Little Miss Sunshine

Dysfunctional families are pretty common in movies, more so in comedies. They definitely make you rethink how awkward your family is.

Olive Hoover (Abigail Breslin) has become a finalist for the Little Miss Sunshine beauty contest and has to go to California for the contest. For the journey, she is joined by her family: motivational speaker dad Richard (Greg Kinnear); mom Sheryl (Toni Collette); grandfather Edwin (Alan Arkin); uncle Frank (Steve Carell), who recently attempted suicide; and brother Dwayne (Paul Dano), who has taken a vow of silence.

Geez, and I thought my family was awkward. Of all the characters in Little Miss Sunshine, I'm probably best represented by Dwayne. Basically because I'm a brooding teenager that doesn't talk much and when I do, I'm pissed off. Anyway, back to what I was saying. The writing for Little Miss Sunshine is funny and original. Along with Dano, I liked Carell's work (take note he did this before becoming famous with The Office). If you think your family's weird, look at the Hoovers.

My Rating: ****1/2