Let me just offer a different viewpoint of the author's main points of outrage, the characters.
1. The grandpa: Yes, he is a heroin addict. But this isn't portrayed in a way to make him look glamorous or humorous, it makes him look pathetic. His death shows the consequences of his addiction, which is magnified by the fact that he isn't able to see Olive's performance. His addiction is also the result of being sent away to a nursing home, which I saw as a pretty strong indictment against those who want to pass off the burden of caring for their elders.
2. Frank (the gay brother): His obsession for his student is portrayed as pathetic and weird. Not once did I feel like I the directors were trying to elicit sympathy for his suicide attempt. And his sexuality was really in the background for most of the movie. He's much more memorable as the sarcastic professor type than the gay man.
3. The dad: He's unsuccessful, but it's also clear that he's highly driven and that he cares about his kids and wife. I didn't detect any subtle socio-political statements involved in his background, and I'm particularly perceptive of these things. His plight wasn't a dig against Big Business; his agent just couldn't get his program to sell. That happens in real life quite often.
4. The son: I'm amazed he's even mentioned. Here is a young man that wants to join the military, that's obviously trying to do whatever he thinks will help him, and this is seen as something bad? Yes, his training is a little weird, but it's all for the purpose of being able to go to the Air Force Academy. His parents even support his determination and his goal. Anyone who actually sees the film would understand completely why he goes "berserk," and would see his reaction as totally normal for a boy his age. I just can't believe that showing a kid with a zeal to become a pilot- WITH his family's support- is anything BUT Red State.
5. Olive: This one also eludes me. She's a very normal little girl...in fact, too normal for the beauty pageant. Her routine is provocative, but is nowhere near pornographic. Like other Freepers have mentioned, the whole point of her routine in the film is to expose the weirdness and absurdity of these child beauty pageants. Even still, it doesn't come close to pornography. Anyone who thinks it does should be advocating that ALL child beauty pageants be shut down as illegal sex shows.
There's no Red v. Blue in Little Miss Sunshine. It's clear that all the family members love each other, that they all want to help each other, and that they want to protect each other. You'd have to go into the movie actively looking for political slights to find any.
I agree that the characters aren't perfect and the family is dysfunctional at times. But that's how families are in reality, and that's what made me identify with them. Movies like this are a good way to get family values across to people who might skip the wholesome, "perfect family" movies out there. Not every family lives in abundance and perpetual peace. Not every kid is a perfectly behaved, well-adjusted individual. It's nice to see families like that, but sometimes its nice to see ones that resemble my own, too.
I don't there is anything evil when a movie recognizes that humanity is flawed. And I'd say there's a lot of good in a movie showing people that they can still do good, even if they are flawed. I suggest watching Little Miss Sunshine, if you haven't already. Leave the kids at home, go in with an open mind, and see if you like it.
If you do, you might thank me. If you don't, just complain to the manager and ask for your money back. That way, you won't be supporting Hollywood, AND you'll make a stronger point to the theater. Eight bucks handed back to the customer stings more than eight bucks that's never spent there.
Well said...
Sounds like half a dozen characters in search of a plot...
I seen the movie and is in 100% agreement with your review. My main complaint about the movie was just that it was depressing alot of the time. Kind of like "About Schmitt" or "As Good as it Gets" or "The Full Monty" they seem to only have bad things happen most of the time. The Granddad dies, the kid learns he can't go fly fighter jets, the father don't get the book deal, Olive don't win the beauty contest.
You still laugh at the funny parts but you leave the theater a little down.