The Bottom Line
Little Miss Sunshine is that rare film that manages to be incredibly entertaining, intelligent, and fun - all at the same time. Directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris get the absolute best out of their amazing cast which includes Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, Paul Dano, and Abigail Breslin (a real scene-stealer).
Pros
- One of the best films of 2006
- An incredible ensemble cast
- Both funny and touching
Cons
- Tiny collection of bonus features
Description
- Two commentary tracks featuring directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris and one with writer Michael Arndt
- 'Till the End of Time' music video by DeVotchKa
- Four alternate endings with optional commentary by the directors
- DVD Release Date: December 19, 2006
Guide Review - "Little Miss Sunshine" DVD Review
It would be extremely difficult to find a more dysfunctional family than the Hoovers. Dad Richard (Kinnear) believes he's destined to be one of the most successful motivational speakers around. Son Dwayne (Dano) has taken a vow of silence. Daughter Olive (Breslin) dreams of being a beauty queen and practices day and night to compete in pageants. Grandpa (Arkin) says exactly what he thinks - it doesn't matter who he offends - and just got evicted from his retirement home for indulging in recreational drugs. Then there's the mom, Sheryl (Collette), who is actually the normal one of the bunch. All she wants is to take care of her family, including her messed up brother Frank (Carell) who is recovering from attempting suicide following a bad break-up with his boyfriend and the loss of his job.
The mixed up lot take off on a roadtrip after Olive is invited to compete in California's "Little Miss Sunshine" pageant. Piling into a broken down VW bus, the motley crew set off on a series of misadventures including run-ins with the police, inhospitable hospital staff, and a vicious pageant director who is a real stickler for the rules.
