Sunshine Cleaning (2009)

Being the popular cheerleader didn't translate well in Rose Lorkowski's (Amy Adams) adult life. The always financially strapped single mother decides to specialize in biohazard cleanup at the suggestion of her former high school turned lover Mac (Steve Zahn). Teaming with her no account sister, Norah (Emily Blunt), the sisters set out to tidy up crime scenes and take out the trash in their own lives. Meanwhile, Dad (Alan Arkin) watches 'Lil Bastard' Oscar schooling him in the entrepreneurial spirit of the Lorkowski's.

Sunshine Cleaning is never really sure what it's aiming for, but manages to be an entertaining distraction thanks to fine performances by all. With a series of oddball characters, the film mills about trying to execute too much.

Amy Adams leads a solid cast. As the ever optimistic, but tired mother just wanting a break, Adam's pert nose does the trick. Equally fun is Emily Blunt. Alan Arkin continues in his should-be-trademarked crotchety old man gig. Steve Zahn plays an incredibly believable jerk. Chloe, er, Mary Lynn Rajskub pops up as a lesbian side note.

The film maintains a just interesting enough edge to keep the viewer engaged and frustrated. The screenplay is a remarkably fresh idea and director Christine Jeffs gets it done, but often the resolutions are oddly off key--sometimes dumbfounding.

As I see it, there are too many good ideas, too much unutilized potential that keeps Sunshine Cleaning from sparkling. Still the morbidity is fun and the film is contains some surprisingly poignant moments. Not a must see, but a fine use of time.