  
Sunshine CleaningMPAA Rating:
 for language, disturbing images, some sexuality and drug use.Reviewed by: Misty Wagner Extremely Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Adults
Genre:
Comedy, Crime
Length:
1 hr. 42 min.
Year of Release:
2009
USA Release:
April 3, 2009 (expansion—500 theaters)
March 27, 2009 (wide—250 theaters) March 20, 2009 (expansion—50 theaters) March 13, 2009 (limited—4 theaters)  
Relevant Issues
Drunkenness in the Bible About murder in the Bible Death in the Bible Adultery in the Bible SUICIDE—What does the Bible say? Answer If a Christian commits suicide, will they go to Heaven? Answer GAY—What’s wrong with being gay? Answer What about gays needs to change? Answer
“Life’s a messy business.” Rose Lorkowski (Amy Adams) cleans homes for a living. Miserably so, she attempts to include herself in the pace society keeps, but somehow continually gets left in the dust of the luxury automobiles racing past her. She finds herself stuck—stuck as a maid in Albuquerque, cleaning million dollar homes; stuck as a single mother who's son appears giftedly bright with no school willing to take the time to understand him—and lastly, stuck in a relationship with her high school sweetheart (Steve Zahn) who is now married to another woman. Rose wakes up every morning and recites positive affirmations to herself, in the bathroom mirror. She hopes for more, but settles for exactly what she has. Norah (Emily Blunt), Rose's younger sister, is stuck in entirely different ways—drugs, drinking and dead end jobs that she can't seem to keep… Both girls now adult products of a tragically dysfunctional childhood. When Rose finds herself needing money right away, she realizes that it's time to take the leap and strive for more. When she learns what kind of money can be made from bio-hazard removal and crime scene clean-up, she decides this is the stepping stone she needs to get where she is going. Recently unemployed, Norah pitches in reluctantly and thus, Sunshine Cleaning is born. “Sunshine Cleaning” is an honest portrayal of life. Its honesty isn't censored or candy-coated. Though endearing, poignant and sometimes funny, there are parts of this film that are not easily swallowed. There are difficult subjects from beginning to end including murder, suicide, homosexuality and adultery. There is heavy profanity scattered throughout the majority of this film, as well. Those easily offended should definitely not watch this movie. While this film was quite heavy in content, I truly enjoyed it. With every sub-plot line and character, I found myself appreciative of the story within the film. As these characters reached their lowest moments, and then found the courage to walk towards something better—I internally cheered. Life is hard, often ugly and always uncensored, and sometimes it's refreshing to see a film that is realistic and relatable. Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Extreme / Sex/Nudity: Moderate See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Comments below:
Positive
none Neutral
Neutral - Why is it that a movie that is so well done, with a very original, well-crafted story that is crystal clear to understand and appreciate, fantastic performances from two of our best actresses today, intelligently edited and with a pleasingly complex plot, needs to be so full of immoral elements? This is a terrific movie, but not for Christians. Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3 —Marcella, age 34 (USA) Negative
Negative - I thought the movie had a great premise. The cast appeared to be very good (Amy Adams, Alan Arkin, Emily Blunt). Ok - those were the good points of the movie. The characters themselves to be totally lacking in a moral compass. The two sisters can't even be honest with each other about their sleeping around. The plot itself is vague and left you with the feeling that the characters didn't change much. Where was the repentance for sleeping with a married man? The script seemed to end with "we ran out of money! quick wrap it up!". I was very disappointed. Movie Critics
…a smartly done morality tale… an offbeat and oddly endearing drama, leavened with just the right amount of comedy to even things out. …When it all comes together, you are left with a tableau of hope, humor and a truth-telling reality that is a salve for the recessionary soul. …You'll cheer this bold, fab film… sweet and appealing… Light but not insubstantial, charming without being glib, “Sunshine Cleaning” is a heartfelt and funny story of complicated family dynamics and life's bizarre twists. …Ironically, the film is great at creating this messy family but less successful in the cleanup. The ideas—of Rose and Norah growing closer, of this unlikely career bringing a sense of empowerment, and of this dirty job allowing them to help the hurting—are all provocative in theory. But in execution, these themes are all told more than shown.… …forces comparison to its wildly successful predecessor [“Little Miss Sunshine”] and comes up short in all departments.… Still, the film is in good measure saved by the leads, especially Adams, who proves once again what a sparkling, irresistible screen presence she has.… |
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