Barnes & Noble

This amiable sequel to Sandra Bullock's 2000 blockbuster is predictable from first frame to last, but that doesn't diminish its appeal, or the appeal of its enormously likable star. Like many "number twos," it's not so much a sequel as a remake, repackaging and regurgitating all the gags and character bits that made the original so popular. Bullock's FBI agent Gracie Hart is still a fashion-challenged klutz (her elaborate makeover in the first film notwithstanding), and her beauty-pageant stint has made her too easily recognizable to be an effective undercover agent. Gracie's already in hot water with her boss (Ernie Hudson) when the news comes in that her fellow contestant and current Miss United States, Cheryl Frasier (Heather Burns), has been kidnapped along with pageant host Stan Fields (William Shatner). Reluctantly teaming with a no-nonsense female agent (Regina King), Hart heads for Las Vegas to search for clues. In one of many nods to the first Miss Congeniality, Gracie utilizes the talents of yet another gay stylist, this one played by Diedrich Bader; he's flamboyant to Michael Caine's fey, which makes him somewhat less effective with similar material. King's openly contemptuous FBI agent is a bit too grating, and without a Benjamin Bratt for sexual tension the two female agents eventually come off like a modern-day Lucy and Ethel. Bullock's turn in disguise as an elderly retiree is labored, and she rather overdoes Gracie's constant snorting and singsong dialogue delivery. But there's no getting around the fact that she remains one of the big screen's most endearing performers, and her substantial charm is more than ample to overcome what weaknesses the film has in scripting. Director John Pasquin (Joe Somebody), obviously aware that he's helming a star vehicle, always keeps Bullock on center stage and fully exploits her considerable comedic talents. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

FBI agent-turned-reluctant beauty queen Gracie Hart (played by Sandra Bullock) is taking on both bad guys and high glamour again in this sequel to the comedy smash Miss Congeniality. After her undercover mission at the Miss United States pageant becomes public knowledge, Gracie becomes something of a celebrity, and the FBI uses her notoriety to generate positive PR for the bureau; however, Gracie would like to get back to some solid police work, especially after scuffling with fellow female agent "Sam" Fuller (Regina King), who isn't impressed with Gracie. Despite their differences, the two find themselves working side by side when two of Gracie's pals from the pageant -- contest winner Cheryl Frasier (Heather Burns) and master of ceremonies Stan Fields (William Shatner) -- fall victim to kidnappers. As she did on the first film, Sandra Bullock served as both producer and star for Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous, while director John Pasquin's credits include several episodes of the situation comedy George Lopez, also produced by Bullock. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 012569593312
• Source: WARNER HOME VIDEO
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound
• Language: English, Français, Français
• Subtitles: English, Español
• Editions: Subtitled, Dubbed
• Time: 1:55:00
• Sales Rank: 18,169

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Miss Congeniality / Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous
• Miss Congeniality/Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous

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