Filmmaker reacts to Little Miss Sunshine (2006) for the FIRST TIME!

[@magicbrownie1357]

I was surprised by how this film was both dark and light, funny and serious. Great balance and terrific acting all around.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Brilliant writing right there!

[@bomamba9402]

Back in 9th grade, my girlfriend of the time brought up this movie, and I cut her off and said OMG that movie is so funny (thinking of the stuck horn) and she was very taken aback, and said "I was gonna say its so sad..." (she was thinking of the grandpa) So to your point...Absolutely.

[@serralinda73]

What I love about the setting/art production of this movie is it's dedication to depicting a realistic, middle-class family. The condition of the house, their clothes, the barely-functioning VW bus, the hotel, the gas station, the hospital, the pageant venue - all of it looks like ordinary, real-life places. These aren't movie sets - they're locations anyone might have seen, been to, live in, and the characters wear regular clothes you might buy at Target or Walmart or whatever cheap department store you shop at when your paycheck needs to stretch pretty far but you need a new t-shirt or pair of sneakers. Olive looks and acts her age. Everyone's a little tired, worn out, depressed, crazy, on edge but they're trying very hard for each other to keep that "life sucks" shit under control. And they love each other, clearly, but don't say it, show it, or even think it nearly as often as we all should - because life becomes a routine and we forget about those things until something really bizarre snaps us out of it. but the art/design/costume depts really, really grounded this story in reality, which makes everything else feel very relatable and nostalgic and cringy and comfortable. This movie is a real gem and it did not get nearly enough attention when it came out.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Great comment! I agree!

[@Persephone_Personified]

This is literally one of the most profound KZbin comments I’ve ever seen. You’re awesome random KZbin person. ♥️

[@victoriac4317]

Love this movie. Paul Dano’s scene finding out about his colour blindness gives me chills and breaks my heart every time!

[@daviddobson477]

100% agree, that scene shows how great his acting skills are.

[@lavenderllamamusic]

Every time! His screams are so primal, you can't help but feel his pain

[@roems6396]

@@daviddobson477 He really is a phenomenal actor.

[@ZackE2541]

I think it hits so hard for me personally as I wish I had that passion and drive for something that motivated me day in and out. Seeing someone who has that passion stripped from them in an instant is all the more heart breaking to watch.

[@gilly_axolotl]

​@@lavenderllamamusicprimal screams are a specialty of Paul dano I feel like 😂

[@mrkelso]

As James said, the writing is brilliant, and won the Oscar for best screenplay, for a first-time scriptwriter no less. Also won an Oscar for Alan Arkin, and the whole cast won the Best Ensemble award at the SAGs. It's a movie that aims high and sticks the landing. No wonder so many quality actors wanted to be a part of it.

[@davidbowman2001]

Alan Arkin’s chicken rant is some of the funniest shit ever, the delivery is so perfect lol.

[@alwayzchillin0714]

Greg Kinnear who plays Richard is massively underrated as an actor imo. The guys got range.

[@krissiep1317]

Loved him in Mystery Men!

[@christinehyde5448]

He was great in As Good As It Gets too

[@la_beatrice]

Yes. He's excellent.

[@codybrown3326]

My favorite role of his is Ghost Town alongside Ricky Gervaise.

[@VoluntaryistJapan]

Totally.

[@impossiblyindecisive]

That scene when Paul Dano screams is the scene that really hit me the first time I watched this. My father has a similar personality, I had a close grandma that passed, and found out, at a similar time, that I could not have my dream job because of a medical condition. It was oddly comforting seeing someone handling it in the same way i did. This will always be the slice of life movie that sticks closest to me.

