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Miss Congeniality

Review by James Anthony


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Just when you think the exceptionally lovely Sandra Bullock has lost her on-screen presence after a couple of dud movies, up she pops with a really engaging performance.

In Miss Congeniality, Bullock plays a hard as nails FBI agent Gracie Hart who finds herself assigned to protect the Miss USA beauty pageant - from the inside.

Now while her dad loves her, Gracie's not exactly the beauty pageant type. She has appalling clothes sense, an awful hairstyle, no make-up and table manners that would make Mike Tyson look attractive.

But, help is at hand in the shape of makeover expert Victor Melling (Michael Caine) who is an absolute scream as the fussy, but effective manager.

He has some sensational one-liners, including branding our heroine Dirty Harriet.

Another veteran who makes a triumphant return is William (James T Kirk) Shatner, who is perfectly cast as the pageant compere. Played in his usual deadpan way, Shatner's character adds a whole new comic dimension to Miss Congeniality.

It is a tribute to Bullock's acting skills and screen persona that she is able to remain the main focus of the audience in the presence of such utter scene stealers.

Even Candice Bergen pales next to Bullock and the alleged leading man, Benjamin Bratt, almost disappears from view besides our girl.

While Miss Congeniality has a solid storyline, it's the script and the character interaction it creates that takes it to a higher level. The situations it creates are believable and fun and keep the movie rolling along nicely.

The transfer is very good with image sharpness and good colour both passing the quality test. There are few visual irritations - only a couple of shimmerings to be noted - and the transfer film stock was very clean.

The sound won't stretch your system much, but there is an acceptable use of surround during the action to keep your ears interested.

Rarely flat, mostly highly amusing and, at times, pants-wettingly hilarious, Miss Congeniality is one of those movies that is much better than you'll think it will be.

Welcome back, Sandra.

Conclusion: Movie 85%, Extras 70%

Continued: DVD details at a glance >

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