Sunshine Cleaning – Blu-ray Review
The Film:
The dead are messy, and someone’s got to clean up after them. Such is the premise of Sunshine Cleaning. Despite the possible grim subject matter of their work, Rose (Amy Adams) and Norah (Emily Blunt), probably have a messier life. Rose is a single mom, bills to pay, dead end job, a trouble making kid, an affair with her old high school flame, all the while dealing with her self-esteem. Anyone who thought that this film might be quirky and funny like the producer’s Little Miss Sunshine, because of the likenesses in the poster, the title, and having Alan Arkin, will be mistaken.
The film has a clever premise, but meanders too much to fully develop it into a more compelling film. For some, that might be the deal breaker, because it doesn’t capitalize on that promise, but for me, and I’ll agree with that, I found it to be enjoyable for a few key reasons. The first reason is Amy Adams, the second is Emily Blunt, and the third is Clifton Collins Jr. By now you should hopefully know about Amy Adams. She’s inviting, smart, and cute, characteristics that will keep her around in solid female roles. She has already been Oscar-nominated. Emily Blunt is following those steps too, soon, hopefully, we’ll talk about her great career. As of now, she’s heading in a positive direction.
I want to focus more on Clifton Collins Jr. though, an actor who you’ve seen, but you don’t know him by his name. Some things are just what they are, and Hispanic roles in film, good roles, are far and few in between, unless, one wants that stereotypical role. But whenever and whatever Clifton does, he’s an acting chameleon. He’s also a steady working actor, with film roles as well as TV. You’ll be seeing a lot of him. He’s a smart actor; it might sound cheesy but he does loose himself in roles. Notably he was the killer in Capote, steady holding his own against Philip Seymour Hoffman who won the Oscar that year. How about as the crazed gangster in Crank: High Voltage? Or in Babel, and Star Trek? How about yucking it up with Mike Judge’s newest soon-to-be released comedy? This gifted actor is one to watch-now.
I think if the film followed Rose and Norah’s cleaning business further this film would’ve soared. There are a few sweet scenes that have them nurturing someone at the crime scene, that added a special spin on their business but helped themselves through the mess of their own issues. Rose disparately wants some respect and recognition in life. She isn’t a loser, but people view her as such. At a baby shower with former high school friends, she sells them on her new job. This works. More of this and less of the stuff that doesn’t pertain to it, would’ve been welcomed. Regardless, the acting keeps the film afloat, the idea is decent enough but doesn’t follow through, but one looking for a good drama (I don’t think the black humor is as funny as it could’ve been) might enjoy it. Actually, just go for Clifton Collins as the one-armed Winston.
The Blu-ray:
Audio/Video: Anchor Bay delivers a flawless presentation. There’s a lot of texture and a sense of strong depth within the image. I wasn’t expecting such a solid, beautiful looking picture, but everything here is top-notch. The audio is really good, but this is the type of film, that doesn’t demand anything robust.
Commentary: Writer Megan Holley and producer Glenn Williamson offer us a pretty good track, in which they cover every little aspect of the production of the film. While no stars or the director contribute, don’t be swayed by that fact. Here’s an equally great listen.
A Fresh Look at a Dirty Business: Shot in standard definition, we get this little featurette on the two women behind A&M Bio-Recovery, as they talk about the job, the film, their equipment, and the impact they have on grieving families. These type of real life experiences are a great listen, and with the commentary covering the film, a making-of is not needed.
Trailers are all in HD.
Conclusion: Sunshine Cleaning is a pretty good film, and Anchor Bay delivers a great Blu-ray. One wishes the deleted scenes that were mentioned in the commentary track were on the disc and maybe some cast interviews, but regardless, this is an easy recommendation.
The Film: Rating: 
The Blu-ray: Rating:
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