[@Alex-hm7nt]

Small detail, I really like how they made Miss California relatable and that she didn't buy into the ridiculousness of these shows

[@solaris263]

Oh my god, this is such a lovely film, it’s always stayed with me. Regardless of the many famous faces, they all disappear into their roles. I hope you enjoyed this one~!💓

[@JamesVSCinema]

Great way of saying this! Had an absolute blast 🤘🏽

[@victorias1227]

I'm not normally somebody who talks back to the screen, but when you started talking about how are they gonna end this I immediately said started monologuing "OH DON'T YOU WORRY, HONEY, [spoiler-free reassurances]" as if you were in the room 😂 . Happy your reaction to the group dance had the same energy as my reaction to remembering it! Thanks for your reaction & reminding me of this gem, really takes me back.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hahhahaha that’s hilarious. Loved how this ended xD

[@rontheron4807]

Fully agree that the movie is an analysis goldmine as far as locations go, especially for audiences that are not American! First watched it when I was in middle school, and knew very little of America outside of pop culture, and man does it perfectly capture so much of the country that I was not then able to see in the media,

[@solezeta1314]

3:44 Funny you should mention Horton Hears a Who, cuz Steve Carrell literally voiced the Mayor

[@JamesVSCinema]

That’s hilarious hahaha

[@guen4413]

One of my FAVORITE movies of all time. Both heart-warming and heart-breaking, hilarious, meaningful, incredible acting, incredible writing, great cast, all the wonderful things. And I love Steve Carell in dramatic roles. And I love Paul Dano period. I love them as a duo in this movie. I'm glad you liked it! Edit: Also, being a huge Breaking Bad fan, imagine my surprise when both Bryan Cranston AND Dean Norris show up! Pre-Breaking Bad too

[@phemyda94]

The movie has one of the best casts of all time. Every single one of these actors gives a flawless performance.

[@ThALobo996]

Holy crap I just finished watching this movie an hour ago and then your reaction shows up that’s awesome such an incredible film!!!

[@JamesVSCinema]

We are in sync my g!

[@ThALobo996]

@@JamesVSCinema I know that’s right 🤘🏼

[@LordVolkov]

In terms of location/setting - The rolling set of the beat-up, dying VW yellow bus is very much its own character as well as the primary setting for much of the movie. Everyone being packed into a small space gave them great blocking, angles and framing to capture the family, as well as providing challenges to overcome in terms of plot. It also juxtaposes Grandpa, as he is also dying, but goes quickly and peacefully while the bus sputters to a slow death. Also interesting to note that the broken horn starts after Grandpa dies 😇

[@ThomasSoles]

Such a great film. Was not expecting the roller coaster of beautiful moments and heartbreak.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Reminds me of of Magnolia alittle bit!

[@jayge17]

This movie can be classified as a datk comedy, but simultaneously has some of the sweetest moments ever put to film. And it's blended perfectly, as I think the closing shot represents, that ridiculous horn blowing, but with happy music in the background at the same time! Great reaction to an amazing film James!

[@mellysomethingclever]

I LOVE how excited James was at the pageant scene with Olives performance. That’s literally how I felt when I first watched it. The dad totally redeemed himself in that moment, and Olive killed her performance. Grandpa had moves. I feel like James would be the dopest to chill with. He’d always encourage your weirdness, and more than likely partake in it. We need more of it. Also shout out to him for having Olives back so hard. She really is so dope.

[@JamesVSCinema]

We love genuine people here!

[@solezeta1314]

"A loss is never really a loss unless you allow it to be. I sound like him now." That was both heartfelt and funny coming from you, James

[@talicecue]

so happy to see u reacted to this, one of my comfort films for sure. also, so sad hearing Alan Arkin (grandpa) died :(

[@marennicholson5444]

My grandfather also found out he was colorblind when he showed up for his medical exam at the Air Force. He went on to be a professional baseball player. I beyond love this movie.

[@BValt123]

Hey man, just finished your video and I love your reaction. Wasn't just a meaningless reaction video. You broke it down and I enjoyed it.

