Sunshine State

  • 2002
  • PG-13
  • 141m
movieMx RATING
6.3/1042
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Sunshine State Review

Last updated: February 15, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 15, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Sunshine State (2002) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Sunshine State features a noteworthy lineup led by Jane Alexander . Supported by the likes of Mary Alice and Angela Bassett , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Sunshine State (2002) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Sunshine State stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Sunshine State

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2002, Sunshine State is a Drama film directed by John Sayles. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jane Alexander.

Ending Explained: Sunshine State

Ending Breakdown: Directed by John Sayles, Sunshine State concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Jane Alexander, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Sunshine State reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Sunshine State?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Jane Alexander or the director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments

Box Office Collection: Sunshine State

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Worldwide Gross $3.4M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT
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Top Cast: Sunshine State

All Cast & Crew →
Jane Alexander
Jane AlexanderDelia Temple
Mary Alice
Mary AliceEunice Stokes
Angela Bassett
Angela BassettDesiree Perry
Gordon Clapp
Gordon ClappEarl Pinkney
Bill Cobbs
Bill CobbsDr. Elton Lloyd
Edie Falco
Edie FalcoMarly Temple
Timothy Hutton
Timothy HuttonJack Meadows
Alan King
Alan KingMurray Silver
James McDaniel
James McDanielReggie Perry
Mary Steenburgen
Mary SteenburgenFrancine Pinkney
Ralph Waite
Ralph WaiteFurman Temple
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Where to Watch Sunshine State Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

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Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store

Sunshine State Parents Guide & Age Rating

2002 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Sunshine State age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Sunshine State is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Sunshine State is 141 minutes (2h 21m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Sunshine State is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2002 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Sunshine State. Rating: 6.3/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sunshine State worth watching?

Sunshine State is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Sunshine State parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Sunshine State identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Sunshine State?

The total duration of Sunshine State is 141 minutes, which is approximately 2h 21m long.

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.3
Sunshine State
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/sunshine-state-57022" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.3</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Sunshine State</div></div></a>

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