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Little Miss Sunshine

#1
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7/31/06 at 5:48pm
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I know that it is playing in select theatres, but I'm going to a free screening on Wednesday while I'm on vacation in Arizona, so I thought that I would start a thread about the movie.

Has anyone seen it yet, and if so, how is it?

If you have not seen it, are you at least interested in wanting to see it?

I'm just curious how many people up here are interested in the movie.

"...so here we go." --"Punch-Drunk Love"

Last 5 DVDs Purchased: Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008), Sex Drive: 3-Disc Best Buy Exclusive Edition (2008), Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008), Super Troopers w/ Digital Copy (2002), MGM: When the Lion Roars (1992)

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#2
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7/31/06 at 6:22pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

One of the best films I've seen this year. I was stunned at how brilliantly this film walks the line and manages to put together funny moments while staying very "real". You feel for the characters and it never seems to reach into a cliche. The film is very broad comic effect that really sticks with you.

When I watched it, I tried to think of any other comedy that it reminded me of. And it took me a very long time to think of almost any within the same general area. But it has almost the same kind of mindset as something like "Harold & Maude".

The script is brilliant, and it gets sentimental in moments but not in some schmaltzy over the top way. It just really plays itself so well that I found myself laughing hard and at the same time I really cared about the characters.

There are very few films this year I will probably recommend as strongly as "Little Miss Sunshine". There are some moments I didn't care for as much, but the film as a whole left me walking out and thinking that it's definitely amongst the best I've seen this year so far.

And I'll stick by that
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#3
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8/1/06 at 9:51am
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

I went to a free screening of this last week. I agree with Chris, one of the best films I've seen this year as well.

Although the characters were entirely "real", I found the way they handled some of the situations were a tad over the top.


Warning Spoiler! Click to show
"stealing" the grandfather's body and stowing it in the trunk? Led to a hilarious scene with the cop, though!


Steve Carrell does a great job in a more 'serious' role, and the actress who plays Olive, the little girl, delivers a performance that Dakota Fanning could only dream of.

The exchange between

Warning Spoiler! Click to show
The grandfather and Olive the night before he died was pretty heart-warming.
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#4
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8/3/06 at 9:46am
  • Joined: October 2001
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

I'm in agreement with both of you guys. It is one of the best films of the year, and one of the finest films to come out in quite a while. It's very funny, very heartfelt, and everyone plays it perfectly.

After the free screening I attended, there was a Q&A with directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Ferris and they talked about the movie as well as their music video directing days as well. They also gave out signed mini-posters for free. When I got up there, I told them that they had made an excellent film and that they should be very proud of it, which it seems that they are.

Don't be surprised if this has enough buzz to become a dark horse at the Oscars this year. That would make my day.

Rating: **** out of ****

"...so here we go." --"Punch-Drunk Love"

Last 5 DVDs Purchased: Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008), Sex Drive: 3-Disc Best Buy Exclusive Edition (2008), Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008), Super Troopers w/ Digital Copy (2002), MGM: When the Lion Roars (1992)

# of DVDs in my Collection: 780

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#5
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8/4/06 at 5:24pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

I saw a preview for this while watching A Scanner Darkly last week.

I want to see Little Miss Sunshine. It looked funny, and, surprisingly, Steve Carell seemed funny without really being over the top. I don't get excited about many comedies (maybe 1-2 a year), but this is one of them. Anywho, it's being released in Dallas next weekend, and I'm looking forward to it!

They also showed a preview for The Science of Sleep, which looked amazing. Really amazing. Must resist letting expectations get too big. Two good previews in one sitting at an AMC theater! I suppose it makes up for the 10 minute commercial for Click they made me sit through last time.
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#6
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8/6/06 at 9:12pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

Definitely one my top 5 films of the year. The ending was just LOL hilarious!

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#7
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8/15/06 at 9:45pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

All the actors are good in this film, but special mention goes to Greg Kinnear and Abigail Breslin. They both deserve nominations.

Quote:
The ending was just LOL hilarious!

Truth. It also played as cathartic relief from the creepiness of the kiddie pageant show.
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#8
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8/19/06 at 5:39pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

I was hurting from laughing hard in many spots with this film. It features some really good emsemble acting, and the writing is humorous, plus the comedic touch from the direction was very entertaining, and the pacing was on the mark. This is one of those films where you actually want to know what else happens to this family when it ends. It plays that "true", and in light of what else it says about the pageants for very young girls, it's a stitch to see the reactions of the attendees and judges at Miss Little Sunshine pageant as it concludes in unexpected fashion.

I give it 3.5 stars, or a grade of B+.

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#9
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8/20/06 at 8:54am
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

My wife and I saw Little Miss Sunshine last night and absolutely loved it.

The acting, directing and pacing were all spot on.

The characters and story were somehow crazy and believable at the same time.

Highly recommended.
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#10
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8/20/06 at 4:42pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

I agree with everyone here. Little Miss Sunshine is not only the funniest film of the year, and one of the sweetest, it is simply one of the best.

