Sunshine Cleaning
Overture Films | Release Date: March 13, 2009
6.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 81 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
47
Mixed:
21
Negative:
13
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
3
TMOct 3, 2009
Why was this movie marketed as a darkly quirky comedy when it's a maudlin drama with a few giggles in it. Though the performances are generally good, I found myself getting annoyed at the lack of development of the characters. It seems Why was this movie marketed as a darkly quirky comedy when it's a maudlin drama with a few giggles in it. Though the performances are generally good, I found myself getting annoyed at the lack of development of the characters. It seems like they are screwed before the story begins and and will probably end up screwed in the long run. Though there is an implication of hope at the end (after 80 mins of pretty much hopeless despair)... when you think about the crap lives they've gotten in the first place, you realize the odds are stacked so far against them there is almost no realistic way out of their respective circles of doom. My rating would of been a five if I had any hint before hand that I was going to see a quirky tragedy with a chuckle or two. One side note... though I found Clifton Collins Jr.'s character to be the warmest and most centered in the movie, I have no idea what dramatic purpose his character really had. That's a shame... because I think they could of done a lot more with him.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
4
averycSep 22, 2009
Adams and Blunt are pretty and decent. Arkin is annoying, as always. This movie is tepid and bland like 'Little Miss Sunshine'. Just because something is slow and not about affluent people in NYC or Los Angeles does not make it Adams and Blunt are pretty and decent. Arkin is annoying, as always. This movie is tepid and bland like 'Little Miss Sunshine'. Just because something is slow and not about affluent people in NYC or Los Angeles does not make it deep, profound, or moving. Watching this film is like hanging out with boring people in a Starbucks. These slow and/or contemplative films are terrific: Solaris, Before Sunset, L'Avventura, Away From Her, Exotica, The Graduate, Scene From a Marriage. Those are great films. Those films are, by and large, about interesting people going through dark hours. 'Sunshine Cleaning' is about boring people going through tough times. Absolutely nothing interesting was done with the characters' proximity to death. That constitutes a huge failure of narrative and psychological imagination. If I sound pissy, it's because I resent when tedium and vapidity masquerade as depth. That excerpt from Rosenblatt's Austin Chronicle review is dead on.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
6
JMSep 9, 2009
I wasn't disappointed I watched it I just wasn't glad either; I didn't feel satisfied. Adams, Blunt and Arkin are good but there isn't enough plot depth to make the movie, that blame lies with Megan Holley. There are some I wasn't disappointed I watched it I just wasn't glad either; I didn't feel satisfied. Adams, Blunt and Arkin are good but there isn't enough plot depth to make the movie, that blame lies with Megan Holley. There are some great moments just too sparse to be really effective. Clifton Collins, Jr. first El Huron, now Winston, wow what a diverse and welcoming actor. While I think the movie did feel real is just wasn't enough.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
KellyPApr 10, 2009
Why is this film only playing in one theatre in my city (Toronto)? It's one of the better films we've seen in a while. It's touching and funny and real. Kudos to Adams and Blunt who both deliver incredible performances. It was Why is this film only playing in one theatre in my city (Toronto)? It's one of the better films we've seen in a while. It's touching and funny and real. Kudos to Adams and Blunt who both deliver incredible performances. It was a pleasant surprise - and deserving of a higher score.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
StevenKApr 4, 2009
Unusual premise, great acting, Alan Arkin, what more could you ask for.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
DaveEApr 6, 2009
Not a comedy, and that's what I was in the mood for. Not bad, but a disappointment for me. Amy Adams gives a one-note, doe-eyed performance. Much better job by Emily Blunt.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DWillyMar 28, 2009
