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It's a good thing Sandra Bullock knows her strengths and weaknesses, because without Bullock as star and producer, Miss Congeniality would be an insufferable mess as opposed to being a mildly enjoyable trifle that is custom-made for Bullock's established screen persona. Only Bullock's fans could really appreciate this fluff (even then they'll wish its ripe premise had been more intelligently handled), but it's not without some highlights to accompany Bullock's reliable charms. Here she plays clumsy, nerdy FBI agent Gracie Hart, who is given the horrific pseudonym Gracie Lou Freebush (one example of the movie's juvenile tendencies) when assigned to infiltrate a beauty pageant to investigate threats of a terrorist attack.

Transforming Bullock from frumpy to stunning is a piece of cake (although she gives pageant coach Michael Caine a run for his money), so the movie's premise is trivial at best. More enjoyable is her character's uncouth disdain for pageant contestants and her mistaken perception that they're all a bunch of bimbos. The movie nicely charts Gracie's realization that her own pageant makeover provides a much-needed ego boost. In addition to Caine's effortless scene-stealing, pageant host William Shatner and organizer Candice Bergen are smart choices for comedic support (Shatner's a perfect Bert Parks wannabe), but the movie desperately needs a credible foundation for its comedy to really pay off. Bullock's bureau boss (Benjamin Bratt) is an unconvincing dimwit, and none of the plotting is as smart as say Beverly Hills Cop in combining procedure with laughs. That leaves Bullock to carry the burden of a comedy that just barely works in her favor. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (304)

Light, fun - and all Sandra Bullock
Let's not be confused: this movie is not intended to be more than it is, a light comedy that highlights Sandra Bullock's considerable talents. It succeeds admirably with its goal. "Miss Congeniality" is funny and well-paced, slapstick in parts, but all Sandra Bullock.

Gracie Hart (Bullock) is a rough and tumble FBI agent who is both clumsy and skilled in self-defense, a woman who pounds her punching bag after a frustrating day at work. She is the unlikely candidate to go undercover at a beauty pageant, but she's the only one in the bureau office who looks good in a computerized bathing suit. Michael Caine is hilarious as the man in charge of making her over in two days, and Benjamin Bratt is convincingly clueless and charming as her friend and sudden supervisor. Candice Bergen and William Shatner, as the pageant's directors, are brilliant casting choices.

While Sandra Bullock goes overboard at times making her character uncouth and uncoordinated, she completely carries this movie with her on-screen presence. Her makeover is convincing because Bullock never allows us to forget what lies underneath the sheen.

The best part of the DVD is not the movie itself. It's the running commentary of Bullock and co-writer Marc Lawrence found in the special features menu. I almost watched this movie twice in one sitting as I listened to them joke and tell the background of the filming and writing from the beginning to the end of the movie. They were as entertaining as the movie itself. If you buy or rent the DVD, don't miss this feature!

Sometimes you just want a hotdog!
I like Sandra Bullock, she's fun and at the same time you can see a working thoughtfulness to her. She's carved out a holdiay niche for a certain kind of movie and at the sametime I think takes more risks than Julia Roberts occasionally. Perhaps as she grows older she'll mature into parts that aren't so----easy on the thought process but for now she serves a purpose. Like a Star Trek novel, fun, light entertainment where you can genuinely see that she is a good actress and cares about her work.

She plays an FBI agent who undergoes a Pygmalion like transformation. A friend actually left this movie at my house and I watched it a month or so later. I wouldn't have minded seeing it at the theater. Her and Benjamin Bratt have a nice chemistry and Candace Bergen who will never regain her former "soft" acting style after Murphy Brown makes a great villain. Michael Caine is fun as Sandra's beauty coach and Sandra mocking the whole beauty industry for having beauty contests (It's about the scholarship!) makes the film funny. No true horrid violence and the mystery isn't that deep but Sandra holds the film up for what it is.

Sometimes you just want a hot dog and not filet mignon.

Miss Congeniality
Miss Congeniality DVD ~ Sandra Bullock is not the next idea for the noble peace prize. Then why bother with to much pretense. The movie is fun, francy free and void of social commentery which is nice.

The best movie
Miss Congeniality is a very good movie. Sandra Bullock is SO funny! I would for sure recomend this movie. YEE HAW

Fantastic Comedy With a Great Message
Sandra Bullock is one of America's best loved actresses for a reason - she is genuine, not fake. I have seen several of her movies, and I love them all. They just wouldn't be the same with another actress in it. Miss Congeniality is a hilarious comedy. It is that rare picture, that although it screams CHICK FLICK, is something men will roar with laughter at, too. My friend persuaded my husband to see it, and he LOVED it.

