John Sayles is without a doubt one of the best writer/directors making films today and even though he doesn't get the backing and respect of Hollywood studio executives the actors in the business all know he's one of the best. Sayles doesn't give in to what the unsophisticated audiences of today expect. He keeps things honest and all of his work is based on personal choices. Like in most of his other films here we see multiple characters all surrounding one event. Here its the story of a resort town that is going to be taken over by a giant company and where most business's and residences will have to leave. One angle has Eunice Stokes (Mary Alice) living in a house that she has lived in for a number of years and she's proud because the house represents being elevated to middle class. Her daughter Desiree Perry (Angela Bassett) is an actress in the Boston area and she is coming to visit with her husband. While Desiree is there, she meets up with an old boyfriend Flash (Tom Wright) who had gotten her pregnant when she was 15. Another part of the film has Marly Temple (Edie Falco) who works with her father Furman (Ralph Waite) at the motel/restaurant that he owns. Marly meets Jack Meadows (Timothy Hutton) who is an architect and scouting the land. A romance blossoms between the two and its a clash of individual ideals. Marly hates working for her father and has become disillusioned and angry as life is passing her buy. Sayles complex script lets the viewer go from character to character and we become understanding of their complexities. The film shows how the characters who left the island went on to a better life and the ones who stayed have to deal with how life is changing all around them until it has finally found them. Its so refreshing to see Bassett in a good role. She's not cast as the girlfriend or some throw away supporting role, its a well written part that shows she is a terrific actress. Falco also shows that she can handle other characters and when "The Sopranos" is over she can step into any other role with ease. Well made and extremely well written, this is another interesting film to add onto Sayles growing resume of fine films.
82 Reviews
Nice view of a slice of life of some people
bellino-angelo20145 December 2022
SUNSHINE STATE kinda intrigued me because it's set in Florida and also because it's a movie that focuses on various characters instead of just one, and I admired it for being different.
In the town of Delrona Beach in Florida there is preparation for its annual festival but one of the floats is burned by an orphan that is in care of his old aunt Eunice. Soon Eunice is visited by her daughter Desiree Stokes (Angela Bassett) that has returned to make amends with her mother and introduce her new husband, and in town she becomes reacquainted with her former classmate Flash, who was a football player and now works in the development industry. Marly Temple (Edie Falco) runs a cafè owned by her parents who has to deal with her former husband Steve, her boyfriend golf player Scotty and then she gets involved with Jack Meadows (Timothy Hutton), a landscape architect involved in the property developments.
I explained the plot in the best way possible because it's best you just see the movie for yourselves. The performances (especially Hutton and Bassett's) were good and the film has a nice feel good nature that while it lasts more than two hours, time seems to flow. Loved also the shootings of Florida, they looked like straight from a documentary.
A forgotten and unique movie that you shouldn't miss if you have a chance. Perfect especially for a summer day when there is too hot for staying out (I saw it in mid-July).
In the town of Delrona Beach in Florida there is preparation for its annual festival but one of the floats is burned by an orphan that is in care of his old aunt Eunice. Soon Eunice is visited by her daughter Desiree Stokes (Angela Bassett) that has returned to make amends with her mother and introduce her new husband, and in town she becomes reacquainted with her former classmate Flash, who was a football player and now works in the development industry. Marly Temple (Edie Falco) runs a cafè owned by her parents who has to deal with her former husband Steve, her boyfriend golf player Scotty and then she gets involved with Jack Meadows (Timothy Hutton), a landscape architect involved in the property developments.
I explained the plot in the best way possible because it's best you just see the movie for yourselves. The performances (especially Hutton and Bassett's) were good and the film has a nice feel good nature that while it lasts more than two hours, time seems to flow. Loved also the shootings of Florida, they looked like straight from a documentary.
A forgotten and unique movie that you shouldn't miss if you have a chance. Perfect especially for a summer day when there is too hot for staying out (I saw it in mid-July).
So much truth. We've been "Fargo-ed"
jehen8 August 2002
This movie might put some off at nearly 2.5 hours and being all about the characters. But what characters! Funny, poignant, endearing and shameless. As a long time Florida resident, I recognized these people completely. This delightful movie is to North Floridians what "Fargo" is to Minnesotans. Our accents just aren't as funny.
Another precise picture of Americana by one the our best screenwriters.
