Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

A Fresh Breeze of Rain.

Directed by: Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris.

Screenplay by: Michael Arndt.

Starring: Abigail Breslin, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin.

Ever since Mr Robert Redford founded Sundance film festival 25 years ago young and budding talents have had a stage to express their thoughts. The expression of these thoughts were termed as Independent Movies. Every year there is something new to see and listen to from Sundance. But no matter how much the way of expression of thoughts has changed some rules are very basic and cannot be changed for ever to cinema. Rule one: Originality of Vision. Rule number two: Focus. There have been very few movies, not just from Sundance but also from Hollywood, CA that can handle both of these together. But when a movie handles both then you realise it is definitely good. This is exactly what has happened with Little Miss Sunshine. Right from the opening scene when Olive's (soon to be 11, Abigail Breslin) glasses reflect a Beauty Peagent's results declaration on the TV she is watching this movie keeps you glued to your seats. Olive rewinds and plays it over and over and then tries to mimic the winner's first expressions. You cannot look away from the screen.

Little Miss Sunshine is about a family residing in New Mexico. This family has all the ingredients of 'Dysfunctionality'. Drug addict grandfather, typical American mother (Toni Collette) fighting through everyday wars say for instance ignoring criticism over buying chicken bucket everyday for the dinner, a father (Greg Kinnear) giving lectures on how to be a winner, a brother (Paulo Dano) who has Nitzche as his idol and has taken a vow of silence, a homosexual suicidal uncle (Steve Carell) and a van with the stick that operates only past 1st shift. Ofcourse the most important character is Olive who is a budding artist with a dream to win a child prodigy contest "Little Miss Sunshine" to be held in Los Angeles. What is her talent we won't know till the end but she is getting training from her grandfather.

This family, after few hitches, sets off on a road trip to LA to support Olive's performance. Before even they set off the movie proved its potential. Thanks to Abigail's scream as she listens to the message confirming her chance to enter the peagent. This movie promises fun and stand right to the very core of the fun. The funny moments are interwined together smoothly. Nowhere you feel a demand from the directors, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. They have done a great job presenting this story nicely written by Micheal Arndt, who also is not so far from any accolade.

First person to be remembered is Olive, Abigail Breslin. She is the sunshine that gives all other family member a reason to stay together in the van. The scene in the Motel where the family takes a hault overnight where Olive is talking to grandpa is just beyond any words. This actress has no limits. This performance is seen very rarely. Her innocence, strength and determination is unbelievably put together with very simplicity. She doesn't seem to have any barrier. This is an Oscar worthy performance but I will be surprised since Academy did not bestow Leonardo DiCaprio when at the age of 17 he played mentally challenged Arnie in Whats Eating Gilbert Grape (1993). Just Marvellous.

Steve Carell is the next person who is memorable. Troubled from past relationship and unhappy with professional rival's success he meets his friend at a gas station and the change in the facial expression is amazing. He is the most hilarious 'runner' among all. You will know what I am talking when you will watch this. He deserved an Oscar nomination as well. But other actor who received the nomination is Grandpa played by Alan Arkin. Just listen to the way he is expressing his thoughts. Rest of the member of the family also make every attempt to make you laugh.

On a final note, I mention again that this movie is just about having fun and it stands to its promise. This is definitely one of the top movies of 2006.

My Rating: 9/10.

Babel (2006)

Interesting but not innovative.

Directed by: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.

Written by: Guillermo Arriaga.

Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Gael Garcia Bernal.

Babel is the third installment by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu that connects multiple stories by one accident. Story number one is Brad Pitt and his wife Cate Blanchett’s tour of Morocco. Story number two is about a deaf-dumb Japanese girl’s (Rinko Kikuchi) trapped-in-teenage years and her relationship with her father. Story number three is about Brad Pitt’s kids which he left behind in California while on the trip to Morocco. Story number four includes a poor Middle Eastern family. The movie starts with an unknown Middle Eastern guy walking through deserted place in the middle of somewhere carrying a bag. He walks to this shepherd and hands over the bag. The shepherd’s got two kids who hike the sheep. Then we see the accident. Things happen. It’s for you to find out how and why.

Mr. Inarritu has a pretty sharp picture here. But I had to compare it with the brilliant Amores Perros and a little less interesting 21 Grams. His direction is perhaps the best thing that happened to Babel. he still fascinates with those images and ability to surprise even when you see it coming. Few of his traits, if you have seen previous films, are very evident. Guitar based soundtrack ignites memories of Amores Perros. Babel’s writer, Mr. Arriaga, this time has connected lives spread over the earth. Quite interesting the way connections are made. In the times of terrorism the accident has its own effects over the world. This tale has done a good justice to authenticity of the after effects.

Gael Garcia Bernal was impressive as usual. It was a good experience to see him after The Motorcycle Diaries (2004). Brad and Cate make a good pair trapped in agony. Least makeup helps them with a different look. Rinko Kikuchi's' don’t-give-a-damn teenage girl was also very effective. Very good performance. the facial expressions were pulled together nicely. Inarritu did a good job to put the audience in her shoes, say for instance the scene in the club.

In the end this did arouse some curiosity but the explanations by the writer might give a little jitter as to, hm ok I have seen that before in writer director Stephen Gaghan's Syriana (2005).
Rating: 5/10