finished. And yes, one of the most memorable Drawn from the same font as Sideways, full of dark humour, revelation, flaw and sunshine. I did not expect to be so drawn in, and the time flew so quickly I had to double-check the time when it finished. And yes, one of the most memorable and 'funny' climaxes ever filmed.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BenjaminE.Nov 30, 2006
This movie was not a diapointment, the most fun i have had at a movie theater for some time.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
FrankS.Nov 29, 2006
This was a great movie that had it all - pathos, comedy - i thought alan arkin was great - here's a father who suddenly - after all his toughness- puts his arm around his son - who's a loser - and encourages him - great writing a This was a great movie that had it all - pathos, comedy - i thought alan arkin was great - here's a father who suddenly - after all his toughness- puts his arm around his son - who's a loser - and encourages him - great writing a movie not to be missed - best I've seen all year… Expand
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6
DavidGNov 12, 2006
Cute, mildly entertaining, with quirky funny moments. But highly over-rated. Are people so starved of a moving, funny drama that they must give exaggerated praise to such mediocrity? I'm one to give very high praise to a movie that Cute, mildly entertaining, with quirky funny moments. But highly over-rated. Are people so starved of a moving, funny drama that they must give exaggerated praise to such mediocrity? I'm one to give very high praise to a movie that moves me deeply, I am not a cynic like the many movie critics who simply put down most anything. This movie was merely cute, and had its moments. I found the ending offensive, and with little of the "genuinely outrageous and uplifting" character that so many saw in it. I do not feel it made its point well, except in the sense of "preaching to the converted." I saw a child actress made to perform a lewd scene: whether it was in gest, or to make a point, or not, it depicted the sexualization of a child, leading to audience laughter.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JPP.Nov 6, 2006
First time directors, Faris and Dayton, have created a remarkably and genuinely excellent film. From the amazing cast and their splendid performances to the hilarious screenplay written by Michael Arndt, 'Little Miss Sunshine' is First time directors, Faris and Dayton, have created a remarkably and genuinely excellent film. From the amazing cast and their splendid performances to the hilarious screenplay written by Michael Arndt, 'Little Miss Sunshine' is hands down one best films of the year. The great thing about each character that is apart of the Hoover family and featured in the movie, is that they're all so very realistic. The most distinctive and memorable members of the family would have to be Olive's older brother, Dwayne and Grandpa. Dwayne presents the characteristics of what many kids today consider themselves today as "emo". As the film advances, we learn he is actually just your average teenager that's simply misunderstood and not "emo" at all. Then there's Grandpa; wisecracking, heroin snorting, kicked out of the retirement home for sleeping around Grandpa. Arkin does a terrific job with this role. He brings not only the character's written personality to life, but adds his own flare as well with his great facial expressions that only fuels the entertaining hoopla presented in 'Little Miss Sunshine'. The hilarity doesn't seem to stop even when death tries to darken the movie's comedic stance. Grandpa's rantings alone make the movie worth seeing. The irony that Olive's dad, Richard, is a motivational speaker who day in, day out informs people about how to achieve their goals, yet he himself can't accomplish anything is just of the several added bonuses. After changing my mind three times; first deciding to see 'The Illusionist', then again to 'The Black Dahlia', and finally agreeing upon 'Little Miss Sunshine' I'm really glad I did. There's not a funnier or better cast film out right now. The bottom line is 'Little Miss Sunshine' is an absolute winner and one of the few must-see films of the year. The only reason not to see it would be because it's no longer playing at your theater. In which case you then find another theater in your area that is.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
StuartSOct 21, 2006
I don't laugh at loud very often. This picture will make you laugh. If you need something to pick you up quickly, then I recommend this movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
AbbyR.Oct 20, 2006
Is winning really everything?