The 6 main performances are all award-worthy. Greg Kinnear never gets enough respect for his work, IMO, probably because he makes it look so easy. Toni Collette is her usual superb self here. Alan Arkin is hilarious. Paul Dano nails the difficult role of Dwayne. Steve Carell continues his fine work of late with a role that many are saying will bring him an Oscar nod.

This family is at times seemingly held together only by their unabashed love for little Olive. In the same way, Abigail Breslin is the heart & soul of this film. She's not an "old soul" like talented child actress Dakota Fanning, she's a real little kid, and this film simply would not work without her performance. I hope she is recognized come awards time.

The only cloud in this film's future is the return of the JonBenet Ramsey case to the headlines in the past week. You can't help but be reminded of that tragedy as you're watching the other LMS contestents, made up to look like like grotesque Barbie dolls on parade. When Olive begins to perform her startingly inappropriate talent routine (devised by her Grampa), the film threatens to derail badly. But as her family joins her onstage amidst the chaos, the moment becomes celebratory. This film walks quite a tightrope at times, but in the end it never ever loses its balance. It's quite a remarkable feat.

I saw LMS with a fairly full house this afternoon, and it was one of those times when you could just feel an entire audience embrace a film. Hopefully good word-of-mouth will propel Little Miss Sunshine to much-deserved success.
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#11
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8/21/06 at 6:44am
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

I agree, as well. I saw this the other night with my wife (our 11th wedding anniversary). I had little knowledge of the film except for the main players and some brief reviews I read in EW and online. She picked this one (I picked Miami Vice when we went out for her birthday).

What a great film. Funny/sad/heart-warming don't even scratch the surface. The performances are all stand-outs and the script is incredible -- it would work on stage as a play.

You love the characters and their struggle culminates in a fantastic ending.

Many Shubs and Zuuls knew what it meant to roast in the depths of the Sloar that day I can tell you.

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#12
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8/21/06 at 7:06am
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

I quite enjoyed this movie, an interesting, charming cast, definitely surprises you at every turn, but I think it's getting a little overpraised (typical of such gems), and that will lead to many dissapointments when it crosses over to the mainstream as it seems poised to do.

--
H
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#13
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8/21/06 at 7:13am
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

Quote:
Originally Posted by Holadem
I quite enjoyed this movie, an interesting, charming cast, definitely surprises you at every turn, but I think it's getting a little overpraised (typical of such gems), and that will lead to many dissapointments when it crosses over to the mainstream as it seems poised to do.

--
H

I agree, to some extent. It's not a comedy per se and I think people may go in expecting a laugh out loud riot rather than a quiet film with occasional humorous moments. I liken its tone to something like Junebug or TransAmerica, rather than The 40 Year Old Virgin.

It's up to us to make sure the word of mouth includes the film's tender, human moments supported by great performances by the actors.

Many Shubs and Zuuls knew what it meant to roast in the depths of the Sloar that day I can tell you.

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#14
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8/26/06 at 9:38pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

The girl who played Olive was a terrific actress; the whole ensemble was extremely well cast, IMO.

This has a nice mix of laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt emotions and many up-and-down family experiences in the extreme.

I agree, there were many times LMS could have derailed and stopped working, but it always struck the right note between funny/sad/heart-warming.
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#15
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8/27/06 at 6:16pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

I was pleasantly surprised with this film. I saw the trailer many times and it didn’t look very interesting to me. I was so uninterested that I never even read one review of the film.

Well thank God I went to see it because it was great. This is so far my pick for best comedy of the year and one of the best films of 2006.

The quirky Hoover family grows on you like a fungus as they begin their trek on the road in a beat up van to get little seven-year-old Olive to her beauty contest in California.

The humor is layered perfectly beginning with family differences and interaction problems then it moves into a flat out laugh fest with an unforgettable ending that is sure to make you laugh.

The acting is perfect as each character is a little separate story in a nutshell. The writing for this film never falters even when it appeared to be heading down typical ground with a dead body.

This is a great movie, which definitely deserves its high praise.

A+
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#16
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8/28/06 at 7:16am
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

Word of mouth seems to be working for LMS, which rose to Number 3 at the box office this weekend after doubling its screen count. Good to see this wonderful little film finding an audience.
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#17
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8/28/06 at 5:17pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

Quote:
Greg Kinnear never gets enough respect for his work, IMO, probably because he makes it look so easy.

I agree. I'm a big fan and had a Greg Kinnear weekend with this and "Invincible". I'm convinced he will win an Academy Award one day.

As this is being touted in ads as "hilarious" and such, I wasn't sure if I'd like it as I'm more of a drama person. However, it was a wonderfully balanced blend of the tragic with the funny.
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#18
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9/2/06 at 11:13pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

as someone who is not big on hype
this flick certainly lived up to all of the praise

great dramady and best flick of the year
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#19
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9/5/06 at 9:52am
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

went to see this over the weekend with my wife. We loved the movie, I didnt want it to end. If I could have, I would have watched it again, right then and there! Very funny and heart wrenching at the same time.

Great talent act!
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#20
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9/6/06 at 9:12pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

Quote:
Originally Posted by RichardK
If I could have, I would have watched it again, right then and there!

I actually liked the movie so much when I saw it two weeks ago, I did see it twice that weekend.

