Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

 "A real loser is someone who's so afraid of not winning he doesn't even try."

If life coexisted with the philosophy of character Richard's 9 step program to success, this film would be a winner. As Richard tells his daughter and little miss sunshine contender Olive, "you're either a winner or a loser." This toxic disillusion plagues each unique member of our cast, who all get stuffed into a yellow bus on a road trip to California. Steve Carell plays Frank, a top scholar who is clinically depressed. Alan Arkin plays Edwin, a rock n roll grandpa who snorts heroine. Paul Dano plays Dwayne, a teenager who has taken a vow of silence until he turns 18 and joins the Airforce. Poor Sheryl (Toni Collette) is just trying to hold it all together as it inevitably all unravels. This is by far the most horrific family road trip you've ever seen. You can't help but laugh at how terrible it all is and before you realize it those tears become tears of sadness. I've seen this movie many many times. I think I can confidently say it's one of my favorite movies of all-time. Every year I find myself reliving it's story, relearning the life experience it has to share, and I'm always a better person after. Please watch this movie. You deserve it.​

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