I came late to this movie because of the stupid metacritic score and my trepidation for movies that traffic in quirkiness, but this is not quirky, it is good and it has real heft and it has two major actors in Amy Adams and Emily Blunt doing I came late to this movie because of the stupid metacritic score and my trepidation for movies that traffic in quirkiness, but this is not quirky, it is good and it has real heft and it has two major actors in Amy Adams and Emily Blunt doing their jobs as artists in a story that holds together with something to say. It does hang close to the "Little Miss Sunshine" formula, but that's not a rap, all the good film noir pictures I've seen stuck to their formula, too. I laughed out loud and it brought me to tears a couple of times and I walking out I was glad I saw it-- that's a movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
LarrySApr 10, 2009
Terrific little film. Amy Adams and Emily Blunt are fabulous!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
LeifDApr 13, 2009
A clever and entertaining film. The characters are believable and likable. Alan Arkin, as always, delivers a superb supporting performance.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
MikeMikeApr 4, 2009
A subtle and poignant film. The acting is supurb and the story is sweet. Might not be enough of a story for those who need every question answered in over-elaborate melodrama, but is just a nice film for everyone else. Great to see a movie A subtle and poignant film. The acting is supurb and the story is sweet. Might not be enough of a story for those who need every question answered in over-elaborate melodrama, but is just a nice film for everyone else. Great to see a movie that's not overdone. Go see it before it fades from theatres.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
carowApr 4, 2009
Phony, trite, saccharine and entirely calculated -- a kitschy waste of time that condescends to working class people and to women. I say this as someone who likes Amy Adams and Emily Blunt, and who sees more independent movies by far than Phony, trite, saccharine and entirely calculated -- a kitschy waste of time that condescends to working class people and to women. I say this as someone who likes Amy Adams and Emily Blunt, and who sees more independent movies by far than "big" ones. "Sunshine Cleaning" is to a truly original, honest small film as a convenience store "cherry" "pie" is to a homemade one -- 100% artificial ingredients.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
MitchRMay 15, 2009
A vapid, artificial movie. Hardly a true moment in this ponderous parade of cliches. And Arkin phones it in.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
TatianaOSep 18, 2009
Amy Adams does an amazing job in this sweet movie. It makes you want to help out people and be more understanding with people that you do not get. Thumbs up!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SteveMJun 12, 2009
Loved it, Amy and Emily Blunt are terrific.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
smijatovMar 7, 2011
This was a rather intelligent comedy, with an interesting story and some great acting. The rather unusual plot makes it rather amusing and intriguing to watch, since I've never seen a film that was about post-mortem cleanup - you? Anyway, theThis was a rather intelligent comedy, with an interesting story and some great acting. The rather unusual plot makes it rather amusing and intriguing to watch, since I've never seen a film that was about post-mortem cleanup - you? Anyway, the storyline is rather interesting, and the only problem is in the lack of development of the characters, mainly by the end of the film. Yes, one of the two sisters decided that she is 'better than that' and that she will end the affair she was having with a guy. But that's about it. There is no reflection on it. The other sister decides to just take a road trip and disappear. Why? No one knows... Also, the relationship with her (girl)friend just ends abruptly without any sort of pondering upon that. Those are definitely weaknesses in the film, but the laughs, giggles and plenty of good dramatic moments make up for it.
The cast is great, especially Emily Blunt who had the most expressive performance in quite a while. Amy Adams was her usual greatness, and Alan Arkin was ok - very much the same character he played in "Little Miss Sunshine".

