I watched this movie mostly because of all the positive word of mouth it enjoyed and because it was even nominated for Best Picture of the year (GASP! A comedy!!).I was pleased to see that the movie deserved all its accolades. It’s a very simple story, told with light touches, but with a big heart.
[SPOILER PARAGRAPH] The story is that of a little girl who wants to enter a beauty contest and of her quite dysfunctional family. Her father is trying to make it big as a writer, while her mom is trying to make ends meet. Her brother has made a vow of silence and her uncle (who, very nonchalantly, happens to be gay) has just attempted suicide. The only “issues free” character is her grandfather, who has been trying to help her get ready for the contest, were she to be accepted. When she finally is, the family gets on the road.
This movie has very few and simple plot points, but it keeps you entertained in spite of, or maybe thanks to, its simplicity. The script is one of its strongest points, of course, since the dialogue never feels strained or forced and one can easily relate to anything that happens to the characters.
Naturally, it helps to have a great cast deliver those lines. Greg Kinnear, not an marquee-name actor, is very good, as is the always wonderful Toni Collette. However, it’s newcomer Abigail Breslin as the little girl and veteran Alan Arkin as the grandfather who steal every scene they’re in. Arkin also won his first Oscar for this portrayal.
A very simple movie, well directed and written and with a great cast. What more could you ask for?
Don’t miss this one.
Grade: 8.5
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