TheVid17 April 2003
This view of community and change in a small Florida beach community is another incisive look at American standards by a broadminded, experienced filmmaker. It's as solid an ensemble piece as one could want, with enough humor, insight and local color to be another enlightening look at American values by an expert chronicler of such things. The many reviewers who seem to find it tedious should probably re-analyze it as an allegory of the average American experience. Another exemplary work by John Sayles.
Good film, tedious story, shows us nothing new.
=G=21 November 2002
"Sunshine State" peers into the lives of a clutter of characters who occupy a small Florida beach town at risk of a hostile takeover by land developers examining the local's reflections, ponderings, musings, and interactions in the onslaught of imminent change. "Sunshine State" is technically and artistically excellent, imbued with a strong sense of local flavor, and hangs firmly onto that which is safe while failing to show us anything new. One can only wonder how dull must be one's life to find the lives of such boring people interesting. A tedious watch at over 2 hours and a bland PG-13 fare, "Sunshine State" will be most appreciated to more mature audiences who can better identify with the experiences of the characters and who are more inclined to be philosophical. (B)
Good cast, great scenery-----
Ishallwearpurple13 February 2011
---but you have to pay attention.
Edie Falco, Timothy Hutton, Angela Bassett, Mary Steenburgen, Jane Alexander, Ralph Waite, Alan King in a John Sayles film about Florida and development. Good and bad, yes and no, and the decisions people make. Bassett and her doctor husband, (Desiree and Reggie), have come to visit her Mama and the old home next to a beautiful white beach. It is in the area that was bought up by a wealthy black man and resold to other blacks in the early years of Florida when no blacks were allowed on beaches run by towns or counties. But with desegregation, lots of the original families have gone on to other places. So the land is ripe for picking by land developers. The various characters and companies who want to develop strip malls and franchise restaurants come like locusts. One company has its' bulldozers ready. The Temple family, who own a motel, restaurant complex, are the interesting group. Daughter Marly(Falco) runs things now, but hates it. Dad, Furman(Waite), is almost blind, and rants about how things used to be, when you could refuse accommodations to anyone. Mom, Delia(Alexander), has her own life and has never had any part of the family business. But she has had 25 years of running a community theater. At the final scenes of the story, she is the one who tells the hot-shot snotty businessman what is what, and what he and the other guys wanting to develop the land will have to do - sign contracts, share future profits, 5-10 years down the road, etc. Not for nothing has she raised and managed funds for her beloved theater all these years. There will be development, but there will be some who can say what kind. Long and complex, this is a film with many stories and takes its' time. Alexander plays her big scene quietly and with such good humor, you almost fail to realize it is the key scene in the film. The rest of the cast are very good and all have their shining moments. 7/10
Edie Falco, Timothy Hutton, Angela Bassett, Mary Steenburgen, Jane Alexander, Ralph Waite, Alan King in a John Sayles film about Florida and development. Good and bad, yes and no, and the decisions people make. Bassett and her doctor husband, (Desiree and Reggie), have come to visit her Mama and the old home next to a beautiful white beach. It is in the area that was bought up by a wealthy black man and resold to other blacks in the early years of Florida when no blacks were allowed on beaches run by towns or counties. But with desegregation, lots of the original families have gone on to other places. So the land is ripe for picking by land developers. The various characters and companies who want to develop strip malls and franchise restaurants come like locusts. One company has its' bulldozers ready. The Temple family, who own a motel, restaurant complex, are the interesting group. Daughter Marly(Falco) runs things now, but hates it. Dad, Furman(Waite), is almost blind, and rants about how things used to be, when you could refuse accommodations to anyone. Mom, Delia(Alexander), has her own life and has never had any part of the family business. But she has had 25 years of running a community theater. At the final scenes of the story, she is the one who tells the hot-shot snotty businessman what is what, and what he and the other guys wanting to develop the land will have to do - sign contracts, share future profits, 5-10 years down the road, etc. Not for nothing has she raised and managed funds for her beloved theater all these years. There will be development, but there will be some who can say what kind. Long and complex, this is a film with many stories and takes its' time. Alexander plays her big scene quietly and with such good humor, you almost fail to realize it is the key scene in the film. The rest of the cast are very good and all have their shining moments. 7/10
Excellent study of human nature
quagm19 May 2004
One of those movies which goes nowhere with elegance. It touches on all the basic concerns of humanity: love, race, age, parents, and real estate. More than that, it handles all of them with honesty and kindness.