Overall, despite some problems with the character development and the storyline, "Sunshine Cleaning" is a heart-warming dramedy with interesting events and good acting. Definitely worth watching!… Expand
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7
tonyGreenJun 3, 2011
It has gravity but it's not overdone. Great performances from all the cast, but particularly Amy Adams. Not a lot happens, but there is a lot going on underneath.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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0
perrywinkleJan 3, 2011
This movie was a big disappointment. The slow moving undeveloped plot never got off the ground and crashed on the runway. I had no empathy or patience with the characters and I would have had more satisfaction if they had all burned up in theThis movie was a big disappointment. The slow moving undeveloped plot never got off the ground and crashed on the runway. I had no empathy or patience with the characters and I would have had more satisfaction if they had all burned up in the house. I kept waiting for a humorous scene but it never came. It was more befitting an episode on a TV series than a movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
beingryanjudeSep 1, 2014
Sunshine Cleaning is familiar, yet absolutely fresh. A dark subject matter that could turn folks away--but the film makes light of it. I found Amy Adams and Emily Blunt to be more than enough to make this film worth it.
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7
SpangleMay 19, 2015
Quite emotionally powerful and funny, Sunshine Cleaning is a pleasant little film about life and, most importantly, life when you're dealt a bad hand. Amy Adams and Emily Blunt are great here and really have good chemistry. Alan Arkin alsoQuite emotionally powerful and funny, Sunshine Cleaning is a pleasant little film about life and, most importantly, life when you're dealt a bad hand. Amy Adams and Emily Blunt are great here and really have good chemistry. Alan Arkin also does well as is typically the case. The film suffers from the trappings of being a small film that certainly limit its scope, as it does feel small in nature, but it is certainly still quite successful. Director Christine Jeffs does a good job in the director's chair and this one is well written, well plotted, and well shot. An entirely unique film in terms of its plot, it does hit many markers when it comes to emotional comedy-dramas, but all the same, the unique focus of the plot really sets this one aside. However, this one's strongest attribute is the way in which it acts as a vehicle for Adams and Blunt to show their strength as leads in a film. Both turn in great performances that certainly hint at their present day status.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
dev92Aug 25, 2012
I wasn't sure whether I would enjoy this film but it is actually a very good film. It is warm-hearted and funny despite the obvious morbid surroundings and the main protagonist is easy to warm to due to her hard-working nature.
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6
Compi24Jun 4, 2015
"Sunshine Cleaning's" shoe-string budget and minimalist style might hamper some of its intensity, but this modest effort from Christine Jeffs ultimately pleases the audience with organic emotion and a quirky sense of jocularity.
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7
worleyjamersFeb 24, 2013
Released as a highly anticipated feature at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, and distributed by the producers of the acclaimed comedy, Little Miss Sunshine, everyone hoped Sunshine Cleaning would be brilliant. It is for those reasons that IReleased as a highly anticipated feature at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, and distributed by the producers of the acclaimed comedy, Little Miss Sunshine, everyone hoped Sunshine Cleaning would be brilliant. It is for those reasons that I think Sunshine Cleaning is not as liked as it should. I feel like because it was not as good as Little Miss Sunshine, viewers and critics unfairly judge the film. In doing so they missed out on a great movie experience. What I found in this film was a touching, emotional story fueled by a fantastic cast, and an indie flare that holds it all together. The story was so depressing, more depressing than I thought it would be. I imagined a comedy, but this film is most definitely a drama. The cast was absolutely fantastic. Amy Adams amazed me as I knew she would. She's my favorite actress and she does not disappoint here. She delivers a great performance, portraying multiple emotions and experiences so much. She was so convincing and I felt for her character through the whole film. Emily Blunt also gives a fantastic performance as the sister. She experiences similar things as her sister, but still the character required a special approach, and Blunt delivers. The combination of Adams and Blunt is incredible...and they're both so cute. I can't resist the two of them together. Alan Arkin also is convincing as the lonely father. His character could have been more developed, but I thought he did a very nice job. Supporting actors Steve Zahn, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and Clifton Collins Jr., also work nicely in the film. Great cast! I loved this film. I expected to like it, but I also was prepared for disappointment, but the movie delivered for me. I definitely think this film had opportunities to completely "hit it out of the park," but I still really really enjoyed it. I recommend this film!… Expand
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7
juliankennedy23Oct 26, 2014
Sunshine Cleaning: 7 out of 10: Sunshine cleaning is by the producers of Little Miss Sunshine. In addition, although Alan Arkin plays a similar role in both (What could easily be considered the Alan Arkin role by now) the film is verySunshine Cleaning: 7 out of 10: Sunshine cleaning is by the producers of Little Miss Sunshine. In addition, although Alan Arkin plays a similar role in both (What could easily be considered the Alan Arkin role by now) the film is very different in tone.