[@marilynman]

The thing about the horn is very hilarious to me because it happened to both my father and me when we where going somewhere in a Volkswagen Beetle 1990. Everybody where looking at us on a busy street until my father pulled over on a parking lot and disconnected the damn thing. The problem was that the mechanism that connects the wheel to the axis is made of copper rings that are in constant friction, and we noticed the wheel making a weird noise and some "cables" out of the joint between the wheel and axis. The rings where disintegrated by wear out to the point that only cables like noodles remained, and that's why they where making contact. Anyway, I'm so relatable to that scene XD

[@wordstowordlessthings]

commentary-wise, it's so great how the pageant people are horrified by Olive's dancing yet unbothered by all the other little sexy, tanned robot girls

[@cripplermaximus]

When grandpa says he’s proud of frank, and frank dismisses, then accepts it…man underrated acting.

[@hashtagPoundsign]

I love this film! Everyone has their breaking point then, the others support them in some way. And it doesn’t have a neat ending, but it ends perfectly. As for location, the home is established as a place they all happen to live but seem distracted from each other. The bus is fantastic because they only have each other. And each stop they make gives a little more about their dynamic. Finally the pageant, an unfamiliar and otherworldly experience for them. Such a great film. Thanks for the commentary!

[@Scotsmanthebedbug]

This movie got me through so many hard times I was 13 when this came out. I was battling depression, self mutilation etc. I was an outcast. Im grateful this film was made

[@mystictree8438]

Thank you for reacting to this film. Very few do and this is one of my favorites. Paul Dano and Toni Collette, how could you go wrong? They're both so dynamic. This movie has great re-watchability. So many laughs. Love your energy and how you dig deep. You're an old soul, I appreciate your style.

[@beefjezos2713]

Great reaction. Reactions like this and “Robot and Frank” are what really sets this channel apart. Even if I cant convince my actual friends to take a chance on these movies, i can at least count on you lol

[@JamesVSCinema]

This comment rocks. 🤘🏽

[@SereneSSBeam]

This is my favorite movie of all time 😊

[@JamesVSCinema]

I can see why, it’s pretty fire

[@irenephillips1523]

Same

[@Thyrwyn]

this is truly remarkable film. just the memory of how I felt at the end of it is enough to make me smile and feel better. Great cast, great writing, And you really have no idea where it's going until it gets there. the ending is incredibly redemptive.

[@jmonkeysf]

In terms of setting not only does it look great and function well for the story but I always love how the camper van can be seen as a symbol of the family as a whole. It’s falling apart but because of that it brings the family together through pushing it along which is the first moment of ‘having fun’ we see. At the same time it’s only because of the failure of Richard’s business, the grandpas death, Dwayne’s colour blindness and Olive being thrown out of the competition that we see the family come together and actually support each other and show each other love. Everyone’s just barely hanging on but they can all move forward together.

[@carolinefiorentini3233]

I like how the plainness of the locations helps us to relate to the characters. Especially the hospital scene, on a sunna day, in a plain waiting room. So relatable.

[@amandaleberman7473]

Its about time you saw this! I had a feeling you were going to love this... not only the story itself but the filming as well. 😊

[@moviemaniac14]

Let's go! My ALL TIME favorite film! The fact that this masterpiece was accomplished by a first time writer and a first time directing duo should give everyone hope that it's possible to start off strong, even on your first project. I've seen over three thousand films, but this one to me is the most special.

[@mustdestroyman]

I lived in the town where they filmed the second half of this movie. It always reminds me of home. The geographical consistency is also impressive. The places they drove to were basically connected the way the movie shows. The external shots of the hotel were filmed at the same place as the internal shots. Movies don't do that enough

[@mustdestroyman]

Ventura, CA

[@TruckingInABlueDream]

The pier, Promenade, and the old Holiday Inn. When the hotel is first seen, they were on the sweeping southbound 101 on ramp, and I think the final shot was somewhere on 126.

[@lefdee]

This movie is a giant setup to a punchline that can be as dark as you want to think. I love it

[@tovbyte]

I love this movie! Steve Carrell and Tony Collette actually did another indie movie together called “The way, way back”. It’s similarly good and heartwarming. I highly recommend it

[@KMM-kx2yn]

I think this was the first serious movie I saw as a kid, it created a core memory or something idk bc every time i see it, it makes me think of playing halo 2 with my best friend and falling down on my skateboard.