This movie should be watched late at night when the mind no longer knows where it wants to go. You can let it drift over you like a soft summer breeze. Hopefully in that state you will accept the fact that there is really no graceful resolutions or summations in life, just a review of how we dealt with all the little things which seemed so large at the time. The selection of actors for the movie also reflects the tone. Many very good artists who are drawn from television rather than the box office are able to use this vehicle to show us what they are really capable of.
This movie should be watched late at night when the mind no longer knows where it wants to go. You can let it drift over you like a soft summer breeze. Hopefully in that state you will accept the fact that there is really no graceful resolutions or summations in life, just a review of how we dealt with all the little things which seemed so large at the time. The selection of actors for the movie also reflects the tone. Many very good artists who are drawn from television rather than the box office are able to use this vehicle to show us what they are really capable of.
Sunshine State Spoiled By Rather Cloudy Ending **1/2
edwagreen18 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
The picture has a very abrupt ending; I'm sure they could have come up with a better ending than that.
We have an unusually good premise here. We see a variety of Floridians caught up not only with their personal lives, but with real estate development on their land. We see unscrupulous real estate agents at their best in trying to fool a gullible public.
Angela Bassett was marvelous as the young woman, forced out by her perfectionist parents, at age 15, when she became pregnant. Returning to her home with her doctor-husband, she confronts the situation with her aristocratic mother.
Ralph Waite is phenomenal, in a supporting role, as a retired restaurant owner, who realizes that change is coming and goes back to the integration of his restaurant and others.
As the golfer in a group of golfers, Alan King gives his history of Florida, and the song when the credits roll on may very well want to make you to move to the sunshine state.
We have an unusually good premise here. We see a variety of Floridians caught up not only with their personal lives, but with real estate development on their land. We see unscrupulous real estate agents at their best in trying to fool a gullible public.
Angela Bassett was marvelous as the young woman, forced out by her perfectionist parents, at age 15, when she became pregnant. Returning to her home with her doctor-husband, she confronts the situation with her aristocratic mother.
Ralph Waite is phenomenal, in a supporting role, as a retired restaurant owner, who realizes that change is coming and goes back to the integration of his restaurant and others.
As the golfer in a group of golfers, Alan King gives his history of Florida, and the song when the credits roll on may very well want to make you to move to the sunshine state.
The heat in the Sunshine State.
jotix10022 June 2002
John Sayles' films are always interesting. He provokes his audiences to think about what he shows on the screen. This is his latest attempt to draw our attention to the perils of overdevelopment in Florida by unscrupulous people who have nothing invested in the areas where they go to disrupt the lives of different communities, like the one presented in the film. Unfortunately, nothing changes for the better. In many cases it only brings unwanted growth, crime, tackiness in the name of progress. There are very old towns in the Sunshine State that are targeted to be sold by the locals in power as it's the case with the fictional Delrona Beach who, no doubt, are in cahoots with the developers. We can't help but wonder why would anyone in the right mind would go along with those who want to transform these laid back little towns on both Florida coasts and change them into the boring gated communities and condos that dot the landscape. The Greek Chorus led by Alan King and cronies are incredibly on target. They couldn't care less what was there before as long as they can golf every day in the immaculate courses created for their pleasure. Edie Falco is a revelation in this film. She's the one that goes in and out of the different groups with a sense of belonging to the town, obviously not making a very lucrative living out of a beach motel that has seen better days. Even though she has left the town for her own reasons she has come back to run the family business. Angela Bassett is the prodigal daughter who comes back to face her past and have a confrontation with her mother. Mary Alice plays her role of the mother with such dignity that we see right through this mother the hurt and disappointment her daughter has caused in her life. It's a joy to see both of these actresses play their parts in such a restrained manner. There are no hysterics between them, just the bitterness caused by events fate has dealt them. The rest of the cast is wonderful. Mary Steenburgen, Ralph Waite, Jane Alexander, Bill Cobbs are all perfectly cast for their roles. Again, Mr. Sayles has given us a slice of life, and in doing so, he has tackled the task with great panache.
Very good movie, great personality profiles, horrible color.
jgrimes22714 July 2002
Thought the story line was very unique. Edie Falco really shined in this role - stole the movie. This is no action film, but a relaxed look at the characters in this small Florida town which was very interesting. The cuts were very sudden and quirky, almost jarring, and the quality of the print color was terrible. Seems like someone must have left the film cans in the back of the car in 120 degree heat - the color is all washed out, dull and bland. I hope this print was unique and the others have improved color.
