00s Movie Review - Little Miss Sunshine

Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 99 minutes
Year: 2006
Starring: Abigail Breslin, Greg Kinnear, Alan Arkin, Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Paul Dano, Bryan Cranston, Wallace Langham

Description: A family determined to get their young daughter (Abigail Breslin) into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus.

Review: In the American tragi-comedy “Little Miss Sunshine” we meet the Hoover family. A family with eccentric and quirky members. It’s a road movie and the members of the family get to know each other and themselves better and everything changes after this trip. 

“Little Miss Sunshine” has quality. The script is executed very well and the humor is fantastic. If it’s a VW van that malfunctions, the extreme positivism of father Richard or the comments that the coke sniffing grandpa gives his family, it’s great humor.

Up against those hilarious moments, there are also some surprising emotional scenes. This gives it all a perfect balance between comedy and light drama. The Hoovers are real people, although not ordinary, you come to love all of them.

The cast is amazing. Young Abigail Breslin is the shining star of the bunch, with a bright future ahead. Alan Arkin is very funny as grandpa and Steve Carell really impresses as depressed suicidal uncle Frank. Toni Colette, Greg Kinnear and Paul Dano also perform very well.

“Little Miss Sunshine” is one of those movies that puts a smile on your face. It’s one of my all-time favorite movies. 

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - The Batman

Director: Matt Reeves
Genre: Action/ Crime/ Drama
Runtime: 176 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Colin Farrell, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard,
 
Description: When the Riddler (Paul Dano), a sadistic serial killer, begins murdering key political figures in Gotham, Batman (Robert Pattinson) is forced to investigate the city’s hidden corruption and question his family’s involvement.

Review: Did we really need yet another Batman movie? It looks like we do, because “The Batman” is fantastic. Director and screenwriter Matt Reeves made a dead serious, stylish and intriguing drama.
What is he still fighting for? Fighting evil is a hopeless task in Gotham City. Crime rates are only increasing. Corruption seems to be inextinguishable. Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, sees no more bright spots.

“The Batman” is yet another film adaptation of DC Comics’ graphic novels about the dark knight. Dozens of Batman films and series have been made. With Tim Burton’s “Batman”(1989), Christpher Nolan’s impressive trilogy and even the animated “The Lego Batman Movie’ as major successes, failures like “Batman & Robin” (1997) and less popular films like “Batman V. Superman” (2016).
“The Batman” is an entirely new reboot and it does separate itself from the rest. Because it’s a complete new take on Batman and Bruce Wayne. Reeves vision is closest to that op Christopher Nolan, who around 2005 stripped the superhero film of its innocent image, without self-mockery of later Marvel films. “The Batman” is even darker and never cartoonish. In the process, Reeves exploits the specifics of the character well. Batman is one of the few superheroes without super strength, relying on gadgets, money and his own two fists. A lonely, elitist hero he is, with his butler Alfred as his only trustee.

Reeves emphasizes Batman’s humanity. Heroics are less important, though of course the action scenes are not lacking, culminating in a fine car chase. In addition the film spends a lot of time sleuthing. Grim detective films from the 1970s, but also modern versions like David Fincher’s “Zodiac” and “Seven”, served as inspiration.

Batman’s antagonist is The Riddler (Paul Dano), who sets out on a grim quest through various political assassinations. Very far from the portrayal of Jim Carrey’s Riddler in “Batman Forever” (1995). Dano’s depiction of The Riddler is psychotic and he is a truly scary and disturbing villain. Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz) also makes an appearance, as does the Penguin (an unrecognizable Colin Farrell) and mob boss Falcone (John Turturro). As far as casting goes, they did a fantastic job and the actors are all solid. Robert Pattinson foremost. I had doubts, but over the years Pattinson had his fair share of great roles and he made you forget about his awful “Twilight” period. As Batman, Pattinson doesn’t have a lot of dialogue. It’s the look, his walk, the way he is intimidating without saying a word. No cheesy one-liners or cliché dialogue. And I loved how they portrayed Bruce Wayne this time: not the playboy he is mostly known for in the other films. Here he is a broken man, lonely and struggling with his family’s legacy.

