Do you love talking about Films? Are you trying to watch more films in English?
Thinking in English is hosting another Film Club!- 19:00 BST on Wednesday 24th January!
Join us to discuss…. Little Miss Sunshine!
You can find more details on how to participate on Patreon and Discord!
Film Club – Little Miss Sunshine – Conversation Questions –
Useful Resources – Vocabulary – Example Answers
What is the Thinking in English Film Club?
The Film Club is a great opportunity for Thinking in English Patreon members to practice their conversational English by discussing a film with other members.
In each session we will talk about one film, please try to watch it before attending! Just like in the normal Conversation Clubs we will provide 10 questions about the film to help to inspire you.
You can find these (and some other useful resources) below…
For our next meeting on Wednesday 24th January, we will be discussing a beautiful film about a dysfunctional family roadtrip – Little Miss Sunshine
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
What is Little Miss Sunshine?
Here is a movie description for Little Miss Sunshine!
Little Miss Sunshine” is a funny and touching movie about a quirky family on a road trip for their daughter’s beauty pageant. Along the way, they face funny and meaningful moments that teach them about accepting each other and what success really means.
Little Miss Sunshine” is a funny and touching film about the quirky Hoover family who go on a road trip across the USA to support their young daughter, Olive, in a beauty pageant.
Each family member is unique and is finding life difficult in their own way. As they travel in an old yellow van that keeps breaking down, the Hoovers encounter a series of unexpected challenges. The journey has moments of chaos and tragedy but also genuine family connection. It makes the characters reconsider their goals and beliefs about what is important in life.
The film skillfully blends humor with deeper themes of self-acceptance and the importance of family support. “Little Miss Sunshine” is joyful, relatable and teaches some valuable lessons about resilience, love, and the true meaning of success.
Conversation Questions and Talking Points!
- Which character in Little Miss Sunshine did you like the most, and why?
- In what ways is the Hoover family dysfunctional? Do any of the relationships in the film remind you of relationships in your own life?
- Why do you think Olive wants to participate in the beauty pageant?
- Can you remember a moment in the film that made you feel sad and one that made you laugh?
- What lessons do the characters learn on their journey.
- Why do you think the yellow VW van is an important symbol in the film (and are there any other symbols?)
- How does the film show the importance of family support?
- What do you think the filmmakers are trying to say about the idea of success and failure?
- What makes indie films different from mainstream movies, and why do you think some people prefer indie films?
- In your opinion, what are the advantages of indie films in terms of creativity and storytelling compared to big-budget Hollywood productions?
And finally, how would you describe the film to someone who has never seen it before? Would you recommend it? Why?
Do you have any more thoughts or questions about Little Miss Sunshine?
Why not prepare 1 or 2 more of your own questions or opinions about the film?!
Useful Resources
To help you prepare for the Film Club, you might want to look at the following useful online resources:
Playlist of Little Miss Sunshine Clips on YouTube:
IMDb Page
IMDb page where you can find everything about the film including: Videos, Characters, Cast and Crew, Plot Synopsis, Quotes, Reviews and more!
Online Review: Little Miss Sunshine 15 Years On…
“Nerdly” Film Review: An online article that says that the message of Little Miss Sunshine is as relevant in 2021 as it was back in 2006!
Vocabulary
Little Miss Sunshine Vocabulary
Learn and practice vocabulary for this Conversation Club!.
Practice using 5 different study games and activities – including writing, listening, and memorisation techniques!
Flashcards
Matching Game
Learning Game
Test Yourself
General Film Vocabulary
Learn and practice vocabulary for this Thinking in English Conversation Club.
Practice using 5 different study games and activities – including writing, listening, and memorisation techniques!
Flashcards
Matching Game
Learning Game
Test Yourself
Listening and Spelling
Example Answers
Example answers to question 5 – “Discuss the cinematography and visual style of the film. Are there any particular shots or scenes that stood out to you? How do the visual styles of comedies differ from serious films?”
B1 Example Answer
B2 Example Answer
C1 Example Answer
See you all at the Film Club!