This film tries to handle too many situations
battagfv20 October 2002
This could have been a great film. It could have been a great character study. Instead it tries to handle too many characters and subplots and not really delving into any one too deeply. In the end I really didn't care about any of the characters because I didn't really know any of them that well.
The writing was good. It would have been better to write about just a few of the characters rather than to try and write about the entire population of Florida.
Production values were excellant.
Most of the actors were good.
Bottom line: Only go to see this movie if you don't have anything else planned.
The writing was good. It would have been better to write about just a few of the characters rather than to try and write about the entire population of Florida.
Production values were excellant.
Most of the actors were good.
Bottom line: Only go to see this movie if you don't have anything else planned.
The sum of all of its parts
jagfx4 April 2003
Director John Sayles, from his own script, brings us to Florida to one week, and with the leisure of a vacationer on the beach reading a book, lets the the story unfold with an assured pace. Much like "Magnolia", but without the quick cuts and flashy editing, "Sunshine State" involves us in the intertwining story of as many as ten characters, each richly developed and well acted (Angela Bassett
and Edie Falco are easy standouts). On the surface the plot regards the
development (and oppostion) of some Florida beach real estate, but this really about people coming to terms with their past and trying to move on to the future. Of dreams crushed and realized. Of history and memory. John Sayles doesn't
provide any pat or cliched answers and allows us to reach our own conclusions. This is a smart film for a smart audience, and stands among John Sayles' best works.
"Sunshine State" is a film rarity, and a complete pleasure. This is a film that never quite found a place in theatres, but I hope it does on video. Seek this one out you'll be glad you did.
10/10
and Edie Falco are easy standouts). On the surface the plot regards the
development (and oppostion) of some Florida beach real estate, but this really about people coming to terms with their past and trying to move on to the future. Of dreams crushed and realized. Of history and memory. John Sayles doesn't
provide any pat or cliched answers and allows us to reach our own conclusions. This is a smart film for a smart audience, and stands among John Sayles' best works.
"Sunshine State" is a film rarity, and a complete pleasure. This is a film that never quite found a place in theatres, but I hope it does on video. Seek this one out you'll be glad you did.
10/10
Too long
rainking_es17 May 2008
The story in "Sunshine State" begins with a woman who returns to this small town of Florida where she grew up. It's been a long time since she left and a lot of things have changed, even people have changed. We come to know several inhabitants of the place and their struggle to survive and the threaten of a construction company that wants to turn the town into some kind of resort with golf fields and swimming pools.
Sayles is a nice dialog writer and he's created some interesting characters, but his movie turns out to be a little bit long. In other words: he bit off more than he can chew. Maybe he could've made a TV series with this material, such like "Picket Fences" or "Northern Expsoure", 'cause it looks like he wanted to tell too many things in just one movie.
*My rate: 6/10
Sayles is a nice dialog writer and he's created some interesting characters, but his movie turns out to be a little bit long. In other words: he bit off more than he can chew. Maybe he could've made a TV series with this material, such like "Picket Fences" or "Northern Expsoure", 'cause it looks like he wanted to tell too many things in just one movie.
*My rate: 6/10
Don't Expect a Good Movie
Jaymay8 July 2002
I understand that people have different expectations of low-budget, arthouse movies. I also know that John Sayles has a sort of glow about him, that earthy, intellectual anti-hollywood vibe, a la Tim Robbins, the Coen brothers and Atom Egoyan, that makes him a darling with the critics from the get-go.
But this is not a good movie. I'm sorry, it just isn't.
It meanders. It has too many characters. Its tone is uneven, its point of view is muddled, the acting is all over the board, from naturalistic to over the top. It lingers for long moments with minor characters we don't care about and cuts away from tense scenes just when things are getting good.
It misses the mark.
The worst flaw in the movie is that the two closest things to a protagonist, Edie Falco's Marly and Angela Bassett's Desiree, are straight-jacketed in characters that have no drive. Marly is an apathetic drunk, steeped in her life's own inertia. Desiree is a woman trapped in her own repressed pain. When your two main characters' world-views can be summed up with the phrases "I don't care" and "I want to leave here," why should the audience give a rat's patootie?
I'll be plain: Sayles writes funny dialogue. He's very adept at crafting a scene. The problem is, these scenes don't go anywhere. There's no spine to the movie. No drive. The movie doesn't create rooting interest in any of the characters. In my opinion, he's also too preachy about big bad corporate America gobbling up the little guy.