There is only one thing I didn’t like. It’s at the end of the film. Without giving any spoilers, it involves a certain character that is introduced, but barely seen. That was unnecessary and added nothing to he plot.

“The Batman” is low-key but incisive, without leaden symbolism or showy digital effects. I loved the dark and grim atmosphere and the casting was nearly perfect. For true Batman fans, “The Batman” is a definite must-see. It’s going on my 2022 favorites list, that’s for sure.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - #82: Okja

Director: Joon-ho Bong
Genre: Adventure/ Drama/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 118 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Tilda Swinton, Paul Dano, Steven Yeun, Lily Collins, Jake Gyllenhaal, Giancarlo Esposito

Description: Meet Mija, a young girl who risks everything to prevent a powerful, multi-national company from kidnapping her best friend - a massive animal named Okja.

Review: Cannes 2017 got criticized because it showed two Netflix original films. But thankfully the boohs the audience gave when seeing the Netflix logo, turned into smiles and tears, because “Okja” is an endearing film.
Lucy Mirando thinks she has the solution for the world wide food problem and introduces the so-called super pig. Farmers all over the world are given the task to take care of those pigs. It’s a ten year project, where eventually the pigs will become food.
Okja is one of those super pigs, who grows up with Mija, in a beautiful green environment in Korea. Okja is as big as a hippo now and enjoys his life in freedom. He is sweet and loyal, yet clumsy and happy. The connection between Mija and Okja is heartwarming. But the Mirando Corporation disturbs their careless life when they take Okja away.
“Okja” calls for many different emotions. It puts a smile on your face, gets you excited, touches you and gets you to think. The acting is somewhat over-the-top, but fits the setting perfectly. Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal excel here.
The message of the film is strong, if you are an animal lover or not. “Okja” is a great film, watch it on Netflix now!

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 51: Love & Mercy

Director: Bill Pohlad
Genre: Drama/ Music
Runtime: 121 minutes
Year: 2014
Starring: John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Giamatti, Bill Camp

Description: In the 1960s, Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson (John Cusack/ Paul Dano) struggles with emerging psychosis as he attempts to craft his avant-garde pop masterpiece. In the 1980s, he is a broken, confused man under the 24-hour watch of shady therapist Dr. Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti).

Review: When you hear music from The Beach Boys you think of a few things: sun, sand, beach, happy guys and songs about surf girls. But this biopic about Brian Wilson, the leader of the band, is way deeper, touching and complex as the songs sound. The Beach Boys was one of the most successful bands in America. The film doesn’t follow the start of the band, but right in the middle of their success. As a young man in the sixties, Brian Wilson is a musical genius that rather stays in the studio to create new music than to go on tour with his brothers to Japan. They don’t understand Brian’s fascination and obsession with the weird sounds he adds to the songs, but leave him be. In the eighties Brian meets car salesman Melinda, who finds out that Brian has been heavily medicated by his psychiatrist. She decides to help Brian.
The film follows two storylines: the young Brian Wilson in the sixties and an older struggling Wilson in the eighties. This works like a charm. The first story is seen through the eyes of Brian and the other story we see through Brian’s second wife Melinda Ledbetter. Director Bill Pohlad takes us on a journey through the painful, tough life of Brian Wilson. We learn that his father beat him and that it even made him practically deaf in one ear. And that he is left with mental problems.
Paul Dano is really good as the young Brian Wilson. And I really loved Elizabeth Banks as Melinda. Paul Giamatti really shines in his more villainous role as Gene Landry. But the star of the show is John Cusack. I’ve always been a fan of him and he is one of my favorite actors. I simply can’t understand how Cusack has never won an Academy Awards, because his performance in “Love & Mercy” is definitely Oscar worthy.
Although the film focusses on Brian’s life, the musical part of the film is also clearly present. We see how some songs were born and how there were doubts at first, but they eventually turned out to be successful hits.
I really loved this movie, because I really like the music. But I didn’t know this about Brian Wilson, what a tough life he had. Pohland created a touching and intriguing story about musical talent Brian Wilson. And it hits your nerves.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 155: Taking Woodstock

Director: Ang Lee
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 2009
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Liev Schreiber, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Dan Fogler, Imelda Staunton, Eugene Levy, Henry Goodman, Jonathan Groff, Mamie Gummer, Kevin Sussman, Skylar Astin, Demetri Martin

Description: A man (Demetri Martin)) working at his parents' motel in the Catskills inadvertently sets in motion the generation-defining concert in the summer of 1969.