0 of 1 users found this helpful
10
AlexMOct 17, 2006
One of the best movies I've seen this year! Love it!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
ToddG.Oct 16, 2006
Everything a movie shouldn't be. Nick Lachey should be ashamed of himself for writing such garbage. No wonder he used a pseudonym.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AndreaBOct 13, 2006
Fantastic - everything a comedy should be and more.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
CraigASOct 10, 2006
God, how I loved this movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
MarkBayerOct 2, 2006
The fact that late-summer audiences so enthusiastically embraced this mildly likable but largely derivative, unimaginative family comedy-drama/ social satire/ road movie/ would-be Microcosm of America is proof positive that at the end of an The fact that late-summer audiences so enthusiastically embraced this mildly likable but largely derivative, unimaginative family comedy-drama/ social satire/ road movie/ would-be Microcosm of America is proof positive that at the end of an even more dismally mindless movie summer than usual, moviegoers are absolutely starved for anything that presents even an illusion of intelligence, originality or depth. The family dinner in the Hoover household that opens the movie, and in which all their goals, problems, conflicts and neuroses are artlessly laid out for us, is as clunky, amateurish and contrived as the worst Screenwriting 101 project can get, and the movie misses what should've been some easy, obvious targets completely: even though it tries to get some symbolic mileage out of dad Richard's aspiring career as a motivational speaker, a cursory viewing of a 3 AM infomercial featuring Tony Robbins and Leeza Gibbons yields far more pertinent (if unintentional) commentary about the motivation-for-money business than anything seen here. Acting is uneven: Greg Kinnear (Richard) mined the American Everyman field to much greater results in this year's earlier The Matador, while Alan Arkin, as a dirty old druggie grandpa, adds nothing new to that hoary old independent movie cliché. (But don't be surprised if, like Don Ameche and James Coburn, he walks off with a Lifetime Achievement --oops, Best Supporting Actor Oscar for this trite performance!) On the other hand, Toni Collette, as beleaguered mom Sheryl, proves once again, as she's recently done in The Night Whisperer and In Her Shoes, that she's any movie's secret weapon, while Steve Carell, who at this point in his career seems incapable of doing ANYTHING wrong, balances his manic, hilarious vocal work as Hammy the Squirrel in Over the Hedge with a wonderfully subtle, nuanced portrayal of Sheryl's suicidal gay brother. And the kids are alright, too: Paul Dano, as the Hoovers' resolutely mute son, says more with silences than many actors do with pages of dialogue, while Abigail Breslin, as would-be child beauty pageant contestant Olive, is a joy to watch because she's so thoroughly unaffected. (An Entertainment Weekly interview with her revealed that what she wanted right now more than anything else was to catch a frog. That seems to explain it.) In fact, little Olive herself is so sweet, sensible and thoroughly NORMAL that you can't help but wonder who left her in a basket on the Hoovers' doorstep many years ago; I loved how, even though she very much wants to be in this pageant, she's mature enough to sacrifice it on several occasions when a family crisis appears to interfere. And although one of those emergencies will prove instantly recognizable to anyone who's seen National Lampoon's Vacation, the movie really accelerates at roughly the same pace at which the Hoovers' smiley-face yellow van breaks down. The situations (and the family's reaction to them) get funnier, and the movie barrels into a terrific beauty pageant finale (with no small assistance by Beth Grant, who as an officious official, is a marvelous comic foil) in which Olive innocently exposes children's beauty pageants for the truly repellent, disgusting obscenities that they are. A lovely, Chaplinesque final shot ices the cake, but the question remains: is Little Miss Sunshine's dynamite finish enough to compensate for the sluggishness of most of what precedes it and bump it from a 6 to a 7? Well, let's put it this way, if the fierceness of its attack on kiddie pageants were enough to get them run off the face of the earth, it just might...but then, the JonBenet Ramsey murder (whose recent reemergence as a news story provided this movie with the most unsavory free publicity since the Three Mile Island nuclear accident boosted The China Syndrome back in 1979) wasn't quite enough to get those pedophilic meat parades banned, so...… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AdrianG.Sep 30, 2006
I love this movie because how raw and real it is.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
DaveZSep 29, 2006
This acting was good, but the movie feel so fake even it is supposed to be silly comedy to make some points. Every funny plots are so forced that I feel the writers and the director are not very serious about their work. It is the most overThis acting was good, but the movie feel so fake even it is supposed to be silly comedy to make some points. Every funny plots are so forced that I feel the writers and the director are not very serious about their work. It is the most over rated movie this year if not longer. If this movie gets the nomination for Oscar, I will really going to puke...… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
SteveG.Sep 29, 2006
Lame, Reminded me of a high school play. The great Toni Collette was completely wasted.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LindyV.Sep 29, 2006
Fantastic movie, makes you laugh, tear up, cringe and smile. Reminded me of my fun yet dysfunctional family.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AmirHosseinS.Sep 28, 2006
This movie was definitely the best American comedy in many years.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KhoaSep 28, 2006
One of the best movies I've seen
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
DavidLSep 28, 2006
highly over-rated
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
GaryESep 27, 2006
Went in expecting the usual American drool however was surprised. Funny yet sad and very well acted.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
BusterPoindexterSep 26, 2006
