Saturday, August 17, 2019

Saturday Afternoon at the Movies


My internet friends CJ and Kathy are part of this meme where you post your all time favorite films.   I'm not sure I have more than about FOUR favorite films, but I have films I have seen that I can share.  Some I've even seen more than once!  However, unlike CJ, who says the meme cites there is no need to explain why you like the film, I prefer the way my internet friend Birgit reviews films.  She has a fun, quirky way of giving an in-depth review.   Her synopses are not to be missed. If you aren't familiar with her movie reviews, please check out her blog.

One thing you should know about my choice is you won't find any "chick flicks" here and any romance is simply a side effect of the major overall film. 

Today my pick that I'm reviewing is Miss Congeniality.  I'm not usually drawn to comedies, but I love Sandra Bullock and admire every project she has ever participated in.  It's a feel good movie, sort of like the ugly duckling, or My Fair Lady.  Instead of a Cockney flower girl, there's this gung-ho, just-one-of-the-guys female FBI agent.  Instead of Henry Higgins, the speech therapist, there's Michael Caine, the man recruited to make over this unpolished female.

It all begins when the New Jersey FBI receives a letter from a terrorist known only as "The Citizen," the team, led by Eric Matthews (Benjamin Bratt), quickly determined he’s planning his next attack at the Miss United States beauty pageant in San Antonio, Texas.  Because gung-ho Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock) is the only female agent in their office, she’s chosen to go undercover as the contestant from New Jersey.  From there, the hilarity ensues.

It's left to beauty pageant coach Victor Melling (Michael Caine) to teach Gracie how to dress, walk, and behave like a contestant.  As the competition begins, Gracie impresses the judges during the talent competition with her ability to play glass harps as well as her self-defense techniques she uses on Eric, dragging him onstage after several of the contestants drank water from the glasses.

Former pageant winner Kathy Morningside (Candice Bergen) is in charge of the pageant and becomes Gracie's number one suspect.

Gracie is amazed when she is voted the runner up, then realizes the tiara that will soon go on the winner's head, holds the bomb. 

Rotten Tomatoes gives the film an approval rating of 42% based on reviews from 115 critics.  The general consensus was:
"Though critics say Bullock is funny and charming, she can't overcome a bad script that makes the movie feel too much like a fluffy, unoriginal sitcom."
Bullock was nominated for Best Actress for her role in the film.  The film came out in 2000.  It is often shown on several cable networks and can be found on the web at
https://www2.go123movies.io/movie/miss-congeniality/

Thanks for joining me today.  I am very grateful you stopped by.  Hope to see you at the movies, too.


12 thoughtful remarks:

CJ Kennedy said...

Chick flick is in the eyes of the beholder. This is a chick flick and I'll take a pass. 😉 But you did find a 42! Look at the approval rating you found from Rotten Tomatoes.

RO said...

You already know I've seen this one too, Elizabeth(lol) In fact, I've seen it about 5 times, AND I have the dvd. This movie and everything about it was just adorable and funny, but I also loved the message about friendship. Like you, I simply adore the very wonderful Sandra Bullock, and have watched her in just about everything she does. She just seems like such a fun and cool person to hang around. I hate that she suffered such humiliation and hurt from her husband Jesse James of 5 years who was a serial cheater. I mean who does that to the sweetheart of America? I think for awhile, he was the most hated man in America. She rallied back even stronger from that nightmare and continues to show her kindness and humorous spirit. I'm also a fan of Rotten Tomatoes, but sometimes movie critics are a little too serious don't get that sometimes you just want to escape and have a good laugh. Today, I'll be finishing up my thriller Red Metal, which has been keeping me on the edge of my seat, and watching a few cooking shows that I taped. Sure hope your day is as amazing as you are! Hugs, RO

aussie aNNie said...

Enjoy the movies, unlike you I can't stand this actress but each to their own...have a lovely weekend.x

Words and Pictures said...

Oh dear... I'm not keeping up with visiting very well at the moment - just too much going on, and I usually keep my comments for the creativity posts, but I had to stop and say I'm a big Sandra Bullock fan too. I'm not sure I've ever seen Miss C from the start, but it's one of those films that if I happen upon it part way through, I'll always watch to the end! Hope you're enjoying a great weekend.
Alison x

My name is Erika. said...

This is a great movie! Good pick this week. I've seen it several times and I give it 2 thumbs up. Happy weekend! Hugs-Erika

Birgit said...

I’m surprised it only has 42% on Rotten Tomatoes but who says they are always right:). I enjoy this chick flick because of her performance and I love Michael Caine and William Shatner in this movie. It’s a fun flick to watch when you need to turn your mind off and get a pick me up. Great review!

Divers and Sundry said...

I've seen it, and it's cute enough I guess. It wouldn't be the comedy or the Sandra Bullock film I'd ever pick to re-watch.

Valerie-Jael said...

I like Sandra Bullock but I don't like the film. Is your electricity out again? Have a good weekend, Valerie

Meggymay said...

I haven't seen this film, it somehow never appealed to me, but after reading you post if it came to our TV. i would give it a look.
Yvonne xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

Oooh! Another film I haven't seen that I think I would like! I do like Sandra Bullock and Michael Caine! Having a catch up now!!! Hugs, Chrisx

Rita said...

I like Sandra Bullock but this was a bad choice for her. Kind of a silly movie--LOL!

Jeanie said...

I never saw this one. I used to go to movies all the time. So behind!