Little Miss Sunshine | Canadian First Time Watching | Movie Reaction | Movie Review | Commentary 

RIP, Alan Arkin, 1934-2023. He took home the Best Supporting Actor for his role in the movie.

Never expected “You can’t fly jets if your colourblind” to be one of the most devastating lines in a movie

Steve Carrell perfectly showed us how a Proust scholar runs.

One thing I took from this movie is a part they sadly cut out. When Olive says "I don't want to be a loser, daddy hates losers," the grandpa responds with probably the most insightfull thing he says in the whole movie: "Losers aren't people who lose. Losers are people who are so afraid of not winning that they don't even try in the first place. You tried, so you're not a loser."

This movie was a cathartic release for My mother and I; dad passed away and we were obviously depressed (gf broke up with Me then I moved across the country to be with mom - all this happened in a span of one month). I Netflix-dvd this flick for Us and We cringed at the right spots and laughed until We cried, really cried when the grandfather died in the film. I paused the film. After a few minutes, Mom looked at Me and said "We'll be alright", and smiled so I re-started the flick. After the movie, the heaviness around Us was far less than when We started - a good film becomes great if it can affect you in ways it didn't mean to. When Mom passed in September, I re-watched it again - I cried-laughed all the way through it. Thanks for being such wonderful reactors and always providing great content, Simone and George!

Alan Arkin was such a sweet man. During the scene with Abigail where she cries in the hotel room, he immediately yelled cut concerned about her, until she explained that she was acting, which cracked him up. He made certain that during the scene in the van where he gave Dano's character colorful advice of relationships, that Abigail's headphones were turned up so she couldn't hear and would check before each take. At the world premiere, he asked her mother to take her out of the theater at that scene as well.

I think this movie shows how close comedy and tragic can be. I love that the movie can be so loud and clear in its message but also subtle. What a great character movie and probably my favourite Steve Carell performance.

I don’t care what anyone says, this is the perfect film, masterpiece all the way thru. It makes you laugh, cry, reminisce of your own family conflicts, and ends by giving you a bittersweet of an ending, because life is exactly that, bittersweet.

This film had one hell of a cast.

Michael Arndt, who wrote the Oscar-winning screenplay for Little Miss Sunshine, intentionally used the character of Stan Grossman as a tribute to the Coen Brothers' Fargo.

Love this movie!! Everyone had a blast making it. Greg Kinnear did all the driving for real, no one wore seatbelts & they didn't have clearance on the highway. He said it was the most fun & dangerous movie he's ever made, lol.

When I was 10 years old, my family accidentally left me at a campground in the middle of Montana. Despite five other people in that Winnebago, they were 30 minutes down the road before anyone noticed.

"Let Olive be Olive" - best parenting advice ever.

I drove a VW bus for years and miss it so, so much. The horn would do that on occasion. So funny.

This might be my favorite movie of all time. I can't describe how excited I was when I saw you were doing this, especially while you're watching Breaking Bad.

Since George asked what we think about child pageants. I think they’d be OK if it was just the kids having fun, and nothing more. But, the way the parents get so much more involved than the kids, and the way that the parents sort of live vicariously through the kids doing them is frankly disgusting to me. It’s another example in a long line of things that probably started off with decent intentions but turned into something horrible.

Fun Fact: Creepy guy was actually a long suffering beauty queen Dad, not a random dude watching kids in swimsuits. I'll also add that I love that Olive is basically the glue for the family. Everything is going to hell, but her optimism and gentle spirit pulls everyone up when they need it most. I mean notice how she is the only one that Dwayne doesn't lash out at when he snaps and she's the one who gets him back to the van with a simple hug. Damnit, who's cutting onions. So glad you guys reacted to this movie because it doesn't get the attention it deserves. So well written, such great actors, so funny, so much love.

I had the chance to attend a special screening at the Arclight when this came out. It had the directors and Abigail Breslin come out for 10-15 minutes after the movie to tell behind the scenes stories of the production. By all accounts, everyone had a good time making the film.

I adore this movie, Abigails little baby bean body on that stage is an absolute statement. And the fathers growth arc is phenomenal. One of my favorite *suddenly feels* movie.