Reading the reviews for this flick are making me sick. Zach Braff is to blame for all of this. He makes a film like 'Garden State' and suddenly everyone hopes aboard the quirky train and hundreds of these teenage-marketed filmsReading the reviews for this flick are making me sick. Zach Braff is to blame for all of this. He makes a film like 'Garden State' and suddenly everyone hopes aboard the quirky train and hundreds of these teenage-marketed films come out. Winter Passing, Life Aquatic, Thumbsucker, Elizabethtown, will it ever end? Since when is a $40 million dollar studio film starring eight accomplished actors considered indie? The worst of the worst.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
BrianT.Sep 26, 2006
Well acted and enjoys perfect casting but this movie is vastly overrated. It's funny in parts but just not all that entertaining overall.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DeWayneP.P.Sep 24, 2006
What a wonderful film! It starts out a bit slow, but slowly grabs you by your laughing-bug and never lets your tonsils rest!...that classic Rick James song at the end pays an unrepentant tribute to a unforgettable musical icon. It was Super What a wonderful film! It starts out a bit slow, but slowly grabs you by your laughing-bug and never lets your tonsils rest!...that classic Rick James song at the end pays an unrepentant tribute to a unforgettable musical icon. It was Super Freaky, yeah!!!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
TonyZ.Sep 23, 2006
Really wonderful. I was weepy throughout, though this wasn't maudlin or sentimental. This film is filled with nice quiet touches, alternating with laugh-out-loud absurdity. A sweet, honest, brutal movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
NaomiSep 22, 2006
I loved this movie. It reminded me that we all fall apart sometimes. I loved, loved, LOVED Olive! Yay, give the best actress Oscar to Abigail Breslin, not Dame Helen Mirren!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
CarlinhosB.Sep 22, 2006
Smart, minimalist, AMAZING screenplay, get ready for the OSCARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
RyanS.Sep 22, 2006
Saw it months ago at a screening and have been trying to convince people to see it ever since. It's rare that one might mention "Best Film of the Year" in the same breath as a comedy starring Steve Carell, but in this case, it's Saw it months ago at a screening and have been trying to convince people to see it ever since. It's rare that one might mention "Best Film of the Year" in the same breath as a comedy starring Steve Carell, but in this case, it's totally true. How I wish comedies received a fair shake from the Academy in March, but I doubt we'll see this wonderful movie get the Oscar love it deserves.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
MatC.Sep 21, 2006
I don't get it. Clichéd to absurdity, this movie is as pointless as Napolean Dynamite, but without the wit. This is more of a "put 6 strong characters in a blender", and "hilariousness ensues". Unfortunately, the jokes are I don't get it. Clichéd to absurdity, this movie is as pointless as Napolean Dynamite, but without the wit. This is more of a "put 6 strong characters in a blender", and "hilariousness ensues". Unfortunately, the jokes are predictable and lack depth. A few gags had some fun in them, but Gramps doing homo jokes doesn't excite me. Maybe when I was 14, but not anymore.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KamboL.Sep 19, 2006
Funniest movie ever! Giggle
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
AlanW.Sep 18, 2006
Great film, I really enjoyed it - very god acting and very funny!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
ZoeM.Sep 17, 2006
Aside from some forced plot twists, this is an unusual comedy that navigates some darkness and some sunshine, and it deftly manages to steer its way through both in an entertaining fashion. It's not one of those "I have to think about Aside from some forced plot twists, this is an unusual comedy that navigates some darkness and some sunshine, and it deftly manages to steer its way through both in an entertaining fashion. It's not one of those "I have to think about it to enjoy it" type of movies. It's entertaining merely at face value, and yet as you think on it, you remember more and more aabout the characters and their motivations. I highly recommend this movie and will definitely be buying it on DVD.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
AndrewT.Sep 16, 2006
Enjoyable "indie" style comedy, a road movie with plenty of laughs plus some rewarding insights on the human condition.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
J.W.Sep 15, 2006
This family puts the fun in dysfunctional. Creative, out of the box, and unexpected turns in this movie had us laughing so hard we cried.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
JimG.Sep 15, 2006
Funny but clichéd. This is one shitty fucking "indie" flick.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MartinaD.Sep 14, 2006
Unbelievable film. So smart, and capable of eliciting so many different emotions.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JonM.Sep 14, 2006
Superb. Charming, witty, biting, funny, moving, a film that brings redemption for a season nearly devoid of inteligent and entertaining film. A delight to watch from first scene to last.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
DaveC.Sep 12, 2006
Although I a lot of craft went into this. It was all in the name of manipulating the audience. [***SPOILERS***]The faux-iconography of the dysfunctional family traveling in a VW minivan was pathetic and embarrassing. Characters with whom we Although I a lot of craft went into this. It was all in the name of manipulating the audience. [***SPOILERS***]The faux-iconography of the dysfunctional family traveling in a VW minivan was pathetic and embarrassing. Characters with whom we should apparently be sympathizing (i.e. Dwayne and Frank) are relegated to the film's narrative periphery very early on. Even My Big Fat Greek Wedding was more "indie" than this. What use is this film to anybody PAYING to see it?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
CynS.Sep 11, 2006
Subversive and hilarious.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
MaubiusSep 10, 2006
I laughed out loud quite a bit. Very funny, and highly recommended.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
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