Miss Congeniality is currently being watched by all and sundry on Netflix UK, holding its ground at the third spot on the charts. This classic Sandra Bullock comedy has long been a fan favourite, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless charm.
Directed by Donald Petrie and written by Marc Lawrence, Miss Congeniality was released in the year 2000. The film stars Bullock in the lead role as Gracie Hart, an unconventional FBI agent known for her tough and tomboyish demeanour.
If the film were released now, Hart would have been tagged a bonafide pick-me and possibly even unfeminist, even though her character was right at home with the third-wave feminist movement.
If you have never watched this classic comedy, read on to know what it’s about.
What is Miss Congeniality about?
The plot of Miss Congeniality revolves around Gracie Hart, who is assigned to go undercover as a contestant in the Miss United States beauty pageant after a series of threats are made against the event. With the help of a pageant coach played by Michael Caine and the transformation of Gracie into a more traditionally feminine contestant, the film explores themes of empowerment, self-acceptance, and challenging stereotypes.
Upon its release, Miss Congeniality received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Bullock’s comedic performance and the film’s message of female empowerment. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film was a box office success and quickly became a beloved classic among audiences.
Miss Congeniality’s success led to a sequel with a classic buddy cop vibe. However, Sandra Bullock dashed all hopes of a possible trilogy happening a few years ago. She told Metro how even that sequel should never have happened, “Two shouldn’t have been done, but I’m glad that it did because of Regina [King], who I just freaking adore. That one [Miss Congeniality] should have remained a one-off.”
You can watch Miss Congeniality on Netflix and take a trip down memory lane with its trailer here:
