MOVIE REVIEW
SUNSHINE CLEANING
Sunshine Cleaning makes good use of its metaphorically enhanced title. Focussing on two sisters entering the crime-scene cleaning business, their unsettled familial issues show how their various messy tensions need to be tidied. If the popular CSI TV franchise has made crime investigations sexy, then Sunshine Cleaning would surely do the opposite with a realism giving them an edge over those immaculately coifed detectives.
Single mother Rose (Amy Adams) does her best to raise her son O
scar (Jason Spevack). Working as a maid and attempting to handle her wayward sister Norah (Emily Blunt), her life seems to have drifted into monotony. This is further underscored with her relationships with married high-school sweetheart Mac (Steve Zahn) and lonely father Joe (Alan Arkin). After Oscar is expelled from his school, she decides to change careers to that of a crime-scene cleaner. Enlisting Norah's help, Rose's entry into a new world forces both to reflect on the past and eradicate the vestiges of previous turmoils.
Examining the notions of regret and reconciliation, Sunshine Cleaning explores how both are resolved. This is smartly presented by director Christine Jeffs who uses the slightest premise to naturally connect with its characters. As the sisters slowly learn the basics of their job, their eagerness in 
helping loved ones left behind by tragedy allows them to heal old wounds both have chosen to bury. Expressing these emotions effectively whilst enjoying the odd moments of black humour, the small cast add authenticity to the material only occasionally hamstrung by artificial sentiment.
Fascinating is how the deathly venture gives them strength to further their lives. This comes across clearly in their sadness at their mother's passing whilst as children which 
affected their sense of self-worth. Rose especially finds it difficult to accept that she is better than she believes and has to unburden herself of the weight of responsibility. These issues may sound like a downbeat route to comedy but the performances are so strong that the balance between light and shade is well maintained.
Usually used as a counter-programming measure against massive blockbusters, smaller films like Sunshine Cleaning bring relief to hyped monoliths. Maybe not quite as emotionally engaging as it could have been, it has some depth other comedies sorely lack.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 6
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Sunshine Cleaning Homepage click here.
Sunshine Cleaning released in Australia on Thursday 05 June 2009.
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Sunshine Cleaning Patrick Moore's
Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
scar (Jason Spevack). Working as a maid and attempting to handle her wayward sister Norah (Emily Blunt), her life seems to have drifted into monotony. This is further underscored with her relationships with married high-school sweetheart Mac (Steve Zahn) and lonely father Joe (Alan Arkin). After Oscar is expelled from his school, she decides to change careers to that of a crime-scene cleaner. Enlisting Norah's help, Rose's entry into a new world forces both to reflect on the past and eradicate the vestiges of previous turmoils.
Examining the notions of regret and reconciliation, Sunshine Cleaning explores how both are resolved. This is smartly presented by director Christine Jeffs who uses the slightest premise to naturally connect with its characters. As the sisters slowly learn the basics of their job, their eagerness in 
helping loved ones left behind by tragedy allows them to heal old wounds both have chosen to bury. Expressing these emotions effectively whilst enjoying the odd moments of black humour, the small cast add authenticity to the material only occasionally hamstrung by artificial sentiment.
Fascinating is how the deathly venture gives them strength to further their lives. This comes across clearly in their sadness at their mother's passing whilst as children which 
affected their sense of self-worth. Rose especially finds it difficult to accept that she is better than she believes and has to unburden herself of the weight of responsibility. These issues may sound like a downbeat route to comedy but the performances are so strong that the balance between light and shade is well maintained.
Usually used as a counter-programming measure against massive blockbusters, smaller films like Sunshine Cleaning bring relief to hyped monoliths. Maybe not quite as emotionally engaging as it could have been, it has some depth other comedies sorely lack.Movie Review Rating out of 10: 6
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Sunshine Cleaning Homepage click here.
Sunshine Cleaning released in Australia on Thursday 05 June 2009.
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Sunshine Cleaning Patrick Moore's
Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
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