Okay, so this is just my choice, and I have to admit I didn't see any of the other films, but this one is such a winner that I'm really rooting for it.
*************SPOILERS AHEAD*****************
Made up of a spectacular cast, this heartwarming and hilarious film brings a dysfunctional family together on a 3 day road trip to a beauty pageant in a busted down VW.
Alan Arkin is hysterical as the pageant choreographing grandpa who just happens to be a cokehead. Steve Carell plays the suicidal, homosexual, unemployed Proust scholar who's b/f left him for his nemesis. Just looking at him makes me laugh. And who of us writers can't feel for Greg Kinnear's character who is obsessed with landing a book deal on his 9 step program for success. The scooter scene is hysterical, and I have to admit, I may have actually done the same thing at one point in my quest to be published. Although quiet most of the film, the angry teen played by Paul Dano, still brings a sweetness to his character through his occasionally caring notes. And what can you say about Toni Collette? She's totally fab in everything she does.
But the film wouldn't be anything if it weren't for 10 year old Abigail Beslin. I'm sure all the other women in the Best Supporting Actress category wouldn't be thrilled to lose to a 10 year old, but I think she deserves it just for the pageant routine scene. Abigail breathes such enthusiam into her character Olive. Even when faced with a room full of mini-models, overweight, four-eyed Olive doesn't back down but goes out and gives it her all in her grandpa's memory. Here's a pic of the adorable Abigail looking nothing like Olive.
I loved the ending when the family all stood up and cheered Olive on while everyone else sat horrified. Have you ever said something bad about a family member but then when someone else says the same thing your claws come out? It's okay for you to make fun or criticize your family, but not somebody else, right? This was how this scene felt to me and I loved seeing their loyalty to little Olive.
Okay, so now that I've completely ruined it for you, go rent it. What was your favorite movie of 2006?
Happy Friday!
xo,
Steph
All that matters is what's inside...as long as your outside is wearing the tiara!REVENGE OF THE HOMECOMING QUEEN, July 3,2007, Berkley Jam Books
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6 comments:
Hey, Steph! I think LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE is a winner, too. It evoked a lot of thoughts and feelings--not all comfortable--and has stayed with me in the passing weeks. And while I went on record applauding Mark Wahlberg's best supporting actor nomination earlier this week, I think his toughest competition will be Alan Arkin in this movie.
Thanks for a little bit of sunshine with my morning coffee!
Tina
www.tinaferraro.com
Just chiming in to say I love the new look of your site...you're all adorable in wings!
:-) Natalie
I've got to see this film. I remember trying to get tickets to it when it was at Sundance because it sounded wonderful. I'm glad it's got such great buzz. Speaking of, your new layout is so cute. I love the little bees at the top! Reminds me of Monty Python in a weird way.
Wendy
I really really REALLY want to see this now!
Nice sales pitch for the movie, Steph. I'm not a huge fan of that kind of comedy but your summary makes me really want to see it!
And I love Abigail--she was terrific in Signs and Princess Diaries 2, so I have no doubts that she was great in this, too.
TLC
I want to see this movie now!!! I'm renting it today, and thats final.
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