The film expanded to 167 theaters in its third week. By the end of its run it earned $12 million in North American and a further $5.3 million internationally, for a worldwide total of $17.3 million. Critical response Sunshine Cleaning received mostly positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 75% approval rating based on 181 reviews, with an average score of 6.4/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "Despite a sometimes overly familiar plot, Sunshine Cleaning benefits from the lively performances of its two stars." On Metacritic, the film has an average score of 61 out of 100, based on 32 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Peter Travers of Rolling Stone gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, stating "This funny and touching movie depends on two can-do actresses to scrub past the biohazard of noxious clichés that threaten to intrude. Adams and Blunt get the job done. They come highly recommended." Betsy Sharkey of the Los Angeles Times deemed that "on the surface, Sunshine Cleaning...is an offbeat and oddly endearing drama, leavened with just the right amount of comedy to even things out". The Times gave the film a mixed review, rating 3 out of 5 stars, saying "Given the subject matter and the sheer volume of putrefying human remains, it's remarkable that the movie still bobs along on a seemingly unquenchable current of sentimental optimism". Critics praised the performances of the cast, especially Adams. Mick LaSalle of San Francisco Chronicle gave the film a positive review, saying: "The play of emotion on Amy Adams' face is the main reason to see Sunshine Cleaning." A. O. Scott of The New York Times wrote that the film "sometimes seems better than it is" because "Ms. Jeffs (Rain, Sylvia) has a good touch with actors and a very good cast. Amy Adams and Emily Blunt...attack their roles with vivacity and dedication, even if the roles themselves don't entirely make sense." Of Adams' portrayal of her character, Michael Sragow of The Baltimore Sun said, "Adams achieves perfect clarity, with a touch of the divine." Awards References External links Original Story on NPR 2008 films 2008 comedy films 2008 comedy-drama films 2008 drama films 2008 independent films 2000s American films 2000s business films 2000s English-language films American business films American comedy-drama films American female buddy films American independent films Big Beach (company) films Films about sisters Films scored by