Analysis

I enjoy the movie Miss Congeniality. I recommend it to anyone in need of a feel good movie.  In this movie, Sandra Bullock plays our darling lead as a struggling FBI Agent.  All she wants is her one big case but things go haywire when the tough, unpolished Gracie Hart must become a secret contestant in the Miss United States Pageant.  Under the authority of her supervisor of the case, and close friend Matthews, Hart undergoes a series of girly makeover processes.  As the story continues we are introduced into more enduring characters and unexpected surprises.  This movie produces multiple themes for us through out, giving it a well-rounded story line.  This story has bold characters, multiple sub-plots, and a witty sense of humor.

  “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. (Bullock. DVD.)”   Gracie Hart was a good agent, but nobody saw that.  They took one look at her and saw her unfeminine ways and beer stains.  Hart felt the need to prove herself, thus beginning the movie.  You see, the FBI was tipped off about a possible attack at the Miss USA Pageant.  Now as much as they wanted to put a stop to the threats, a bunch of burly men in suits wouldn’t go very far.  Matthews, the case leader, begin to seek out agents with an in; someone who could hide in plain sight and go where no man could go.  Hart wasn’t even thought of until Matthews suggests her after about an hour of searching.  Of course, Hart wasn’t as easy to convince she had always been just one of the guys and cringed at the sight of feathers and dress up.  Reluctantly she did eventually go through with it and began her transition into the world of undercover.    Obviously, Hart is not the most graceful thing around and Bullock did an amazing job of adding special quirks and habits that made her an enduring character.  But where would Agent Hart be without her partners Agent Matthews and Mr. Victor.  Agent Matthew is witty, charming, and intelligent.  He is the catalyst to the whole movie.  He also adds the romance with Hart.  Mr. Vic is the fatherly figure that every movie has.  He adds a new twist with his snarky comments and excellent fashion taste, but none the less, he acts as a father to Hart.  Each character brings something new to the table allowing interaction and diversity within the movie.

Through-out the movie we have sub plots.  This movie gives us many different ideas to think about as we watch.  The main plot is Harts transformation, but we have many other feelings presented.  We are shown comedy with dialogue between characters, romance between Hart and Matthews, and drama with the promise of attack.  Those seem to be the main plots but smaller ones are presented as well.  Each new point attempts to create a new feeling in us.  The main one does have a tone of humor.  It’s light hearted and focuses on accomplishing a goal.  The other plots seem to be me serious, love, competition, trust, and action.  Regardless of all the main points, there is an underlying empowerment theme for those who don’t believe in themselves.  It’s almost saying “Look as Gracie Hart, the most unfeminine lady, enters into the world of Pageants and does well.  If she can do that, what can you do?”  I’m sure that maybe that is not quite what the directors had in mind, but it really is an added perk to this movie.    

 This movie is witty.  Its humor is presented in dialogue, in actions, and in well developed characters.  This movie creates hilarious situations and great character development.  Gracie Hart shows an incredible amount of body humor.  She’s clumsy, she falls and she stutters and she’s aggressive.  She often struggles to keep herself together.  She’s calloused and has to undergo an intense transformation.  At first we see her presented with frizzy hair and beer stains.  We see her fail as Victor tries to teach her manners and courtesy.  Her transformation eventually ends their training with a whole body makeover that no one should ever have to face.  Matthews is charming and witty, he’s flirty and is always portrayed as this cool agent.  Through-out the film we see his character slip into more goofy moments with Hart.  Mr. Vic is blunt and course.  He is Gracie’s coach and flings insults and transformers her into a pageant queen.  Not an easy task, as he tries to complete this, he and Agent Hart exchange insults and rude banter.  These characters interact in hilarious ways and put themselves in unusual situations.  Just a few of the situations include a whole body makeover, a room full of FBI officers playing dress up, and a wild talent show.     This movie is full of wit, humor, and a little bit of irony.    

I believe that this movie is well rounded.  It has unique characters, many plots, and is humor.  There is not another movie quite like this one.  This movie makes me laugh and I hope others find just as much joy in it.  This movie is unique and there hasn’t been another like it.  This movie has an underlying feel good theme, making it acceptable for everyone. 

WORKS CITED

Miss Congeniality.  Dir. Donald Petrie. Perf. Sandra Bullock, Michael Cane, Benjamin Pratt, and

Candice Bergen. Warner Bros Pictures, 2000. Film.

.