Magpie and Muttonfly

For the love . . .

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For the love . . .

Sunshine Cleaning (2009)

5 April, 2009 by moi

sunshine_cleaning1Life’s a messy business. 

Rating: R (language, some disturbing images)

Genre: Drama – comedy

The verdict: Loved

The gist:Rose Lorkowski (Amy Adams) was a high school sweetheart – the cheerleading captain who dated the quarterback.  Now she is a single mother; the “other” woman.  When her son (Jason Spevack) is expelled from school, Rose realizes she needs more than what she makes as maid.  Following a suggestion by her lover (Steve Zahn), she starts a specialized cleaning service – Sunshine Cleaning.  Together she and her younger sister Norah (Emily Blunt) erase the traces of murders, suicides, and other unpleasantsituations while her son helps their father (Alan Arkin) on his get-rich-quick schemes.  Along the way they will realize that  life may be messy, it may not turn out as you had hoped, but with a little cheer – and a lot of work – it is worth the living.   

My take: Sunshine Cleaning is a charming story of life – and the beauty amid the ugliness.  The screenplay (Megan Holley) is bright and original – boasting just enough humor to get through the rough spots.  While there are themes aplenty, none of them are overplayed.  Christine Jeffs’ direction is deft and smooth – creating a film that is at once slice of life and entertaining.   To cap it all off, this film boasts a brilliant cast of actors and actresses.  Each fit his/her role perfectly – portraying characters that remain endearing, despite their flaws.  Clifton Collins, Jr., for instance, infuses pure heart into the character of Winston, the manager of the cleaning supply store.   He may be a minor character, but he is not easily forgotten.  Together the cast and crew prove it’s not what you have or haven’t that makes you great – it’s what you put into it.   

An aside:  In case you didn’t get it from the above review, I would highly recommend this film.  Being independent, it may be a bit harder to come by.  But take the time to seek it out – it will be worth the effort!

Posted in: Greatness Tagged: alan arkin, amy adams, clifton collins jr., emily blunt, movies, steve zahn, sunshine cleaning

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Magpie & Muttonfly is the place where I write about all the things that make our stories grand. Emphasis on me, myself, and I. Any review or recommendation posted on this site is solely my own {unless otherwise noted}. Occasionally you will find a link to Amazon.com. An eternal window shopper, I only list items that strike my fancy. Any time you click the link and proceed to make a purchase, I get a wee referral fee. You will not be charged more--but once or twice a year I earn enough to purchase a tin of my favorite tea. So I do thank you for that!

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