Miss Congeniality

Miss Congeniality has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on Stan, and in the US on Starz Apple TV Channel. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 4,261 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Sandra Bullock sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. Put it on tonight on Stan and see for yourself.

There is a reason Miss Congeniality keeps coming up in conversation. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Miss Congeniality from the crowd. When the local FBI office receives a letter from a terrorist known only as 'The Citizen', it's quickly determined that he's planning his next act at the Miss America beauty pageant. Because tough-as-nails Gracie Hart is the only female Agent at the office, she's chosen to go undercover as the contestant from New Jersey. Sandra Bullock and Benjamin Bratt lead a cast with the timing to make it work. It was released in 2000. What keeps Miss Congeniality from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Miss Congeniality is a strong candidate. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Sandra Bullock's comic timing carries it through its weaker moments. The kind of comedy you recommend to someone who claims they do not watch much.