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Joined: 23/6/2006
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Director: Christine Jeffs
Screenwriter: Megan Holley
Starring:Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Alan Arkin, Steve Zahn, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Clifton Collins Jr.
Synopsis
In order to raise the tuition to send her young son to private school, single mom Rose Lorkowski (Adams) starts an unusual business -- a biohazard removal/crime scene clean-up service -- with her unreliable sister Norah (Blunt).
Review
Following the critically acclaimed success of the over-rated Little Miss Sunshine, the producers have come up with a new project, in which they use the word "sunshine". You might think the producers are not ones for imaginative titles. However, this film is not to be underestimated.
Based on the 2001 National Public Radio "All Things Considered" report, Megan Holley's script explores the inner-workings of cleaning up environments following crime scenes. This is what gives Sunshine Cleaning its dark sense of humour as we follow the two sisters, who are quite opposite to one another, going through this nasty business for the first time.
While it has its funny moments, the film works well for drama thanks the internal struggles of both Rose and Norah. Rose is an uptight single mum who many see her as a typical maid, as well as going through an affair with a sleazy detective, played by Steve Zahn. As for Norah, she is basically the boozer of the family who is not only the screw-up but the one who is more connected to her family. When these two opposites are together, you will both laugh and even shed a tear.
Even though the film is heartwarming, director Christine Jeffs surprisingly doesn't shy away from the grittiness that the story incorporates, as there are horrid images of blood and biohazard chemicals roaming around in used homes, as well as strong emotional scenes that are quite tough. Unlike Little Miss Sunshine, this is more grounded in reality, due to the grittiness and realistic deptiction of the characters.
While its screenplay has to be given credit, Sunshine Cleaning also stands out as an actors' film, due to the central performances by Amy Adams and Emily Blunt. While she's great doing fluffy roles, Adams is convincing a struggling single mum trying to fit in with a more upper-class world. Without a doubt, Emily Blunt is an indie girl at heart as in this, she brilliantly makes her character funny and tragic and is not seen as an annoyance through out.
As for supporting performances, Alan Arkin as the sisters' cranky father does provide the laughs when it comes to scenes with Rose's son, but doesn't bring any importance overall. 24's Mary Lynn Rajskub plays a key character in a subplot, which is supposed to explore a lot more of Norah's past and personality. It is obvious what the writer was trying to, but this is just one character too many. Still, Blunt is the scene-stealer of the film.
Verdict
Now here's a dramedy that has more of a touch of darkness than Little Miss Sunshine, with the acception of terrific performances.
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Printable Version
Sunshine Cleaning - 
) whilst Arkin is as dependable as always and Zahn is strong if underused. There's humour and drama in equal measure and a superb premise.... maybe not as good as Lil Miss Sunshine, but a terrific antidote to Transformers: Salvation 
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