Review: Director Ang Lee decided to work with a lighter theme this time, after movies like “Brokeback Mountain” and “Lust, Caution”. “Taking Woodstock” it the end result.
A film with the word Woodstock in the title, will give the audience certain expectations. The rock festival will always be legendary and is seen as a turning point in world history. Ang Lee focusses on the organization of the concert, more than the event itself. The film is based on the memoires of Elliot Tiber, a man that accidentally became important in that organization. Elliot works at his parent’s hotel, that is having trouble. No tourists and his parents don’t see the seriousness of the problem. Elliot sees an opportunity when a city nearby is organizing a concert, but its permit is declined. He arranges a permit himself and shows the terrain. But more people are interested in coming to the concert than Elliot would have ever imagined.
“Taking Woodstock” was criticized, because the movie didn’t show anything from the concert itself. And I kind of see where it’s coming from. I know it wasn’t Lee’s intention to reconstruct the concert, but in a movie about Woodstock they could have given us a little bit of the music. Lee focusses more on the feeling that the concert gave the many visitors and how lots of young people became adults during this festival. Elliot has a tough relationship with his parents and is clearly struggling with his sexuality. Woodstock is a turning point for him.
The movie could easily fall into cliché. Elliot’s development isn’t as present, because it’s alternated with eccentric supporting characters, like Vietnam veteran Billy, the transsexual Vilma, but also the chaos that Woodstock causes.
Like many others, I expected to see more of Woodstock itself. This makes it a little disappointing. But overall, “Taking Woodstock” is a pretty fun film.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Battle: (500) Days of Summer Vs. Ruby Sparks

I’m not a very big fan of romantic comedies, unless they are a bit unconventional. The two I can think of are going to battle it out in today’s movie battle: “(500) Days of Summer” Vs. “Ruby Sparks”

ACTORS

(500) Days of Summer: This was one of the films that brought us back Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who is now one of the more successful actors in Hollywood. Together with Zooey Deschanel he forms an amazing couple. Their performances are amazing.

Ruby Sparks: Paul Dano is an extraordinary actor, I really like him. He does a great job in “Ruby Sparks”. And Zoe Kazan, as Ruby Sparks, is amazing! Fun supporting roles by Annette Bening, Antonio Banderas, Chris Messina and Steve Coogan.

STORY

(500) Days of Summer: When Tom meets Summer, he falls far her immediately. Summer doesn’t believe true love exists, Tom does. We see the 500 days Summer is in Tom’s life. It sounds like your average rom com, but it’s anything but that.

Ruby Sparks: The story doesn’t sound straight forward and isn’t. It’s about a struggling writer, who writes about a woman who can love him and actually coming to life. It’s an original story (written by Zoe Kazan) and executed very well.

EFFECTS

(500) Days of Summer: The cinematography of “(500) Days of Summer” is magnificent. First off, the story isn’t told chronologically, but there are also some great effects used. Like the split screen, where we see Tom’s expectations and reality of a moment.

Ruby Sparks: The film looks beautiful, but more straight forward then “(500) Days of Summer”.

WINNER

Although I really loved “Ruby Sparks”, “(500) Days of Summer” has been one of my all-time favorites ever since I first saw it

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 91: Ruby Sparks

Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris

Genre: Comedy/ Romance/ Drama

Runtime: 106 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Chris Messina, Annette Bening, Antonio Banderas, Steve Coogan, Elliot Gould, Wallce Langham, Alia Shawkat

Description: A novelist (Paul Dano) struggling with writer's block finds romance in a most unusual way: by creating a female character he thinks will love him, then willing her into existence.

