Sunshine state

Jet, July 15, 2002 by Sylvia P. Flanagan

SUNSHINE STATE Sony Pictures Classic (Rated PG-13)

Sunshine State is set in Plantation Island, FL, a place where real estate development is changing a modest beachside community into an upscale resort for winter-weary Northerners. Long-time locals are divided on whether to cash in or stand their ground, while newcomers are ready to enjoy the good life and/or make a quick buck. Marly Temple is living her father's dream of running a motel for it only to become a nightmare. Now she is tempted to accept a takeover bid for her motel from a strip mall developer. The next town, Lincoln Beach, an African-American enclave created during the era of segregation, like its neighboring Plantation Island, is being eyed by developers. Desiree Perry has returned to visit and show off her new anesthesiologist husband. As both Marly and Desiree grapple with family history, family expectations, and questions of love, duty and responsibility, Sunshine State offers the portrait of two women, two families and two communities standing on the brink of change. Starring Angela Bassett, James McDaniel, Mary Alice, Bill Cobbs, Edie Falco, Jane Alexander, Ralph Waite, Tom Wright, Alexander Lewis, Charlayne Woodard, Timothy Hutton, Mary Steenburgen, Charlayane Woodward and many more.