It consists of two sisters who are behind in life due to their own choices. There are no “victims” here. These women (played very well by Amy Adams and Emily Blunt) have made some bad decisions in life and as a result are playing catch-up.

The movie (unlike Little Miss Sunshine) simply does not have a false note. All the people places and situations are remarkably believable. You will learn more about the do’s and don’ts of crime scene clean-up than you thought possible.

The movie is also wonderfully free of cynicism and snarkiness. While both those elements certainly have a place in film, it is refreshing to see a warm comedy about real people in transitional circumstances.

Overall, Sunshine Cleaning is light fair with warm feelings and a happy ending. Kudos to the film in not making the protagonists perfect or victims or circumstance and kudos for casting two wonderful actresses that actual look and act like they could be real sisters.… Expand
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0
CameraBounceGodOct 5, 2015
emily blunt is....looking still a lot like katy perry....Amy adams is.....attractive terribly.......Alan arkin is finally annoying........Steve zahns character is broken up with yet doesn't mind because hes already had banged Amyemily blunt is....looking still a lot like katy perry....Amy adams is.....attractive terribly.......Alan arkin is finally annoying........Steve zahns character is broken up with yet doesn't mind because hes already had banged Amy adams'.......i have no idea what this all means in a surreal sense ....also i thought gail the snails **** were flying everywhere for a second at the sex scene at first. no giggles in this what so ever… Expand
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8
DawdlingPoetNov 22, 2021
I enjoyed this movie, its quite dark of course but there is a lighter, more optimistic side to it I think. The story is one I've never seen before, its a pretty original movie, which can be a rarity to find these days I believe, so I quiteI enjoyed this movie, its quite dark of course but there is a lighter, more optimistic side to it I think. The story is one I've never seen before, its a pretty original movie, which can be a rarity to find these days I believe, so I quite enjoyed it. The characters are quite interesting and as the movie continues, we learn about what connects them to the crime scenes they clean, or more 'sanitise' and I did feel quite an attachment to them, especially to Rose, who has a young son (who turns eight in the movie) called Oscar, who is quite an endearing character. Rose has to raise funds to be able to afford to send Oscar to a special needs school and this is partly what causes her to decide to launch the cleaning business. Oscar is, quite typically as a kid, quite naive and I think that naivety is also quite present in his mum and her sister. It was nice to see Alan Arkin playing Oscars grandfather, Joe, I enjoyed the scenes featuring the two of them and how Joe would make Oscar feel better about himself and so on. There are some quite touching scenes in the movie, such as when Oscar is playing about with the two way radio in the newly bought old rust-bucket VW-Beetle-esque van that they use for the business. He recalls the car salesman kidding that the radio broadcasts up to heaven, so he's seen when his parents are busy elsewhere, posing questions and waiting to see if he'll get a response. There's another scene where Rose takes her self appointed new friend, Lynn (played by Mary Lynn Rajskub, known for playing Chloe in the TV drama show 24), and shows her how to get up to a ledge underneath train tracks when a train is arriving and she gets a rush from holding her hand up between the tracks then quickly pulling it away again. Another theme in the movie is that of acceptance, of course not everyone is over the moon to hear about what line of business their line, the biohazard cleanup business isn't the most glamorous business around but after completing a few jobs, the sisters feel that they get some sense of accomplishment from it, which they try to explain. I guess it goes to show that if you like what you do then thats all that matters. I think most people can relate to having people look down on you somewhat if your not what they'd think of as being successful.

Of course there are a few bleak and mild to moderately graphic scenes but I don't feel that overall the movie is without a fair dose of optimism. There is humour in it too but its quite light, you might guess that a movie about a pair of sisters cleaning up actual murder and suicide crime scenes isn't likely fodder for strong belly laughs and you'd be right but there is something amusing about how naive they are at first and the things they do before they learn how such jobs are supposed to be done. I think that the sisters are quite vulnerable as characters and they rely on each other and the guy who runs the local cleaning store, Winston, who finds it quite amusing to see how they announce their arrival to the business and how clearly naive they are about how to get started at first, to keep them right. These women aren't really the sort of people you'd perhaps expect to see cleaning up such scenes/places, yet as I've already hinted at, the reason why they chose to get into such an industry becomes more clear as the different crime scenes trigger flash backs that help the viewer to understand it a bit better.

I thought that this was a good movie which wasn't as dark as I had perhaps thought it might be. However, its not unrealistically bright and breezy as such either I suppose.

Yes, I'd recommend this film. I thought this was an interesting movie, it features a story I haven't really seen before and the cast did a good job portraying their characters well. The movie is somewhat bleak and sad but there is some optimism too. Its amusing in its own way too at points but I most liked the character portrayal because I ended up really wanting to see the sisters do well and to have a succssful business. Its an interesting movie that I would recommend to anyone curious about it.… Expand
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7
geewahJun 16, 2021
A poignant movie that has it's flaws but is led by the performances of Blunt and Adams.
For this movie to work, dark humour is key and on the whole it delivers.
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