Review: Make up your ideal woman and then all of a sudden she is in standing in your house. This is the story in “Ruby Sparks”. Calvin is an ordinary young man who wrote a successful book in his high school years. He lives in a beautiful apartment and still holds lectures and presentations about that book. Everyone is waiting for his next novel, but Calvin is struggling with writer’s block. When he dreams about a beautiful girl, his psychologist advices Calvin to write about her. He names her Ruby Sparks and starts writing about her. And she comes to live. Calvin starts a romance with Ruby and whenever he wants something from Ruby, he just writes it down. It looks like the ideal situation, but it isn’t.

Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris already made “Little Miss Sunshine” together, a movie that won over a lot of hearts. This time the duo creates another comedy, with a romantic touch. The script is by Zoe Kazan, who plays Ruby.

Zoe Kazan and Paul Dano form a great couple with great chemistry. In the first hour of the film it’s more comedic and Dano shows of his comedic talent. Kazan didn’t only write a fun and original script, but she is also a really pleasant actress to watch. Chris Messina, as Calvin’s brother Harry, is also great in his role and has some great scenes. With them there is also Annette Bening, Antonio Banderas, Elliot Gould and Steve Coogan, all in relatively small roles.

The high level the movie has the first hour, gets lost a bit in the second half, because the comedy has to make room for more drama. That drama doesn’t work as well as the comedy. It feels forced. In “Little Miss Sunshine” it did work.

“Ruby Sparks” is a fun and sweet film, that sometimes feel like a fairytale. It’s never overly sweet or cliché and it is very original. An unconventional love story.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movies Challenge 2014 - # 35: 12 Years a Slave

Director: Steve McQueen
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 133 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Lupito Nyongo’o, Benedict Cumberbacth, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Sarah Paulson

Description: In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty, as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity.

Review: “12 Years a Slave” is already the third movie by director Steve McQueen. The novel with the same title is the true story of Solomon Northup and is one of the most prevailing stories about slavery.
In 1841, Solomon Northup lives with his wife and children in Saragota Springs, New York and makes his money as a violinist. When two men approach him to play for a travelling circus, Solomon accepts. After a couple of successful shows, he wakes up in a dark room, chained. From here the suffering starts for Solomon.
McQueen is a true artist when it comes to filmmaking. He uses some very long and extended shots, which contribute to feeling more empathy as a viewer. The soundtrack by Hans Zimmer also fits this film perfectly.
The title role is played by the relatively unknown Chiwetel Ejiofor. He plays the role of his life, very rarely do you feel so much for a character. He loses every single bit of hope and rebellion. The rest of the cast is also solid. A lot of the big names only have little roles, but they fulfill their job well. Michael Fassbender, who plays slave owner Edwin Epps, is relentless. And newcomer Lupito Nyongo’o is also a name worth mentioning. The tragic role of Patsey is one of the most difficult roles of the film. A certain whip scene is the hardest scene the watch.
“12 Years a Slave” is an emotional film and a definite must-see.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 34: Prisoners

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Crime
Runtime: 146 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Terrence Howard, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Paul Dano, Melissa Leo

Description: When Keller Dover's (Hugh Jackman) daughter and her friend go missing, he takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads and the pressure mounts. But just how far will this desperate father go to protect his family?

Review: On Thanksgiving the young daughters of the Dover and Birch family go missing. Fathers Keller and Franklin go looking for them, but can’t find them. Around the time the girls went missing, a mysterious RV was spotted and Detective Loki goes to the owner. Alex Jones is arrested, but eventually the cops let him go. Keller is sure Alex is responsible.
Fans of feel-good movies should be warned, because this film has a grim atmosphere. Just when you think you figured it out, the film comes with some masterful twists. This makes “Prisoners” everything but predictable and you never see the actual ending coming.
The cast of “Prisoners” did a tremendous job. Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal stand out. Jackman is known for his friendly character, which makes his performance even more impressive. Jake Gyllenhaal has a more introvert way of acting, which fits his character of detective Loki perfectly. Paul Dano was also cast very well as Alex Jones.
Director Denis Villeneuve did a perfect job and this is definitely one of the best films of 2013. If you like darker movies, this is just what you need. “Prisoners” will make you gasp for air and leave you breathless in the end. But no worries, this film is worth that.

