While the characters alone might seem a bit overdone in independent cinema, the casting was perfect, allowing for the actors to really bring their roles to life. The first scene with the entire family together is an example of how well the actors work, not only for their individual roles, but also as a collective cast. They are around the dinner table and their dysfunctionality as a family is exposed by showing the random intricacies of each character. A simple glance or shrug accompanied with the right tone of voice makes this family unit believable. They aren’t the hokey, cheesed-out, everyone gets along, dream family. But they are far from the over-the-top, dramarama, unbelievable, everyone hates each other a little too much family either. There is the right amount of camaraderie and disgust to make the Hoovers a realistic American family.
While a little unlikely, this ensemble cast really pulls it off. Greg Kinnear may take his “Nine Steps To Success” a little too seriously, telling his daughter, “Don’t apologize. It’s a sign of weakness,” or his suicidal brother-in-law, “Sarcasm is the refuge of losers.” But he finds vulnerability in humanity that might allow for loss to actually make you a winner. Toni Collette is the mother who has a strong desire to protect and keep her family together, all the while harboring a little resentment toward them as well. And man, can she look angry! Alan Arkin is the crazy grandpa who either had too many life experiences or not enough and so gives some unique advice to his family. Abigail Breslin (yes, she is thecute little girl who stole the show in Signs) is naively adorable but not without dignity, which is hard for a 7-year-old who wants to be a beauty queen.
Two actors outshine the rest, perhaps because their characters are the most alienated. Paul Dano doesn’t say a single word for most of the movie. Once he does start talking, he still doesn’t say much. But then, his eyes are so expressive he doesn’t need to. He nails what it is to be a teenage boy with contempt for his family and longing so much to get away. But Dano isn’t a downer. No, he is a very, very funny young actor.
Article comments
1 - Rohan Venkat
You've convinced me....although now I've to find a place to watch it...
2 - Lisa McKay
I'm really glad to hear that you liked this, Erin. We saw a trailer not too long ago, and seeing this is definitely on my to-do list.
3 - -E
Oh it is worth driving hours to go see. I've actually already seen it twice and will probably go see again. I honestly cannot wait until it is on DVD and I can own this sunshiney goodness.
4 - Jeff Gill
I'll be seeing it next weekend at the latest. I already thought I'd like it and now I'm convinced I will.
5 - -E
Jeff, you should see it tomorrow. Seriously, whatever you have planned can change.
6 - Jeff Gill
*looks at wallet*
Heh, pretty sure I'm not seeing it till next week :P
Looking forward to it though, I plan on bringing some friends.
7 - -E
Go mow a lawn or something for the money.
8 - Triniman
Does anyone know the music that was playing when the family first boarded the VW van at home? It's familiar but I didn't see it on the soundtrack.
9 - Casey
Great review, though I disagree with Carrell being the best. I found him to be the weakest of the cast, although that could have been because his character was so different from the rest.
What'd you think of Collette?
10 - -E
I want to have as good of an angry face as Collette. She was good, but most of the flicks I have seen with her in them have a good performance so hers, to me, didn't stand out as much as the others. But then, I've seen the others in some more fluffy movies in the past (the fluffy ones Collette has been in haven't really appealed to me).
11 - Stephen V Funk
I think the music you heard as they left on the road trip was an instrumental rendition of "Chicago" by Sufjan Stevens. (from his "Illinois(e)" album.)
Great movie. I hope somehow it manages to win some Oscars...