Plot
A dysfunctional family decides to road trip from Albuquerque to LA to get Olive to compete in a Little Miss competition. Along the way the family deal with depression (from a purposely mute son and a recently suicided attempt uncle), and loss of jobs and family members.
Cast/Characters
The family are mum and dad Sheryl and Richard. Sheryl’s brother Frank, Richard’s dad ‘Grandpa’ – and kids Olive and Dwayne.
Steve Carrell plays Frank. This was filmed prior to his Office and ’40-year-old Virgin fame – and he shows he is more than a comedic actor – as his character is in the process of recovering from a suicide attempt following a break up from his boyfriend.
Toni Collette and Greg Kinnear play Olive’s parents Sheryl and Richard. Collette once again gives a flawless American accent – and Kinnear plays an almost antagonist in the family. He does do a good job at playing a jerk!)
Paul Dano as Dwayne – despite having very few lines due to his vow of silence – gives a stellar performance in his non-verbal communication. His third act breakdown when he discovers something about himself is heartbreaking.
It is Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin – and Oscar winner Alan Arkin who deliver the top performances – with Breslin truly tugging at the heartstrings as she questions her beauty.
With so many amazing performances, its hard to give an MVP.
Bryan Cranston, Dean Norris, and Mary Lynn Rajskub all appear in cameos (and the irony that the starting city of Albuquerque should not be lost on Breaking Bad fans, as this pre-dates the show.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
There are some strong themes throughout – which include family, relationships, depression and that through it all ‘losers can be winners’
There is solid growth for most of the characters – and strained relationships are strengthened organically throughout the road trip, and the final dance sequence at the end is a lovely way to ‘start’ their new lives.
There is also some darkly comedic moments at times too, with some comedically antagonistic characters – and some darkly comedic moments – like ‘taking’ Grandpa from the hospital.
There are many pairings of the family with different relationship types such as strong bonds (Grandpa/Olive)(Olive/Dwayne), banter type (Dwayne/Frank)(Richard/Grandpa) and strained (Richard/Sheryl,Dwayne,Frank,Olive)
Overall
With mesmerising performances by all involved, some very subtle direction – which shows the scenery of real America – and a lovely screenplay that shows ‘losers can be winners’. This is such a special film, with a lovely uplifting score. A true recommend. Give it a watch.
4.5/5
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