Rating: 5/ 5

Quotables: "Little Miss Sunshine"

I stated my love for this movie so many times already, that it’s almost embarrassing. For the people who haven’t seen it yet: what’s wrong with you? The movie is so filled with great moments. Full of joy, happiness, sadness and hilarity. And the characters are fantastic, all of them. Here are my favourite quotes from “Little Miss Sunshine”.

Frank: Good night Dwayne.
Dwayne: [scribbles on notepad] Don't kill yourself tonight.
Frank: Not on your watch Dwayne. I wouldn't do that to you.
Dwayne: [on notepad] Welcome to hell.
Frank: Thanks Dwayne. Coming from you that means a lot.

Dwayne: You know what? Fuck beauty contests. Life is one fucking beauty contest after another. School, then college, then work... Fuck that. And fuck the Air Force Academy. If I want to fly, I'll find a way to fly. You do what you love, and fuck the rest.

Pageant Assistant Pam: [Dwayne walks swiftly by] Are you authorized to be backstage?
Dwayne: [emotionless; without stopping] No.

Richard: Sarcasm is the refuge of losers.
Frank: [sarcastically] It is? Really?
Richard: Sarcasm is losers trying to bring winners down to their level.
Frank: [sarcastically] Wow, Richard, you've really opened my eyes to what a loser I am. How much do I owe you for those pearls of wisdom?
Richard: Oh, that ones on the house.

Grandpa: Listen to me, I got no reason to lie to you, don't make the same mistakes I made when I was young. Fuck a lotta women kid, not just one woman, a lotta women.

Olive: [takes off her head phones and grandpa suddenly puts a pauses to his ongoing swearing] What are you guys talking about?
Grandpa: Politics.

Movie Moments: "Little Miss Sunshine"

As being one of my favorite movies of all-time, I just had to spotlight it in this item. It's not a very long movie, but it has so many memorable scenes in it. Here they are, my favorite moments from "Little Miss Sunshine".

Moment # 1: Opening
We see Olive while she is watching a Miss America Pageant. She’s practicing her winners face. Than Richard while he’s presenting his 9 steps programm. Dwayne is lifting weights and doing pull-ups, while grandpa is coking up. Sheryl is on her way to her brother Frank, who tried to kill himself. We see the movie title and hear “The Winner Is” by DeVotchKa .

Moment # 2: Aaaaaah!
Olive gets a phonecall from her aunt Cindy. She can compete in a beauty pageant called Little Miss Sunshine, in Redondo Beach, California. Olive is very excited about it and starts screaming, runs around the house and starts packing for their trip.

Moment # 3: Waffles a la mode
Olive orders waffles a la mode, which means it comes with icecream. Richard starts talking about how fat you can get by eating icecream and that all the miss America contestants are skinny. Olive starts doubting wether or not to eat the icecream, because she loves it so much. Grandpa, Frank, Dwayne and Sheryl persua her into eating it. And she does.

Moment # 4: Pushing the van
Because the van broke, they can’t just start the car and drive of. They have to push the van, run and than get in the van one at a time. This is also the first time we see Frank in a joyfull mood.

Moment # 5: Where’s Olive?
After a stop at a gasstation the quirky bunch gets on the road again. Than all of a sudden Dwayne realizes Olive isn’t in the van. They turn around and pick up Olive, while the van is still driving.

Moment # 6: “Grandpa, am I pretty”?
Olive and grandpa are rehearsing and practicing her routine. She tells him she’s a bit scared about the competition and ask grandpa is she’s pretty. He tells her she’s the most beautiful girl in the world and that he’s madly in love with her. Olive is scared to be a loser, but grandpa tells her she can’t be a loser because she’s trying so hard to win.

