June 19, 2009 -- “Sunshine Cleaning” is one of those nice little independent films about ordinary people trying to make a living on the margins of society. Except for the setting, it is a lot like a European film in that the subjects of the film are not extraordinary people. The film has some similarities to “Little Miss Sunshine” in title, humor, subject matter and cast. Both films feature the fine character actor Alan Arkin, a child actor in a prominent role and stories about the strength of families. The difference between these two films is that “Sunshine Cleaning” is the more realistic of the two. “Little Miss Sunshine” has a wilder storyline and more outlandish characters. You can think of “Sunshine Cleaning” as a more serious, toned down film, but no less funny despite that fact.

The versatile Amy Adams (“Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day”) stars as Rose Lorkowski. She is looking for more money for her son's schooling when Oscar (Jason Spevack) is kicked out of a public school for disruptive behavior. Rose wisely rejects the recommendation of school administrators to put her son a regimen of mood-altering drugs. Her married boyfriend, Mac, a cop (Steve Zahn of “Rescue Dawn”) suggests she start working on a crime scene cleanup crew. In addition to shootings, murders and suicides, such crews also clean houses where people's bodies have been undiscovered for some time, causing odors and other damage. Rose and her ne're-do-well sister, Norah (Emily Blunt of “Charlie Wilson's War”) start working on a cleanup crew, then decide to go into business for themselves when they see how much money there is to be made.

They buy a van and equipment and eventually start learning the ropes of the business, aided by a kindly crime scene cleanup storekeeper, Winston (Clifton Collins Jr. of “Capote”). Norah and Rose have never had a good relationship, but their new business seems to bring them closer together and they are making good money for a change. This is the kind of movie where good things like this don't last, so you have to expect a change of fortune, but fortunately it isn't anything tragic, nothing that a family that sticks together can't overcome. Also in the mix is Norah and Rose's father, Joe (Alan Arkin of “Little Miss Sunshine”). Joe is supportive of his daughters, but has spent his whole life pursuing ill-fated get-rich-quick schemes. He is also supportive of his grandson, Oscar. He knows that Oscar is not a conventional kid, but is a lot smarter than his teachers at school think he is. This film is both funny and moving. It focuses on how families can provide strength in times of need. This film rates a B.

Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in digital formats, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

Copyright © 2009 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.

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