If you want to see a quality "small" movie, see David Lynch's "Straight Story." Pass this one up.
But this is not a good movie. I'm sorry, it just isn't.
It meanders. It has too many characters. Its tone is uneven, its point of view is muddled, the acting is all over the board, from naturalistic to over the top. It lingers for long moments with minor characters we don't care about and cuts away from tense scenes just when things are getting good.
It misses the mark.
The worst flaw in the movie is that the two closest things to a protagonist, Edie Falco's Marly and Angela Bassett's Desiree, are straight-jacketed in characters that have no drive. Marly is an apathetic drunk, steeped in her life's own inertia. Desiree is a woman trapped in her own repressed pain. When your two main characters' world-views can be summed up with the phrases "I don't care" and "I want to leave here," why should the audience give a rat's patootie?
I'll be plain: Sayles writes funny dialogue. He's very adept at crafting a scene. The problem is, these scenes don't go anywhere. There's no spine to the movie. No drive. The movie doesn't create rooting interest in any of the characters. In my opinion, he's also too preachy about big bad corporate America gobbling up the little guy.
If you want to see a quality "small" movie, see David Lynch's "Straight Story." Pass this one up.
If it sounds like Altman, and it looks like Altman...
FranktheRabbit26 February 2004
(2002/John Sayles) ***1/2 out of ****
"In the beginning.....there was nothing."
Small towns are often used as the backdrop for many films, but seldom is the concept often explored. "Sunshine State", like many other films that tackle the concept, offers a slice of life into the world of the people who inhabit a small town, which is, in this case, a beach front town in Northern Florida.
Plantation Island is a picturesque small town. It's residents include many people ranging from different races, including whites, blacks, and Native Americans. But it goes a little deeper. Some of the characters are native to the area, some are just visiting. Edie Falco plays a down-to-earth motel owner, Timothy Hutton plays a land developer, Angela Bassett plays a woman who has just returned to the island after having left when she was 15, and Bill Cobbs plays a retired doctor who doesn't like where the future of the town is going. Throw in a couple of philosophical golf players, and there you have the island of Plantation.
This film has Robert Altman stamped all over it. And that's basically what it is: a toned down mosaic of Floridians, that looks like it was done by Robert Altman himself. This is a very good movie, with deep characters and a story with multiple layers. But the story and scenery can't make up for the periodic lulls here and there. All in all, an above average film that is worth a look.
-30-
"In the beginning.....there was nothing."
Small towns are often used as the backdrop for many films, but seldom is the concept often explored. "Sunshine State", like many other films that tackle the concept, offers a slice of life into the world of the people who inhabit a small town, which is, in this case, a beach front town in Northern Florida.
Plantation Island is a picturesque small town. It's residents include many people ranging from different races, including whites, blacks, and Native Americans. But it goes a little deeper. Some of the characters are native to the area, some are just visiting. Edie Falco plays a down-to-earth motel owner, Timothy Hutton plays a land developer, Angela Bassett plays a woman who has just returned to the island after having left when she was 15, and Bill Cobbs plays a retired doctor who doesn't like where the future of the town is going. Throw in a couple of philosophical golf players, and there you have the island of Plantation.
This film has Robert Altman stamped all over it. And that's basically what it is: a toned down mosaic of Floridians, that looks like it was done by Robert Altman himself. This is a very good movie, with deep characters and a story with multiple layers. But the story and scenery can't make up for the periodic lulls here and there. All in all, an above average film that is worth a look.
-30-
Funny, entertaining, and in-depth
FSUmermaid25 June 2002
Since I live on the island where they filmed the movie I had the opportunity to attend a private screening. The movie is really more of a character study of the various people involved in the story, it really focused on their lives and thoughts. I thought that John Sayles did a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life. The movie was also very funny and witty which made the characters a lot easier to relate to. The only problem that I had with the film was that they left you hanging on some of the characters. I felt like I never got closure on several of the characters lives; they were just left out of the ending. Overall, I would recommend this film to anyone who loves a good laugh and especially to those who live in Florida and understand the conflicts that are arising with the increasing price of property and of big companies that are trying to buy out the 'little' people.
Solid Effort.
JapaneseDad21 November 2002
I generally agree with most of the comments previous. This is not Sayles' best film, and I wish they would have cut out the Masteritino character and a couple of others, but you will still find a lot of moments when you are completely immersed in the characters and their lives. A solid 7/10.
