Review of Miss Congeniality (2000) by Mike D — 10 Mar 2013

The early 2000s was a time of dumb/funny movies that all follow the same format. There are very few that are all that memorable, but the ones that featured big name stars like 'Miss Congeniality' sit on a slightly higher perch.

Of course, this film would not be nearly as good of it weren't for Sandra Bullock, who basically makes the entire movie thanks to her FBI agent character's sweet & sour personality as she is forced to go undercover as Miss New Jersey and enter a beauty pageant in order to thwart a threat that could derail the whole event.

While the plot is less than spectacular, it fits Bullock's acting style pretty well. Michael Caine also does well as the proper (and very British) fair godfather of sorts to get Bullock transformed from a trash talking agent to a beautiful and nearly-graceful pageant queen.

Although 'Congeniality' has heart - which is to be expected thanks to its title - it is mostly predictable and is basically a romcom masked as a weak action comedy. Sure, there are a few funny parts, but it is largely unoriginal and is even a little shrill at points.

Be this as it may, 'Miss Congeniality' is one of the better films within its genre, and it's all thanks to its lead actress.