May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house.

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#21
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9/7/06 at 12:31am
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

I gave it a 9.5 of 10 and right now that's good for #1 on my 2006 list, though its still only at 19 films and Oscar season is yet to start.

I'm not sure anyone else really has an Oscar shot, but I think Arkin is a very legit candidate for one of the Best Supporting noms.

Carrell has now pulled off 2 comedic roles with very understated efforts. Pretty impressive, quite the opposite of what you would expect from his prior bit part and TV work.

I compared the humor/drama mix to that of Sideways, which I suppose makes its Oscar chances pretty solid considering the rest of the summer Oscar competition.


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#22
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9/7/06 at 12:40am
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

This is my favorite of the year so far too.

The mix of drama and comedy is really exquisite here. Compare it to something like The Family Stone, and you can see how this film is both funnier and less pandering to the audience. It somehow retains both real life hardship and hopefulness, whereas Family Stone just wipes out the difficulties of relationships and presents a rosey picture. \

I also agree Greg Kinnear is very good in this role. This is not one of those reacting roles where the actor cruises through. He constructs a small time character, something he did in the Madator and Stuck on You as well, that makes him pathetic and sympathetic at the same time.

And the movie is very, very funny, too.
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#23
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9/7/06 at 6:29pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

Terrific little film. Excellent performances across the board. Definitely will pick up a nom for original screenplay.

**possible spoiler**
Btw, how "creepy" were those little girls in the pageant. Compared to Olive, they were frighteningly fake. Loved her "pole" dance and how it ridiculed the whole pageant. I was sorta expecting a routine that would blow the other girls out of the water and was happy to see the filmmakers go the extreme other way. kudos!
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#24
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9/7/06 at 6:42pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

Last week, I went back and saw it again (the first time since the free screening; I've been short on cash the past few weeks). This film got even better on the second viewing. It's very, very funny. Everyone in the main cast gives one of the best performances of their careers, and the music is beautiful to hear. It compliments the film brilliantly. It's the movie of the year if you ask me.

"...so here we go." --"Punch-Drunk Love"

Last 5 DVDs Purchased: Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008), Sex Drive: 3-Disc Best Buy Exclusive Edition (2008), Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008), Super Troopers w/ Digital Copy (2002), MGM: When the Lion Roars (1992)

# of DVDs in my Collection: 780

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#25
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9/7/06 at 7:09pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

The movie was also better for me on the second viewing.

Tino, I thought the pageant scene was the only part of the movie where it didn't work as well as it should've, it just didn't feel real enough: the contrast between Olive and the other contestants, the main judge, the tough guy, the host, and the family dance.

~T
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#26
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9/8/06 at 5:05am
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

Thi, how are you man?

The only part I didn't like was the dead body removal scene. Very cliche' and too slapstick.

Loved the ending though.
Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus.
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#27
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9/9/06 at 7:09am
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

Tino, I am fine. How are you?

I loved the dead body removal scene. I thought it's tone matched what preceded it, but the tone of most of the pageant was off.

~T
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#28
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9/12/06 at 1:06pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brett_M
I agree, to some extent. It's not a comedy per se and I think people may go in expecting a laugh out loud riot rather than a quiet film with occasional humorous moments.
I've got to disagree. I agree that there is certainly plenty of meloncholy in this film, and plenty of serious content. But I'm a silent laughter, and this movie had me howling out loud with laughter at times.
Much of the laughs benefit from being well-earned through careful yet classic setups. The cop scene wouldn't have been half as funny if the movie hadn't arrived at it exactly the way it did.
I loved Greg Kinnear's facial expressions watching the freakshow of all these sexed-up grade schoolers. I think he was really an outlet for the discomfort all of us in the audience were feeling at that point.
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#29
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12/19/06 at 9:04pm
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

Quote:
Originally Posted by Holadem
I quite enjoyed this movie, an interesting, charming cast, definitely surprises you at every turn, but I think it's getting a little overpraised (typical of such gems), and that will lead to many dissapointments when it crosses over to the mainstream as it seems poised to do.

--
H


Couldn't agree more H. Well said. Rented this one 2nite. Like it & enjoyed the way the characters were represented. My expectations were much different. I stayed away from this thread trying to avoid reading too much prior....but I thought it would be different. Still, that doesn't seem fair to rate it lower for that. A good, solid, different film that has some great moments.

Loved the final 45 minutes for sure.

8/10
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#30
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3/4/07 at 11:34pm
  • Joined: January 1999
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Re: Little Miss Sunshine

Got in a second viewing late yesterday.

Much, much more enjoyable this time. Perhaps hype & expectations played a part in some of my minor misgivings back in December....and I was kind of creeped out some at times.

Regardless, this is one of the year's best without a doubt. There's just so much going on that I caught this time too. Really got to get involved more with the characters.

Greg Kinnear is simply awesome in this. Maybe his best performance, although he is excellent in As Good As It Gets. Actually, everyone is rather good.

Even the VW bus played a great part. Enjoyed the score too.

Bizarre, creepy, funny, touching, sweet, & shocking all in one.

Rating bumped up to a solid 9/10.
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