LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Film Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz
It’s almost too sad to be funny when a family that is as dysfunctional as the family portrayed in this comedy is viewed and recognized to have many dynamics similar to our own. But, it is also true to say, “If we don’t laugh, we’ll cry.“ “Little Miss Sunshine” is one of those comedies which allows us to look into the sad situations life often deals out to some of us in a way we can. The humor in the film shields us from the horrific family situations presented throughout the film just enough so we’re not overcome by them. This is the essence of most meaningful comedies which goes beyond those who are just after some laughs. However, those hilarious comedies play a role in enhancing the soul as well. But, I digress.
The film, directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, tells the story of the misadventures a family has as they attempt to take the youngest member of their tribe to California from Arizona so she can compete in a beauty pageant. The cast consists of what every dysfunctional family shouldn’t be without. A ineffectual father, a co dependent mother, a gay, educated, and suicidal uncle, a socially inappropriate and drug infested grand father, a brooding Nietzschesk complete with a vow of hateful silence son, and a hopeful daughter with the innocence we wish most children would have. In fact, it is her innocence which moves the film.
Our society is filled with cynicism. We become cynical because our experiences lead us to believe life is filled with pitfalls we can only avoid by not believing there is something good about being alive. We are no longer children but adults with adults “understandings” of how it all really works. Yet, by abandoning the knowledge we had as children, we become dysfunctional and can no longer accept the magic all around us.
The little girl “Olive” (played exquisitely by Abigail Breslin) demonstrates to her family and to us how the childlike qualities we have put away for the sake of our maturity can be our saving graces. The cynicism we embrace may keep us from the pain of everyday life, but it also keeps us from its wonders. I would recommend this film to those who would like to look beyond the dysfunctional of their sadly mature lives and catch a glimpse of the hope a bit of humor can bring.
The film was seen during The Forwardian Arts Society’s Film and Chat Nite which took place at The Grand Cinema and Coffeehouse in East Stroudsburg, PA on Friday September 1st. The next and final Film and Chat Nite for 2006 is scheduled to take place Friday October 6th. Please call 570-421-3456 or email forwardian@hotmail.com for more information.
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