Return to the Movies

Thanks to Dingo for scoring me a free pass (via Walaka) for a sneak preview of an excellent summer comedy, Little Miss Sunshine. Rarely have unrequited love, suicidality, shattered dreams, professional failure, and the death of a major character been so much fun. Steve Carell is put to much better use here than in 40 Year Old Virgin... leaving the over-the-top antics to foul-mouthed heroin junkie Alan Arkin. Surprisingly, Carell's dramatic rapport with screen nephew Paul Dano is one of the best parts of this film. There a lot of quirk here, ala last year's Stave It Off Best Film The Squid and the Whale, but just enough believability to make this a relevant, accessible parable about winners and losers in today's America. Diane and I gave extra points to the filmmakers for great Devotchka tunes in the soundtrack.


The whole family here except Grandpa: Alan Arkin.