Miss Congeniality: Bullock’s Charm Shines
Directed by Donald Petrie
“I am in a dress, I have gel in my hair, I haven’t slept all night, I’m starved, and I’m armed! Don’t *mess* with me!”
Gracie Hart
Miss Congeniality is a classic action comedy starring America’s Sweetheart, Sandra Bullock. Approximately five years after the release of one of my favorite rom coms with Bullock, While You Were Sleeping, she returns with double the charm. Directed by Donald Petrie, also the same director of one of my favorite early 2000s romantic comedies to grace the screen – How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Petrie has an eye for crafting comfort movies that I believe is uniquely attributed to him. With elements of action, romance, and comedy infused together, Miss Congeniality is a feel-good film with major appeal. We follow the troubles of a frumpy FBI detective, Lucy Moderatz, who constantly runs into issues with following through with orders from her chief. Her hiccup on a very important mission causes a ruckus, leaving her with big problems, and relegation to a desk job. Amidst this, a case arises at the Miss United States Beauty pageant when her department discovers a pending bomb threat. The men of the department peruse through potential female candidates to go undercover as a contestant, but all the ideal women seem to be unavailable, Lucy is not one of the choices. She detests the idea of pageantry and views it as a waste in society, and most of the men disregard the idea of her being a part of the operation because she’s “one of the boys.” It is only when her implied love interest Eric Matthews suggests the possibility of her being a good candidate that her Chief agrees and Lucy is sent onto the field, undercover, as a contestant. Then we are taken up into a whirlwind of a disinterest from Lucy and a makeover scene by Victor Melling – a former beauty pageant coach.
With surprises, wise cracks, and budding relationships, the film finds its footing. Its only flaw developed on account of the plot’s predictability and absurdity. The screenplay crafted by Marc Lawrence, Katie Ford, and Caryn Lucas is simple with not much complexity. The use of such simple dialogue allows Bullock’s comedic timing and charm to shine through and ultimately shows just how skilled of an actress she is. Although, her character seemed to be a mélange of contradictions, and it was a bit difficult to pinpoint her temperament. Benjamin Bratt as her love interest, Eric Matthews, did a solid job as the womanizer, FBI agent that falls in love with an equally attractive agent after she is transformed into a swan. Though, there was a lack of depth to his character. Michael Caine portrayed Victor Melling with as much conviction as he could and the relationship between him and Gracie is enchanting. One of the most memorable quips from the film is when he tells Lucy, “I’m sorry, what was the question? I was distracted by the half-masticated cow rolling around in your wide-open trap.” All around solid effort from the cast.
Miss Congeniality is wildly entertaining, and the cast works well. With a predictable plot and simple dialogue, Bullock’s charm pulls the film through, and the supporting actors sustain its momentum.
The Island Cinephile 