Steve Carrell is usually known for his comedic works (The Office, Anchorman, The 40-Year-Old Virgin), but he has some seriously amazing dramatic acting chops. Some examples are: (This one), The Big Short, Beautiful Boy, The Morning Show, Foxcatcher. Btw, I struggle with addiction, so Beautiful Boy really hit me hard. I'd love to see your reactions to that.

The Cut to George’s face at 23:06 has me CRYYYI G

Whenever I'm sad, I watch this movie. It is so hopelessly beautiful, along with this music... And thanks to this melancholy, it is so unbearably beautiful. I love it. Always.!

I think Paul Dano gave one of the all time great performances for a single scene with his reaction to finding out about his colourblindness. The acting from everyone in the movie was great, but his reaction brings me to tears every time, especially as someone who lost one of my life goals in terms of sport to an injury, encapsulates every emotion you go through under those circumstances, even in a much less important circumstance. Just a brilliant moment.

I love that his movie has everyone losing something huge they care about and still have a happy ending. It is about the "losers" and how life is still beautiful even when you don't win.

I watched this film the first time during media criticism class back in the university and I love it. Especially the soundtracks. I still thank my professor every time when I met her for letting us watch this wonderful film.

The two directors were famous for directing music videos back in the 90's.

Greg Kinear is definitely a great actor. One movie you can absolutely love his character and in the next you can hate his guts.

It’s not about child pageants, thank God, but “Drop Dead Gorgeous” is all kinds of fun with a similarly stacked cast. 😂

As an aside, the Sufjan Stevens songs from throughout the movie are come from one of the most heartwrenching albums of all time, Illinoise. It's an incredible listen.

You guys might like About a Boy, which has a similar kind of ending -- and Toni Collette once more. The thing about the pageant is that when this came out in 2006, the murder mystery of JonBenet Ramsey was still very much on people's minds and just added to the whole creep factor.

I feel weird saying it given what it starts as, but the family all dancing at the end is possibly one of my favorite movie endings

Love this movie, great reaction! Also, happy that the "Sparkle Motion" lady from Donnie Darko is still involved in pagents.

The first time I watched this film I didn't know that it was ultimately about a child beauty pageant, if I had realised I wouldn't have watched it. However, I'm so pleased that I did as it's so wonderfully joyous, emotional and at times sad. It's just an all round great movie. Cheers guys for the reaction and the thumbnail looks great!

I have a big brother who's quite a bit older than me, and the scene with the siblings in the field makes me absolutely sob because it makes me think of my brother and I. I love this movie so much.

Abigail Breslin (Olive) was nominated for an Oscar for this movie.

The scenes for the beauty pageant, including the shots at the pier with Dano and Carrell, were all shot in my hometown.

I first got to know Toni Collete in United states of Tara. And then in this movie. She is SO GOOD in everything I see her in.

You all should watch Mystery Men, for one it’s hilarious, but it’s also an extremely funny Greg Kinnear “asshole” performance.

Toni Collette is my favorite actress, she’s amazing in this. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should watch her in Muriel’s Wedding. Another funny slice of life movie.

As a Warhammer player, Simone's "grey pile of shame" feels like a personal attack.

This movie is amazing. So well written and performed by the entire cast. A fantastic ensemble.

25:09 the lady telling them its time, in the blue shirt, is Gale the Snail from Always Sunny. Lol "Your just mAshin' it." -Frank

Rented this on DVD ages ago- there's an excellent alternate ending where they steal the trophy before they peel out of the parking lot and drive off into the sunset honking lol

Want to feel old???? I was in L.A. during quarantine and a VERY well-built (keeping it clean) lady in a tight shirt and miniskirt asked to use my phone. She took down her mask, and it was Abigail. I must have made a face cuz she was clearly trying hard not to laugh. Im guessing it happens a lot 😂😂😂

Such an amazing film. As someone who has struggled with depression and suicide attempts, this has always been the movie I go to when I fall back into that awful headspace. The way that everyone has their own problems but come together in the end, even though those problems haven’t really gotten any better and maybe even worse, reminds me that you can always find the beauty and joy in this world, even if it’s falling apart around you.

god this film is SPECIAL. loved watching it resonate with Simone especially, this just makes your heart jump and surge and soar!

Such a great story and PHENOMENAL cast. ❤ This movie won two Oscars: Best Original Screenplay Best Supporting Actor for Alan Arkin (RIP) Oscar nominations: Best Picture Best Supporting Actress for Abigail Breslin Honestly, any one of these actors who played the family could be nominated and it would be deserving. Such an incredible ensemble.

