The Skyliner

Issue date: 9/6/06 Section: Entertainment & Features

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Ryan Stone
Visual Arts Editor


I'm a fan of independent movies. I love the quirky characters and odd situations that always occur. Little Miss Sunshine is definitely a gem amongst the sometimes boring, sometimes odd and sometimes incredibly weird independent film genre.

Using the motif of a cross-country journey, co-directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris tell the story of the Hoover family and their mission to take Olive (Abigail Breslin) to Redondo Beach, Calif. for the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. The dysfunctional family's trip across the country brings each one to a better understanding of themselves and the other members of the family.

Each character in the movie seemed hand crafted to somehow represent a side of every personality known to man. Characters range from the suicidal genius Frank (Steve Carell) and the overbearing motivational speaker Richard (Greg Kinnear) to self-induced mute Nietzsche lover Dwayne (Paul Dano) and the ever-optimistic beauty queen wannabe Olive (Breslin).

The movie does consist partially of indie film clichés (an unneeded amount of profanity, random drug use and sexual innuendo) but for the most part, they are not overbearing and fit well with the feel of the movie.

Film shots are still and wide showing the world around each character as they move through each frame, letting the character tell the story instead of moving the camera and letting the camera tell the story.

Be patient with the movie, despite the deadpan and subtle humor there are quite a few moments that are endearing and hilarious.

Go see it. Take a friend, take a few friends, and enjoy the journey and not the destination.

Little Miss Sunshine is rated R for language and some sex and drug content.

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