Undervalued work by one of America's greatest filmmakers
zetes14 February 2004
It has generally been thought of as a minor Sayles work, but I think it demonstrates his talent to the utmost. No other filmmaker I know of is so skillful at creating a believable community, one that feels like a real place, while at the same time illuminating the sense of community throughout the entire United States. Sunshine State focuses on a Floridian community, of course, on a small island off the coast. A lot has gone on here during the last half-century. The island is populated mostly by blacks and whites, most of whom remember the old days of racial tension well. The two races still don't interact much, but they now live side by side in peace. Mostly they hold on to their values as a small community, where individuals owned the businesses and land. At least they try to hold on to those values. Corporations are threatening to turn their paradise, which is actually called Paradise Island, into strip malls and golf courses. Some choose to protest what others see as progress, others have given up. The film has two main characters, a black woman and a white woman, who never meet during the film and, though they know the same people, might never have met, they share similar life experiences. Edie Falco plays Marly Temple. She runs a local motel/restaurant that stands in a location that developers desperately want. Angela Bassett plays a woman who has just returned to Paradise Island after a long absence. Yes, the film is far from perfect. Some of the supporting characters, of which there is an enormous amount, end up as loose threads. And the climax is sort of a weak deus ex machina. But, generally, Sayles creates an utterly complex work that explores its themes in a manner that compels, teaches, and deeply satisfies. It isn't his best film, but it's one of his best. It is perhaps his most ambitious film and it certainly didn't deserve to be passed over like it was. 9/10.
Not as good as I expected it to be.
madmattuk5 August 2002
I have very much enjoyed every Sayles movie I have seen and I am generally very fond of Altman-like ensemble movies (Nashville, Short Cuts, etc.) so I was certainly expecting to enjoy Sunshine State.
I found myself, however, slightly disappointed. Edie Falco's central performance as a motel manager disillusioned with just about every aspect of her life was brilliant and, in my opinion, Oscar-worthy. On the other hand, I found Angela Basset's equally pivotal role very disappointing and her acting poor. Neither they nor the generally excellent supporting cast were helped by dialogue which may have read well but did not sound at all convincing when spoken.
I found myself, however, slightly disappointed. Edie Falco's central performance as a motel manager disillusioned with just about every aspect of her life was brilliant and, in my opinion, Oscar-worthy. On the other hand, I found Angela Basset's equally pivotal role very disappointing and her acting poor. Neither they nor the generally excellent supporting cast were helped by dialogue which may have read well but did not sound at all convincing when spoken.
Poignant story, riveting acting, adult topics.
edwardspeiran28 July 2002
This movie is a remarkable example of ensemble acting. The characters weave in and out of each other's lives with varying degrees of impact, and the realism and humanity of their relationships is enormously refreshing in a movie season of comic strips and monsters. Superb performances particularly by Mary Alice, Edie Falco, Jane Alexander and Ralph Waite - and Mary Steenbergen and Timothy Hutton also very, very good.
The story - the exploitation of nature for the sake of "progress", is wryly delivered, but contrasted with an adult treatment of racial themes in the magnificent tradition of masterpieces such as "Pinky", "Raisin in the Sun" and "Heat of the Night".Amelia Island, where I believe the movie was filmed, will paradoxically be deluged by travelers wanting to exploit it for themselves. The pacing of the direction is swift, but the audience is carried along - never lost.
The story - the exploitation of nature for the sake of "progress", is wryly delivered, but contrasted with an adult treatment of racial themes in the magnificent tradition of masterpieces such as "Pinky", "Raisin in the Sun" and "Heat of the Night".Amelia Island, where I believe the movie was filmed, will paradoxically be deluged by travelers wanting to exploit it for themselves. The pacing of the direction is swift, but the audience is carried along - never lost.
Shall I Stay or Shall I go?
gbkmmaurstad5 October 2017
Real Estate developers are eager to get the locals in a small Florida town to sell. Delrona Beach is mostly white and Lincoln Beach is mostly black. Marly Temple (Edie Falco) runs the family's motel at Delrona Beach and wants to sell. Desiree Stokes (Angela Bassett) returns home with her new husband to see her mother in Lincoln Beach.
Marly resents her family's business and wants to leave any way possible. Desiree's mother never wants to leave and holds onto the memories of the past even when Desiree wants to forget them. Both find their way, but not without a few trips, stumbles and falls.