This is one of my favorite movies. Never fails to make me smile, laugh and cry at every point no matter how many times i saw it. As far as plot, acting, emotional connection to the characters.. its quintessential.. i saw this movie when i was way too young to watch it and it was still moving and relatable.

Richard is Dwayne's stepfather which might explain why gramps would be unsure. I think he was just kidding tho

Yay!!!! So glad you’re watching this…one of my absolute favorites, and a completely accurate portrayal of a dysfunctional family and how they interact

I remember randomly discovering this movie years ago. I loved it to death.

The stuck-up organizer lady at the beauty contest had a similar role in Donny Darko, as the manager of the adolescent girls' dance team, Sparkle Motion.

A perfect film - one of my faves - stellar ensemble cast and a perfect blend of comedy & drama - so glad you finally got to this and knew you'd dig it. Thanks :D

The music at the start and end of this movie reminds me of the ending credits of the game Rogue Legacy. I love that they made the car be a character and have its own personality too. If you like Toni Collette, Steve Carell and Sam Rockwell, I couldn't suggest The Way Way Back enough as a coming-of-age movie. Glad y'all finally got around to watch this movie because it's so freaking good. I've suggested it to people and they don't specifically watch it because of the title of the movie. Hey George, Cinema Therapy just did a video on this movie with the directors and it was really good.

The thumbnail disturbed me. Thank you. It was brilliant!

I love Paul Dano, I know some people dont so much because he does so many broken characters, but he does just so amazingly well. Another great movie for him is Love&Mercy where he plays Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys during the most pivital moments of his life, def worth a watch, but is pretty heavy

If I remember correctly only Olive is Richard’s daughter and he’s Sheryl’s 2nd husband but I could be wrong.

this was one of the first things i ever saw where a character who could speak.... didn't as a semi-verbal teenager at the time (sometimes mostly verbal, sometimes partly, sometimes completely nonverbal.... going on 3 months nonverbal rn..) i REALLY connected with dwayne in a way i can't really explain i know his was by choice so it's not the same but especially that breakdown in the car where he was still not talking (not until he got out to be a little more alone) when i'm nonverbal (which isn't voluntary when it happens) and getting able to talk again it can be really hard to start again and it feels kind of like that, in a way

That thumbnail is fucking hilarious

Man I’m so glad you guys watched this, it’s one of my favorite films.

This film is a rare gem in Hollywood. A 10/10 in everyway. And I agree about pagents and that the kids should always be the ones that truly choose to be in them and not the parents choice. 😎

In regards to the pageant question, watch Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999).

My favorite movie of all, the dance scene is so iconic and have so many meanings

When I was a grade school custodian part of my job was to set up the rented auditorium for events which included childhood beauty pageants. They are horrible environments for children, with horrible parents.

The way I jumped for joy seeing this I legit love this movie sm

That bit about the VW Camper breaking down brought back some fun memories of a cross-Canada trip in '98. The damn thing kept breaking down. It was fun in the Rockies...

Michael Arndt (writer of Toy Story 3) won an Oscar for his brilliant first screenplay. He followed it up with TS3! His writing career is worth looking into. He also wrote The Force Awakens for Star Wars, one of the Hunger Games movies and The ego Star Wars Skywalker movie. Talented man.

I wanted to be a helicopter pilot. I found out my color blindness would prevent that from happening as I was talking to the Marine recruiter, as I was about to enlist.

This is such a wonderful film. Great reaction, guys! If you want to see Greg Kinear in something else, I would recommend As Good As It Gets with him, Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt.

"How It Ends" by Devotchka is the song used in the film's beginning end as well.

Jesus... Abigail Breslin is 28 now.

I've been watching yinz for years and have been waiting for this one! I knew you'd both appreciate it 😊 💙

one of my absolute favourite film, easily in the TOP10 I ever saw

Just wanted to shoutout your thumbnails, they're brilliant. Love your channel, you do quality reactions / discussions and i subbed after watching only a couple videos, but it was the hilarious thumbnails that dragged me in. Sometimes for fun i just browse through your videos and giggle at the thumbs :) Thanks Simone and thanks George!

