Sunshine on a Cloudy Day: The Magic of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Rating: ☀️☀️☀️☀️
Little Miss Sunshine is a generous helping of ice cream in a world which tells you not to eat too much or you’ll become fat. It’s one of those films that never seems to grow old or fail to cheer you up despite the number of times you watch it.
The film plot takes a completely dysfunctional family, with each person having their own set of issues, and has them come together to support their youngest member follow her dream of participating in a high-ranking beauty pageant by driving her across the country in a broken down VW bus to do so. With a brilliant script by Michael Arndt, an immensely talented ensemble cast, a soundtrack score that soothes your soul, and the cheerful presence of the color yellow in each shot, the film evokes a level of warmth only your favorite comfort food could give you.
Little Miss Sunshine has an incredibly humble sincerity that not many other films have in their message. It’s a mixture of silliness and sophistication in its themes; highlighting that being yourself and embracing who you are is totally okay. Despite society's constant competition or 'beauty pageants' to be the best, if you just put yourself out there and try, it will all turn out alright. And when you watch this film, you’re left with exactly that feeling, that no matter how tough things may seem, you’re going to be okay — and that, above everything, is what makes this movie shine.
Emilee Araujo is a student, cinephile, and sometimes writer. She currently attends Texas State University majoring in English with a film concentration. You can catch her at your local taqueria eating tacos or follow her on Instagram @pan.dullce.