[@HaloOfSun]

I jusr watched this movie for the first time in 10 years and it still struck a chord with me. They all tend to view each other as "losers" but Olive represents what it means to chase a dream. And not giving up on them despite possible failure. Such a beautiful film.

[@jemimaleach144]

I love this film and your commentary was fantastic! I don't know if you have ever seen the film Billy Elliot (2000) but I think you would really like it since you liked Little Miss Sunshine. Both are very heart-warming films about a child following their dreams and how that effects their family dynamic. Also Billy Elliot is predominately set in this small British mining town during the 80s which I think is interesting to look at from a location standpoint and I'd love to hear your thoughts. Anyways, keep up the good work!

[@maggieshevelew7579]

One of the best characters of this film is the VW bus with the dying horn. Just hilarious, and knowing lots of VW owners, not an uncommon thing. This movie takes the smallest details and just runs with them. Love it!

[@steffurness]

I love how often your movie choices are "off the beaten the track," but still "on point" and currently relevant. This movie, in my mind, lives in a box next to I Heart Huckabees and Dinner for Schmucks. I also love your "going in blind" approach, so I won't expand on that thought, but I do hope they're somewhere on your radar.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Thank you!! Gotta give it up to the Patreon community. They’ve been killing it and we always get a diverse selection!

[@williamclarke3162]

I discovered Little Miss Sunshine last year and I LOVED IT on first watch and it grew more and more for me due to the writing, acting (maybe the best ensemble of 2006; sorry Departed) and direction. Each of the family member is so flawed yet they all come together for the little girl and the ending is one of my favorites for how heartwarming it is. Also interesting time to be a Steve Carrell fan looking backconsidering how The Office was starting to become popular

[@LordVolkov]

I only knew him from his Apatow movies before this and his performance here blew me away. Great comedians can always crush drama.

[@baileybrian9560]

i love this movie! the dance scene is my favorite lol

[@JamesVSCinema]

in the uncut I bust a move, not gonna lie

[@cpmahon]

Originally I only watched this film by sheer chance and I knew nothing about it. If I had known what the basic premise of the film was before watching it, I probably wouldn't have bothered. However, I'm so pleased that I did watch it. The characters and their development are great and it has such a good and unexpected story. Thanks as ever for the reaction, I enjoyed and appreciated it.

[@HaganeNoGijutsushi]

If your transformative road trip didn't end with your whole family banned forever from the state you visited, did you *really* give it your all?

[@RagingRaven88]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for making a video about this film. It's hands down my favorite and I'm so happy you used your platform to showcase it.

[@LordVolkov]

The cast! My goodness! Breslin and Dano in their early career, Carrell doing drama and crushing it, Collette is always fantastic, and Alan freaking Arkin at his old man best! You definitely need to see some young Alan Arkin. I highly recommend the original The In-Laws 🐍

[@orangeslices990]

Each character has their own vice and insecurities, which I love. The perfection of an unperfect family. 💛

[@destinymormance181]

Absolutely love this movie, and I absolutely love your reactions😊

[@JamesVSCinema]

Ayyyy cheers!! Thanks for the love Destiny 🥰

[@destinymormance181]

@James VS Cinema Really tho, "Linda!" had me crackin up 🤣

[@jeannichols2459]

it is a fantastic movie. Felt the same as you the first time I saw it. Shows family bonds, even though our family members are all individuals and if we weren't related we probably wouldn't even be interested in becoming friends lol, the family bond connects us and teaches us to love one another. beautiful film.

[@daninervo5717]

Such a feel good movie, young Paul Dano is amazing and very relatable when i was 16 when this came out lmao. Love that you react to so many movies outside of the same batch that all the other reactors watch! pls consider reacting to Locke for the Location theme 🙂💖

[@laurakali6522]

To watch Paul Dano’s career from this movie to now has been so awesome. Cool guy and great actor.

