With the Oscars just beginning, there is one movie on every Academy voters radar: the indie comedy, Little Miss Sunshine.
Released back in July and still playing, the film is the story of a dysfunctional family’s three day road trip in a VW bus to the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. It quickly won over audiences.
During the weekend of August 23, the movie nearly matched its production budget of $8 million, earning the number three spot at the box office. As of October 15, Little Miss Sunshine’s total domestic revenue is over $56 million.
The movie has begun to collect major critical prizes as well, receiving the Audience Award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the Grand Prize at the Deauville Film Festival. (Crash won the top prize the Deauville Film Festival last year; it went on to win the Best Picture Academy Award.)
Why all the love for this indie black comedy?
To put it simply, the film has everything to offer. From an endearing plotline and lovable characters to a wildly humourous screenplay and great performances, it is a perfect movie experience.
Little Miss Sunshine has one secret weapon; 10-year-old Abigail Breslin. Playing 7-year-old Olive with a big smile, big glasses and a huge heart, Breslin is currently campaigning for a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Perhaps, in light of Keisha Castle-Hughes nomination for Whale Rider in 2002, child actors are being considered for lead categories she even has a shot at a Best Actress nomination.
If you haven’t made time for this movie yet, do so. Lucky for us, Little Miss Sunshine is showing right across Route 116 at Tower Theaters.
Published: The Mount Holyoke News, reprinted with permission
November 2, 2006
@Cinefille 