Moment # 7: “Go hug mom”
After they took grandpa to the hospital, Sheryl tells Olive and Dwayne how much grandpa loved them both. Sheryl gets emotional and Dwight tells Olive to go hug mom,

Moment # 8: Stealing grandpa’s body
Grandpa died. Because they can’t leave or take his body, they decide to steal it by carrying it out of the window and into the van. And it doesn’t exactly go smoothly,

Moment # 9: Dwayne speaks
Dwayne hasn’t spoken for 9 months. When he finds out he’s colorblind, he starts freaking out and actually speaks. The first word he says is fuck. Because he’s colorblind, he can’t fly jets, which is his big dream. Olive is the one who manages to comfort him.

Moment # 10: Super freak
It’s time for Olive’s talent, dancing to the song “Super freak”. The presenters want to stop her, because some of her moves are considered obscene. They ask Richard to get her of the stage, but instead he starts dancing with her. And later Frank, Dwayne and Sheryl join them. That's when we can see that even they aren't a standard family, they love each other very much.

Favorite Moment: Moment # 10: Super freak

In the Picture: The Characters from "Little Miss Sunshine"

"Little Miss Sunshine" is, just like the last movie in this item, one of my favorite movies off all time. Basically because of the great though quirky characters.

Richard Hoover
Played by: Greg Kinnear
He's the dad of the family and a motivational speaker. He doesn't like losers and failures, but his own life isn't going that well either. He is trying to get a book deal but that's not working out. His relationship with Olive is pretty good, but he does have some strange views on how to raise her and which values to teach her.

Cheryl Hoover
Played by: Toni Colette
The loving mother. Her family drives her crazy sometimes, but she loves 'em all to death. Although she starts to question her love for husband Richard. She's struggling to deal with both her children, especially Dwayne who she can't make contact with. At least not the way she wants to.

Olive Hoover
Played by: Abigail Breslin
Olive is the sweetest little girl you can imagine. She's always happy, enthusiastic and kind. She wants nothing more then to attend the Little Miss Sunshine competition. And she really doesn't care about what other people think of her. All the other children in the contest are supposed to look perfect, but Olive is the only true beauty in the pageant.

Dwayne
Played by: Paul Dano
Dwayne hates everything and everyone. He has one goal and that's to become a fighter pilot. He tends not to speak until he finally reached his goal. Dwayne is a very ambitious young man and deep inside he does care much for his family. Especially Olive. She was the only one to get through to him after he found out he couldn't reach his goal.

Frank Ginsberg
Played by: Steve Carell
Frank is a suicidal homosexual, so nothing is working in his favor. The man he loved decided to start a relationship with Frank's rival. He's trying to deal with it and he moves in with his sister Cheryl. Due this competition he's attending with the Hoover family, he finds the joy back in his life and he has a good bond with Dwayne.

Grandpa Edwin Hoover
Played by: Alan Arkin
Grandpa Hoover is a cursing drug addict and Richard's father. He's a great grandfather to Olive, telling her she's the most beautiful girl in the world and helping her with the pageant. He doesn't think much of his son and his ideas about winners and losers. He's a very cynical man and he is a real faul mouth.

Favorite Character: Olive Hoover

Movie Tip #10 - Little Miss Sunshine

Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris

Starring: Greg Kinnear, Toni Colette, Abigail Breslin, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, Paul Dano

Description: The Hoover family is the dictionary definition for the word "dysfunctional". The dad Richard (Kinnear) is a man who gives lectures on winners and losers, the wife is Sheryl (Colette), a chain-smoking, frazzled wife and working mother whose idea of a home cooked meal frequently consists of a bucket of chicken. Her gay brother Frank (Carrel) recently attempted suicide. The grandpa is Edwin (Arkin), a drug addict. The son is Dwayne (Dano) a rebel who has vowed not to talk until he gets into the Air Force. And then there is Olive (Breslin), a seven-year old girl who dreams of going to the Little Miss Sunshine pageant. So what happens when they do?

Review: It's a quirky family, but every single character is great. Extreme maybe, but great. They don't care what other people think and family comes first. Olive and Frank are my favourites, followed by Dwayne and grandpa. And then the yellow van. They have to push it so it will start and halfway trough the film the horn doesn't stop. It's hilarious. I can watch this film over and over again, without being bored. If you wathc it, I'm sure you'll agree with me!