[@krisfrederick5001]

"Every night it's the f*cking chicken! Holy God Almighty! Is it possible just once we could get something to eat for dinner around here that's not the goddamned f*cking chicken??" -Grandpa This movie is absolutely hysterical James...I love Steve when he's not being purposely silly, but placed in comedic situations sometimes even more. Watch "Dan in Real Life."

[@curtisbailey78]

When everyone in the 2000's was falling over themselves about comedies like Old School, this kind of comedy right here is my jam. I adore the heart of this movie while it manages to be 100% more hilarious than the Anchormans of the world.

[@raviamodernepic]

Love this movie; it came out right as I started watching movies on my own. The relationship the viewer builds with each character blew me away.

[@OmegaReactor]

I always love hearing your takes on a technical aspect of things but you also have a chill way of talking about film in a fun way that makes it seem approachable which I appreciate. You're doing a great job man. Edit- I've never actually seen this movie before but one thing that really stood out to me was the way color grading and saturation was influencing characters internal thoughts and feelings, it was cool to notice.

[@dahliaherrod4301]

I adore this film. It's so sweet. Everyone brought their A game. Anytime I see it playing, I watch. There's always something new to focus on and enjoy. It's always a pleasure watching others react to it for the first time.

[@DennisFeinsteinCEO]

This movie is sheer brilliance. I love this one so much 💜

[@sinnesbild]

thank you for reacting to this movie, loved it since it came out and it never gets old!

[@joannwoodworth8920]

Great observations regarding the cinematography and set design. Thanks, James. 👍🏼

[@JuliesWorldCrochet]

Location absolutely plays a part here - that van is its own character

[@margaretbarnes2753]

Fantastic choice right here!....Grandpa was something else lol... Olive's personality and determination was Everything ....even the Scooby Doo van had a piece of the fun ...Great review as always.

[@timriehl1500]

LOL, "What in the Breaking Bad is going on here?" Made me laugh so hard; couldn't wait for you to recognize the motorcycle cop!

[@st0n3p0ny]

Loved it!... Orange County man, it's right up your alley. Jack Black movie that nobody has touched (and it's one of his best performances).

[@sntxrrr]

This is just one of those movies that leaves you with warm fuzzy feelings.

[@Ian-lx1iz]

Hahaha - great reaction, James. Loved it - and so glad you got to _this_ one. I like to reference this movie, whenever I'm asked about my family. "Have you ever seen _Little Miss Sunshine?_ " I ask. "My family was the exact opposite" lol

[@Shannon-K619]

Never clicked a reaction so fast- one of my absolute favs and so glad to see your reaction! Would love to see you react to peanut butter falcon- one of my top favs!

[@JamesVSCinema]

What a pleasure this was...the writing is brilliant! Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great day!

[@williamkerner3758]

OK James, watch "Sunshine Cleaning" (2008). It has Albuquerque, Great Actors including Alan Arkin, and the word "sunshine" in the title. And you WILL dig it. I promise.

[@EShelby2127]

The woman pageant official, who deserves to slip on a banana peel (actress Beth Grant - who also played Carla Jen's mother in No Country for Old Men)... karma arrives in the intro to "Six Feet Under" - My favorite! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z327poGme5uBjMk

[@meghanmonroe]

Have you seen "I Heart Huckabees"? It's another all-star cast directed by David O. Russell. It's real quirky and funny, and entirely underrated.

[@barbaramunich5670]

This is my favorite film of all time, and there are no reactions to it on KZbin, I'm so glad you reacted to it

[@jeannichols2459]

Wow I am so impressed by your wisdom. Any child you have will be blessed with you as their father. You got your priorities right man.

[@JamesVSCinema]

This comment ♥️♥️♥️ seriously thank you. Genuinely excited for that time to come!

