Miss Congeniality 2
This sequel follows essentially the same formula as its original, only here the writers are unable to rely on the ‘shock’ value of a pretty Sandra Bullock appearing magically from under Michael Caine’s fingers for humour and ‘plot’. Here there’s no Michael (substituted for by an equally camp, though less featured, or endearing, Diedrich Bader of Drew Carey fame) or Benjamin Bratt, with whom she’d rode off into the sunset at the end of the first flick. Thus the film opens with FBI heroine Grace Hart (Bullock) being dumped by invisible Bratt over the phone (an only slightly less original ploy than killing off the unsignable cast member). Work is also an issue; it’s hard to go undercover when you’re a celebrity. So she gets a new assignment as the ‘face’ of the FBI and it’s back to heels, lip-gloss and no one taking her seriously. Juxtaposition arrives in the form of her new bodyguard, Sam (Regina King), the tough, unfeminine (though less uncoordinated) woman Grace used to be, and they instantly butt heads. When Grace’s best bud Miss USA is kidnapped, however, Grace and Sam work against their animosity (and superior orders) to save her. I’ll let you guess how things turn out.
Rather than the original’s physical ugly-duck-to-cover-girl story, No. 2 quite self-consciously u-turns, preferring a ‘be yourself’ approach. Never fear, it’s less corny than it sounds, and there are enough laughs to sweeten the pill for all but the most cynical.
The (mainly female) audience seemed to enjoy themselves, and if you liked the first and/or need to earn brownie points with your little sister, there are worse ways to do it.
Emily Cock
