Preview: Sunshine Cleaning (2009)

• Poster: D; C

Review:

Highlighting the cast and nothing else can work in certain circumstances, but not here. The cheery motif will only serve to push more esoteric viewers away and isn't likely to appeal to the average moviegoer.

Heaving the title around is inventive, though not original and while it's supposed to represent cleaning up a crime scene, it's very plain and inexpressive. The overall look of the poster is too sparse.

• Trailer: B+

Review:

There is a small amount of charm to this film, mostly revolving around a scene late in the trailer. Emily Blunt looks in fine form and even Amy Adams looks better than she has in other recent efforts. Only Alan Arkin looks out of place, reprising his role from Little Miss Sunshine it seems.

Oscar Prospects:

I'm quite surprised this film hasn't gotten more talk. It certainly looks like a Little Miss Sunshine-styled comedy, but it's been virtually absent from any Oscar talk this year. Maybe it's lack of official release date within 2008 has something to do with that.

Release Date:

• March 13, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (October 12, 2008) Original

-Wesley Lovell (April 12, 2009) New Poster; New Release Date (changed from 2008)