Marly resents her family's business and wants to leave any way possible. Desiree's mother never wants to leave and holds onto the memories of the past even when Desiree wants to forget them. Both find their way, but not without a few trips, stumbles and falls.
A much better movie could have been made given the subject material...
afcassidy25 August 2002
I live in the town of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island which is located in Northeastern Florida. This was also the filming location and subject of the fictional "Plantation Island" in the recent John Sayles film Sunshine State. So, the primary reason I even entered the theater to see this movie was to get a glimpse of familiar buildings and to see how my little town was portrayed on the big screen.
During the course of the movie I must have checked my digital watch no less than five times, not a good sign. At about two and a half hours, this movie seems to go on (and go nowhere) forever!
Edie Falco, best known as the mother on the popular HBO series The Sopranos, plays Marly the apathetic motel operator who wishes for a better life. Despite her sporadic Southern accent, Falco delivers a decent performance. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Angela Bassett who moves through the movie delivering her lines like a robot.
The plot is essentially a web of about 10 semi-connected characters bouncing around with their own personal agendas. In the somewhat predictable final chapter of this movie, only about half of the sub-plots are even resolved. The remaining plotlines are simply left dangling without needed closure, perhaps the filmmakers ran out of money and had to cease shooting. That theory could also be supported by what seemed like some of the worst editing and overall film quality that I've seen in quite some time.
In short, Sunshine State is a dull, dry, low-budget film with poorly written dialogue and weak acting. I would suggest that anyone looking for something interesting to watch should avoid this movie at all costs.
During the course of the movie I must have checked my digital watch no less than five times, not a good sign. At about two and a half hours, this movie seems to go on (and go nowhere) forever!
Edie Falco, best known as the mother on the popular HBO series The Sopranos, plays Marly the apathetic motel operator who wishes for a better life. Despite her sporadic Southern accent, Falco delivers a decent performance. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Angela Bassett who moves through the movie delivering her lines like a robot.
The plot is essentially a web of about 10 semi-connected characters bouncing around with their own personal agendas. In the somewhat predictable final chapter of this movie, only about half of the sub-plots are even resolved. The remaining plotlines are simply left dangling without needed closure, perhaps the filmmakers ran out of money and had to cease shooting. That theory could also be supported by what seemed like some of the worst editing and overall film quality that I've seen in quite some time.
In short, Sunshine State is a dull, dry, low-budget film with poorly written dialogue and weak acting. I would suggest that anyone looking for something interesting to watch should avoid this movie at all costs.
sad and beautiful
karmela7 August 2002
don't be misguided by the plot outline: this movie delivers much more than another mocumentary on how corporate development destroy lives of ordinary black folks who want just to preserve their humble homes and their community which was built with their own hands. although the motif of greedy developers is of great importance for the plot the main thing about it it is - through a series of insights on quite ordinary people's lives it shows the whole sadness of the world we all live in. this is the world where there is virtually no place left for big, romantic dreams: everything has been divided, measured and labeled with a neat price tag with many, many zeroes. watching the sayles's character struggle to go on with their lives against all odds is sometimes funny, sometimes bitter - but overall experience is deeply rewarding. the story is terrific and very believable, acting - awesome, cinematography remarkable... and those one-liners just stick to your mind for long, long time afterwards. 'sunshine state' is a real gem. don't miss it.
great cast excellent script
conannz18 July 2002
The brilliant point about Sunshine State is the depth of the cast. Great to see people like Richard Edson (Steve) shining in a little but important part. Have liked him since "Stranger Than Paradise" in '84. Spotted a few faces from earlier Sayles movies (mostly Brother from Another Planet and Passion Fish cast) as well. And this time there are some more well known faces - however the overall impression is one of depth and and the portrait of change seems quite real.
Oddly Flat Performances Level Interesting Story
mandy-16 July 2002
This is an unusually interesting story about important and relevant issues as one would expect from John Sayles. But somehow his direction flattened everyone's performance to a dull gray -- quite a feat since the stellar cast is full of actors who can deliver a wallop. It's as if someone (Sayles?) told them to "Just read the words and don't mess up the screenplay" and had them watch old "Dragnet" episodes to capture the style. It could have easily lost a good 15 minutes to pick up the pace as well. Almost every shot lingered a moment or two beyond its natural lifespan. Perhaps writer/Director Sayles got so caught up in his vision, he discounted the living, breathing talent of his real life cast. The result is extremely frustrating.
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