[@A24addict]

My family and I found this film randomly at a video store and absolutely fell in love with it when we all watched it. Also just wanted to mention I'm a huge fan of the channel James, keep it up bro! Don't know if you'll get a chance to watch anytime soon, but a film this past year that completely surprised me was an Irish film called The Quiet Girl. It's a slow and simple story, but has gorgeous cinematography, a beautiful score, and creeps up on you emotionally the more the film goes on. Would highly recommend

[@Miika_Hakalahti]

Truly one of the best feel-good movies out there and a reaction to it by the best feel-good reactor on youtube. Wonderful stuff. Also the soundtrack to this movie by Devotchka is the shit. It never fails to cheer me up.

[@hellogoodbyeandallinbetween]

A lot of people miss Richard's arc but you nailed it perfectly. He definitely had to lose in order to grow.

[@garvabboz]

I love this movie.. It's the last movie I watched with my mother before she died it brings back great memories of us both laughing at life.

[@camryneicher564]

Wow one of my top 10 favorite films. Love that you reacted to this movie and I love your content brother keep it up!

[@Sudenkorentoinen]

ohh dang!! i love this movie, glad you enjoyed it! such a gem

[@Deeplycloseted435]

What I always take away from this film, is that no matter what your dream is, it usually fails......and if you do get there, its never as good as you thought it would be, or it was sold to you as.

[@JamesVSCinema]

All about the journey. Honestly. Who cares about winning or losing when you’re going after what you love. At some point whether you’re at the top or bottom, eventually there’s an F it moment. That’s freedom right there.

[@ShivasIrons22]

Really enjoyed your take on this wonderful film. Great job.

[@Bunny_Aoife]

love this movie, one of my all time favourites, happy to see you react to it

[@kayacarmen]

love that movie so much & love your reaction :)

[@giorgia5851]

The soundtrack too is amazing. It perfectly fits the mood.

[@jeffbassin630]

A totally wonderful film! Very glad that you enjoyed it!

[@Hugmungus]

Going to have to check out Sunshine Cleaning soon, has a very similar vibe, setting, and even some of the same producers. New Mexico for the setting and it deals with similar themes, but is a little darker (in stark contrast to the name and environment).

[@sherigrow6480]

Yes!

[@sllimjimsinkhole]

This movie title alone gets me emotional. The day my mom had a stroke my brother and I sat on the couch wondering if she was going to pull through and watched this movie. My brother and I aren't that close, so it's one of my favorite memories with him. We just cried and let it go. Thankfully it's been over 10 years since then and my mom is doing amazing, but what a special and powerful movie of love and family.

[@jmuench420]

Glad to see you get to another great movie, this is among my favorites. It's also an easy movie to recommend to most people, which I can't say about most of my favorites.

[@BemkyWatchesBuffy]

bro i had a terrible night and im drunk and this just made me cry for 20 min and i think i feel better.. love this movie so much

[@joelnoo]

Yeeeessss thank you for always watching banging movies!!

[@Bennyboypwns]

This movie is a perfect balance in comedy and tragedy and I think they ended it perfectly. Might make my top 10 on a good day.

[@taylorfillenwarth]

This is one of the few movies my sister and I agree on. We’ve watched it so many times, and it never gets old!

[@THEvagabond29]

Filmed right here in Albuquerque, i have a lot of friends who work in the movie industry as security, locations, catering... i love hearing their stories.

[@forestrot666]

This was my pickle prize that I won on Christmas 2006 via 16 yrs old. Paul Dano gal right here. I was obsessed with him after this. He made me feel some crazy things in 'There Will Be Blood'. Also Steve did a fanastic job in his role.

[@dunkyvslife7447]

Thanks man, was starting to have second thoughts about my hit man career but you're right, as long as I enjoy it "have no regrets". Thanks again!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hahaha go get them numbers

[@kingfield99]

Because you enjoyed this I'd also suggest checking out 'The way way back' from 2013.

[@jasmintrimble6554]

i was raised on this movie! i’ve seen it countless times and it never fails to make me laugh and cry.

[@mr.whatzittooya8339]

My sister used to work at a place where the parents of the director lived! Pretty cool!

[@GormKjeldsen]

This is a gem of a movie. 😊

[@belleb8177]

This is a film where nobody wins- and yet it’s a happy ending