Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
Sunshine State
User Score
6.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 4 out of 12

Review this movie

  1. Your Score
    10 out of 10
    Rate this:
    out of 10
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

  3. Characters remaining: 5000 out of 5000

view
per page
  1. RobertH.
    Jul 30, 2002
    3
    The cast is of "A" list quality. The cinematography is breathtakingly beautiful. The actors carry out their lines competently. The only problem is that the multiple storylines are absolutely tedious and boring. You would think at the end of the movie the stories would at the very least be tied up with a conclusion; unfortunately, they are not. If you are in the mood for steak or lobster and want something to sink your teeth into, this is not your cup of tea; unless, of course, you prefer oatmeal, weak tea and dry toast? Sunshine State -Pass-a-dena!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. John
    Jan 6, 2003
    9
    The dialogue in this film is so good, I couldn't handle it. I remembered so many of the conversations when the film was over and many of the characters stuck with me as well. It's not the kind of film to watch late at night (it's not too immediately engaging), but for those who prefer character development to explosions, John Sayles' Sunshine State is sure to please. It really is one of the year's best films.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. NolanB.
    Oct 6, 2002
    7
    Worth seeing for the performances alone...and, unfortunately, they are alone.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. RPMatthews
    Jul 2, 2002
    8
    John Sayles is America's best storyteller on film, and as with all his movies, 'Sunshine State' rewards attention & patience. No, it's not 'Lone Star' (which I regard as one of the 10-15 best movies ever), but then that's an unfair & ridiculous standard. The way Sayles gives a multi-dimensional story and a layered look at it is great fun for smart people-- especially in an era when filmmakers rarely even give a TWO-dimensional story and zero real characters. Go see it.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. KevinM.
    Jul 5, 2002
    9
    I really enjoyed - A lot more than expected. The trailer is NOT good... but the film is wonderful. One of the best that I have seen this year. The acting is WONDERFUL and nice writing / dialogue. I am a John Sayles fan... and he did NOT disappoint (except with the terrible trailer). I have a new respect in Edie Falco... Jane Alexander is fanastic... Mary Alice.. and the list goes on and on... Do yourself a favor and go see an intelligent well acted summer film.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. MarcK.
    Aug 5, 2002
    7
    As is typical in a Sayles film, the writing is first-rate, and very literate. It's definitely a film worth seeing, but more so for the dialogue and performances then the plotline, which is rather weak, and really doesn't go anywhere. It's nice to see Ralph Waite and Tim Hutton again, but the performance of the movie belongs to Edie Falco. Although is it just me, or could she be in one of those "separated at birth" shots with Chloe Sevigny?… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. FrankO.
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    Anoterh John Sayles masterpiece. This was the 2nd time I watched this movie and enjoyed this again. It is a great character study of a local community facing over development by greedy developers...great ensemble cast.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. JanetS.
    Aug 5, 2002
    2
    Can you spell B-O-R-I-N-G? Absolute terrible movie that could have been so much more with such a superb cast. Don't waste your time.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. PatC.
    Apr 16, 2007
    7
    This is a movie of dialogue between characters of unrelenting attitude. All the literary devices are here, heavy on the soliloquoys and forced platitudes. It's more of an expose than a story with a plot. What emerges is an implicit rebuke of all those who labor to fill our minds with an endless stream of B.S. In the end, while not being satisfying, it is still interesting and definitely has its moments.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. JeremyA.
    Nov 10, 2002
    1
    Lame script with great actors in it apparently only for a paycheck. Terribly disappointing and definitely not worthy of your time or money. Pass!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. Elliott
    Nov 27, 2002
    9
    Sunshine State is very subtle in its magnificence, and very reserved when it comes to breathtaking events. It is understandable why people don't care for it: there are no breathtaking spectacles, no huge plot twists, and no action extravaganzas. It is a dialogue-based, multi-faceted story from one of the best storytellers that American cinema has to offer. Every character here is believable and the script is wholly satisifying. Edie Falco and Angela Bassett should be nominated for Oscars. One of the best films of the year.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. MichaelF.
    Jun 25, 2002
    3
    A tedious mixture of truly boring and uninteresting stories that never fails to keep one in a state of complete and total bordom. One of the most boring films ever. Edie Falco and Angela Bassett are very good, but this script never has a single moment for anyone to shine. SO BORING!!! Fine dialouge but should've never been made. There is NO point anywhere in this ultimatley boring film. There is one scene that is visually stunning and the rest of the movie is poor looking and boring. It isn't funny enough to be entertaining and isn't dramatic enough to be interesting. I don't know what everyone saw, it's a waste of 2hours and 21minutes. I might as well read the dictionary or jump up and down for 3hours than watch this film again.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
prev next
Page:
  • 1

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Hazel-Dawn Dumpert
    70
    If Sayles had maneuvered these stories and performances into even a shade more sentimentality or gravitas, the weight would have collapsed them like a house of cards. As it is, they breathe easily, delicately into each other.
    Read full review
  2. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Foreman
    75
    Far more interesting and intelligent than anything coming out of the studios. It fairly brims with superb performances by a terrific cast - you simply can't take your eyes off the female leads, Edie Falco and Angela Bassett.
    Read full review
  3. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: Michael Sragow
    50
    The only gold in Sunshine State comes from its three female stars.
See all critic reviews »