Description: Sandra Bullock stars as a bumbling female FBI agent assigned to go undercover as a participant in the Miss United States beauty pageant when it is discovered that one of the contestants is being targeted for murder. Benjamin Bratt leads the undercover team, while also playing the reluctant love interest. Candice Bergen and William Shatner manage the pageant and hire Michael Caine to turn Bullock from rough and tumble agent to stunning beauty queen. The physical transformation is impressive, although the klutzy personality remains. Everything seems to be fine once the killer is suddenly caught, but Bullock suspects there is more to this story, and the truth eventually unfolds with an unexpected twist. For her part, Bullock received a Golden Globe nomination for best actress, and heads the star-studded cast in the year's most hilarious comedy.
Amazon.com: It's a good thing Sandra Bullock knows her strengths and weaknesses, because without Bullock as star and producer, Miss Congeniality would be an insufferable mess as opposed to being a mildly enjoyable trifle that is custom-made for Bullock's established screen persona. Only Bullock's fans could really appreciate this fluff (even then they'll wish its ripe premise had been more intelligently handled), but it's not without some highlights to accompany Bullock's reliable charms. Here she plays clumsy, nerdy FBI agent Gracie Hart, who is given the horrific pseudonym Gracie Lou Freebush (one example of the movie's juvenile tendencies) when assigned to infiltrate a beauty pageant to investigate threats of a terrorist attack.
Transforming Bullock from frumpy to stunning is a piece of cake (although she gives pageant coach Michael Caine a run for his money), so the movie's premise is trivial at best. More enjoyable is her character's uncouth disdain for pageant contestants and her mistaken perception that they're all a bunch of bimbos. The movie nicely charts Gracie's realization that her own pageant makeover provides a much-needed ego boost. In addition to Caine's effortless scene-stealing, pageant host William Shatner and organizer Candice Bergen are smart choices for comedic support (Shatner's a perfect Bert Parks wannabe), but the movie desperately needs a credible foundation for its comedy to really pay off. Bullock's bureau boss (Benjamin Bratt) is an unconvincing dimwit, and none of the plotting is as smart as say Beverly Hills Cop in combining procedure with laughs. That leaves Bullock to carry the burden of a comedy that just barely works in her favor. --Jeff Shannon
"You love, me, thank you, thank you so much"! This movie was so funny, Sandra Bullock played a wonderful part. She dressed great! Hot man! WOW I love this movie!!!!!
Forensic Buff I have always like Sandra Bullock. I have waited for it to go on sale. I have both I & II. Always enjoyable.
I Thought I'd Like This; I Never Dreamed This Would Become One Of My All-Time Favorite Comedies! My favorite comedy of all time is the original "That Darn Cat". Always has been, always will be. My second favorite was "Seems Like Old Times" with Chevy Chase, Charles Grodin, and Goldie Hawn. Note the present tense "is" with the first movie, and the past tense "was" with the second?
"Miss Congeniality" is now the official first runner up on my comedies list. The concept interested me, but the result was beyond what I expected.
For one thing, the acting was superb. This was the first Sandra Bullock movie I saw, and I loved it. Michael Caine was excellent as always. Will Shatner also fit the part perfectly, as did Candice Bergan.
For another, the writing was excellent. In fact, I could argue if this really was a comedy. Yes, it had its share of comic moments, but so did Jurassic Park. This movie had such a natural flow that the suspension of disbelief was minimal.
I won't spoil any surprises, but I loved Sandra's answer to the question at the contest. In fact, that fits my personality as well.
I love movies about someone who has to rise to the occassion, and this is another that fits into that category. The ending was superb as well.
Okay, now go get this movie. You got that?
So Funny.... Life is too full of gory movies that make you sick to your stomach, this movie is just funny. Sandra Bullock could have been me when I was young, the klutz in heels. I am glad I bought it so I can watch it when ever I need a lift and a laugh.
Gets funnier every time I watch it! There's a reason why this funny Sandra Bullock movie is the favorite of so many women of various ages. In a very lighthearted way, it makes a statement about having it all and empowering yourself.
The situations are I-Love-Lucy kind of absurd, most of the characters are charicatures, but I adore this film! Most importantly, Miss Congeniality has stood the test of multiple viewings. I appreciate the talents of Sandra Bullock even more every time I watch this DVD.
If you don't have it yet, ladies, add it to your collection of chick-flicks.
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