When MISS CONGENIALITY came out, I remember how it got lukewarm reviews (at best) and did so poorly in the theaters that it was offered as a free pay-per-view film with the Dish Network. I assumed the movie MUST have been terrible for them to just give it away and I am surprised I actually watched it. To my surprise, however, it was most enjoyable...though mindless (at times).
The film is one of these ones that you simply must suspend all sense of disbelief--otherwise it simply won't work. Sandra Bullock going from tom-boy FBI agent to nearly winning the Miss United States pageant was a bit far-fetched to say the least. But, if you can do this and stop your brain from nagging you, you'll find that the movie is often delightful.
Now you may have noticed that I didn't say this was a great film or a must-see. The movie did have some rough spots (despite some people giving it a 10, this and very few movies deserve a 10). The biggest problem for me is that the setup for Bullock's character went way overboard. Sure, we are supposed to see her as a tough lady--I understood that. But they really went too far--often making her seem too tough to be real and, at times, unlikable. First, no lady who is built like that is going to be the Terminator....tough, yes, Terminator, no! Second, when she met the character played wonderfully by Michael Caine, it was as if the director gave her instructions to behave like a boorish pig. Seeing her eat with the manners of a Doberman was just too much--no one is THAT obnoxious when they eat (at least once they pass age 6). Third, the transformation was just too quick.
Now, aside from these difficulties, the film was a delight at times because although the script had problems, it also had some very witty dialog and a cute resolution. In other words, it worked despite its flaws. Partly this was because when not acting boorish, it's hard not to like Miss Bullock. Partly this was because she had some excellent support. And, partly this was because this is a silly little film and silly little films are not supposed to be Shakespeare or a Merchant-Ivory production--it's allowed to be slight yet fun.
Overall, a nice time-passer but far from a must see or a 10, though Bullock still "scores". Also, I've seen this one more than once and it holds up very well with repeated viewings despite its few deficiencies.
Miss Congeniality
2000
Action / Comedy / Crime / Romance
Miss Congeniality
2000
Action / Comedy / Crime / Romance
Plot summary
Undercover F.B.I. Agent Gracie Hart shows no signs of having any femininity in her demeanor or appearance. Generally a bright and capable Agent, she is in trouble at work when she makes an error in judgment in a case which results in a near disaster. As such, one of her by-the-books colleagues, Eric Matthews, who has never shown any inclination of thinking outside the box, is assigned to lead the high profile case of a terrorist coined The Citizen instead of her, while she is facing possible disciplinary action. Gracie pieces together the evidence to determine that The Citizen's next target will be the Miss United States beauty pageant. The pageant represents everything that Gracie abhors. Despite Gracie's mannish demeanor, Eric, with no other undercover female Agent remotely fitting the demographic, assigns her to go undercover as a pageant contestant to see if she can flush out The Citizen, who is perhaps one of the other contestants. Although the pageant administration, led by former winner Cathy Morningside and long time host Stan Fields, provide the F.B.I. with access to the pageant, Cathy in particular is less than thrilled to have a non-credible Gracie posing as a contestant, which she feels will ruin the pageant. The F.B.I. enlist the assistance of former pageant contestant coach Victor Melling, who is facing his own disgrace associated with the pageant, to do the nearly impossible task of transforming Gracie, not only into a woman, but a credible beauty pageant contestant. As Gracie proceeds in the transformation, she gets to know the other contestants, not only as potential criminals, but also as real people. She also discovers that another sinister element is present at the pageant. She will do whatever it takes to quash that element and protect her new friends, namely the other innocent contestants. But now displaying some femininity, Gracie begins to have more womanly feelings, and in turn, attracts the attention of men, one in particular about whom she is happy.
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Mindless and fun...
Wonderful comedy, unmissable!
I absolutely loved Miss Congeniality, it was funny warm and completely likable. The best aspect was the charming and funny performance of the underrated Sandra Bullock as Gracie, in possibly her best role. Gracie is a beautiful woman, but her behaviour like the pig snorting isn't very typical of women. She is excellently supported by a witty, side splittingly funny script, and some lovely camera-work. (the painting scene was priceless)Not to mention the original plot that never marred the feel good nature of the film. The performances of Michael Caine and Candice Bergen were excellent. But if I had one minor criticism, it would be that William Shatner slightly overplayed his part of Stan, other than that it is a comedy you just don't want to miss. 9.5/10 Bethany Cox.
Sandra Bullock adorable but not much else
Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock) is a rough and tumble FBI agent. She's prone to violent outbursts and manlier than any other agent. When a terrorist threatens the Miss United States beauty pageant, Gracie must gather what's left of her femininity to enter the pageant.
Sandra Bullock is a lovely actress. She's great at playing the dorky cute girl. In here she adds a dash of violence and it starts off quite well. Once they transition into the pageant, the jokes don't hit as well. There're too many pratfalls. The jokes are broad and lack any insight. If it wasn't for Bullock's adorableness, there wouldn't be much of a movie. Candice Bergen and William Shatner make a fun pageant organizing duo.