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Steven Isaac (Plugged In) admits that the big finale of the Hoovers' story moved him to tears. "I was rooting wholeheartedly for them to come out on the other side as better people and as a more intact family."

But he has trouble with a lot of what went on along the way. "There's no denying that life is sad and ugly and funny, sometimes all at once. So it's not my task here to debate Carell's and Berger's statements. What is my task is dealing with whether such truthfulness should be used as an excuse to fill up a film with better than 50 profanities and obscenities. And depictions of illegal drug abuse. And exhortations for teens to have as much sex as they possibly can."

Brett McCracken (Relevant) says, "The film's 'message' is clear enough … winning isn't everything in life, and being true to yourself and those who you love is more important than how you stack up in the rat race. It's certainly a lesson we can use—that 'the last shall be first' and unheralded virtues triumph in the end. And there's a nice Americana about it all—the sort of 'open road' optimism that is aided by the sagebrush Southwest scenery on full display throughout."

And yet, he says, he left the theater feeling "surprisingly empty."

Harry Forbes (Catholic News Service) writes, "It is important to note that there's an unfortunately high quotient of expletives and some sexual references … that would seem to limit the film's suitability to adults … . But given the overwhelmingly positive context of the story in which these elements appear—with the transformative nature of the story, and several unexpected moments of grace—many more will enjoy the film than its restrictive rating would suggest. … If you can see past the objectionable elements, this is a road trip you'll be glad to take."

Mike Parnell (Ethics Daily) says the movie "actually re-enforces the truth of the power of family. Family can be a place where people are nurtured, as what happens to Olive. Family can also be a place where people are stunted, which is what happens to everyone else. … Little Miss Sunshine will move you to cheer for Olive—not that she would win, but that she would rise above what is around her."

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