The idea of a dysfunctional suburban family disguised as normal has struck a chord with audiences.

The increasing trend among movies is to reveal the underbelly of the suburban family. “The Sweet Hereafter,” “The Door in the Floor,” “The Squid and the Whale,” and most of all, “American Beauty” are all recent successes that have accomplished this. Add “Little Miss Sunshine” to that list.

“Sunshine” is about a six-person family’s road trip from Albuquerque, N.M. to California, so that seven-year-old Olive (Abigail Breslin) can compete in the Little Miss Sunshine Beauty Pageant. Her father, Richard (Greg Kinnear), blindly and despicably forces the importance of success down the throats of his family. His dad (Alan Arkin) is a vulgar, heroin-snorting veteran who discusses sex with anyone who will listen, including his granddaughter and 15-year-old grandson Dwayne (Paul Dano). Dwayne is obsessed with Nietzsche and has refused to speak to his family until he becomes an Air Force pilot. Mother, Sheryl (Toni Collette), is trying to keep her family together and look after her homosexual, suicidal brother, Frank (Steve Carell).

The script allows arcs for all six of them. Husband and wife directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris reveal each character’s flaws, as well as the good in each.

In an early scene, Richard stresses to Olive that she shouldn’t try out for this pageant unless she really believes she can win. In another scene he explains eating ice cream isn’t good if she wants to model. Later, however, it’s Richard who rallies to keep going and not give up.

The rest of the cast also is great. Collette is terrific as the family matriarch. Carell plays a darker character than he’s used to. However, the script still allows him comedic moments. Dano, who is 23 years old, does a great job of portraying a physically awkward teenager. Arkin delivers as well in a largely comedic role, but shares an absolutely heartbreaking scene with Olive.

Which brings us to her. She is the movie’s heart and soul. The trip will be worth it if they just get her to that pageant.

In the end, it’s not the tanned, dolled, JonBenets we should strive to be — an important lesson.