Such a phenomenal film with several phenomenal performances

[4:03] *"Oh, ok h(e)is d(e)ad"* YEP Simone, pretty much!! 😂😂😂😂

Should include "As Good As It Gets" in a poll for a look at Greg Kinnear's range.

8:30 😂 That little talk reminded me of a time my wife and I were in the grocery store. I like to mess with her in public bc it's fun & she gets very awkward 😂 We were walking down the ice cream isle and she said she felt like ice cream. I saw a woman who was nonchalantly listening to us so I snapped back, "You can't have ice cream! It'll go straight to your hips and belly!" 🤣 My wife immediately saw the woman's face and we watched her trying to decide whether or not to say something. She didn't. God, that was 10 years ago and we still laugh about 'ice cream isle lady' 😂😂

I love this movie........Grandpa (Arkin) trying to comfort his son (Kinnear) was a highlight for me. ALWAYS enjoy your reactions...........thanks for sharing.

I appreciate your channel Simone and George! After my brother’s passing last year was hard for me. I just didn’t have the love for films or finding any connection with anyone else that has the same love as I do. It was your review on the professional one of my all-time favorite films and saw not only the genuine thought and comments but the love in the film. And after watching your reaction to Little Miss sunshine, I felt that connection again. Thank you again, Simona George and if you two ever need craftsman carpenter, or advice on building you’re more than welcome to contact me anytime My name is actually Oak. Can’t wait for the next one.

Whaaaaa!? Where's Little Trivia Sunshine? Trivia Miss Sunshine? Little Miss Trivia! Yeah, that's the one!

one of my fav movies of all time!

If you want another unique, funny, sad, heaartwarming indie film, Lars and the Real Girl is GREAT. Up there with this movie for me.

ah look, my favourite reactors are reacting to one of my all time fave movies. life is good.

This movie is amazing. I always feel so refreshed after watching it. Thanks for another fun reaction

The casting of this film is extraordinary. Alan Arkin, Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Paul Dano. And in secondary roles Bryan Cranston, Dean Norris, Wallace Langham, Beth Grant...

22:00 Beth Grant..she was also the "beauty pageant lady" in the great movie "Donnie Darko"

12:24 I forgot how much I loved this movie, its got the best title, cuz the movie is basically how little miss sunshine was the star of the movie and really the core of the family :) such a cute movie, she did so well as a little actress!

"grey pile of shame." Hey, I have one of those.

I love the moment when Richard snaps and the audience goes from hating him (and justifiably so) to cheering him on. Nothing like corpse abduction to bring the family together. 😏

Abigail Breslin who played Olive was also in Zombieland as the younger sister

I think this is one of the few movies that rides the line of drama and comedy beautifully

first time I watched this film was with my folks and I was maybe 14 or 15 and I so distinctly remember being uncomfortable any time Frank's sexuality was acknowledged because I'm pretty sure he was the first gay character I ever saw in a movie tbh and I was just figuring out that I myself was gay, and I so vividly remember tensing up worried about any comments my parents might make any time they touched on Frank's sexuality, and it's not exactly the most glamorous portrayal of a gay character but it's pretty real. The scene where they get pulled over was a moment in particular that stuck with me because it so closely mirrored my worst fear of being "caught", but I weirdly completely forgot it was Dean Norris lmao. Also when Dwayne finally speaks after finding out he can't fly because he's colorblind is one of the most memorable scenes I've ever seen tbh, I still think about it sometimes, something about the idea of being so thoroughly committed to something and then having it taken away from you through some cruel twist of fate that you have no control over and in a matter of seconds was very memorable and especially Paul Dano's visceral performance in that moment.

So glad you guys reacted to this one. It's a hidden gem.

The family breakdown is a metaphor for VW Microbuses mechanical issues.

Amazing all-star cast in this wonderful film, cool reaction as always Simone & George, you both take care RIP Alan Arkin 🙏🕊️

I stumbled across this during a Sunday midday hang over feeling sorry for my self on the couch, and absolutely fell in love with it. I went out the next weekend and brought it on DVD, what a jewel!

I squealed with joy to see this notification. I predict you will both love this film. Thanks!

Great cast award winning still such a hidden gem of a movie. Having so much humor and emotion is hard to do and this one really was a laugh and cry movie. P.S. missed George's movie trivia

Such an endearing movie. Steve Carell said that the cast was given a screening and they thought “that was cute” and that was about it. They had no idea it would be a big hit with award buzz.