Benjamin Bratt and Bullock have *sigh* chemistry. I found myself wishing they could get together in real life. Such wonderful supporting actors, including William Shatner, Michael Caine, and Candice Bergen, make the film even more delightful. This movie has slapstick, action, romance, everything. It is one of the best comedies ever, a true classic. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Must-have for Julia fans
If you love Julia Roberts, you will LOVE "Mystic Pizza". If you're a fairly new Julia fan, you may have never even heard of this film becuase it's pre-"Pretty Woman" and "Steel Magnolias", which in itself is fun. Julia is at the ripe old age of about 20 in this flick, and it's great to see her talents at a raw, fresh stage. She also plays a sort of complex charachter in this film - Daisy, a young girl who is stuck at a turning point in life and isn't sure which way to turn. While both of the other girls seem to have something to live for (Jo-Jo has Bill, and Kat has her future career at Yale studying Astronomy), Daisy, as she points out in a rather touching scene, only has her six-pack of beer and her smile. (Which, as everyone knows, turned out to be the most loved smile in Hollywood). It's a fun movie for not just Julia fans, but young women in general. It's a must-see for any Julia fan and a great flick for a night with your girlfriends and some popcorn.

A Pretty Woman type movie
This is a definite must have for fans of Julia Roberts. It is one of those movies that makes you feel good after watching it. It is about 3 girls growing up in a small new england town. One is supposed to be getting married, another is just struggling to live life, find a job and hopefully a rich husband and the other is getting ready to head off to college. Julia Roberts is one of these charachters and plays the older sister to one of the other charachters that I mentioned. It is the story of a typical summer that they spend together before one gets married, the other off to college, etc. All 3 of them work in a pizza place in a town called Mystic. It is a fun movie and if you like Pretty Woman, you will love this also. I have watched it probably 25 times. It's a "eat popcorn, chill out/hang out, nothing else going on" kind of movie. It is fun!

Yeah, it is a chick flick, and yeah, you will love it
A 1989 Julia Robert film. She's one of 3 girls who work at a pizza parlor in Mystic, Connecticut, and each has her own set of guy troubles. Julia, the living-on-the-wild-side, sort-of-slutty townie falls for the slumming rich kid who comes to town; her sister (brainy, headed to Yale on scholarship) falls for a married man; the other one is in love with a big galoot of a local fisherman but just can't make up her mind to commit to marriage. And the fat-momma owner of the pizza place years for the day when the snobbish food critic will show up and sample her wares.
Order a pizza, pop the lid off a Pale Ale, kick of your shoes, and sit back for a kick-ass of a movie. It's great.

A Girl Movie
This is definately a girl movie because it is all about the lives of 3 girls around 20 or so. I loved the fun they had together. They partied and danced, laughed and played tricks on each other and the guys they were involved with. Robert's character had alot of bravado and spirit. Taylor's was cute and funny, sweet and without anger. Gish's was sensitive and smart. She held back more when the other 2 partied or got crazy. I loved the town of Mystic, Ct. You know there really is a Mystic Pizza. I looked it up and they really have good pizza. It can be ordered frozen through air mail and some stores actually sell it in the eastern states. It sounds absolutely wonderful. My favorite would be the Seafood Delight, with clams and scallops. They even vouch to have the mysterious sauce. The film was based on this tiny restaurant. It has expanded and there are now two. I would like to go to Mystic, it seems like such a neat place to visit.

Lisa Nary

Delicious entertainment
There's a line from American Pie in which one of the young guys declares, "Women are like fine wine. They just get better with age." So true. All of the women in this movie are living proof of that, especially Annabeth Gish, who went from being merely girl-next-door pretty in Mystic Pizza, to the mature goddess we have seen on the X-Files.

Mystic Pizza is very much an ensemble movie, with no one person standing out above the rest. A very strong female cast is counterpointed by some solid male performances, such as that of the always superb Vince D'Onofrio - also check out The Cell, with Jennifer Lopez.

Beautifully filmed in Conn. New England, the movie is also a visual delight, and captures the reassuring simplicity of life in an Atlantic fishing community. I love Nova Scotia and Maine for the same reason. The original Mystic Pizza restaurant is still going strong and their website is well worth a visit.

All in all, a very sweet movie about real people and real family situations, and it remains one of my favorite movies of all time. I literally never tire of this modern classic. My only quibble is that the last spoken line is disturbingly unimaginative and anti-climactic. After crafting such a superb screenplay, the writers just seemed to run out of inspiration at the last hurdle. As Mr. Spock would say, "Fascinating." ... Read more

Description

Whoopi Goldberg (SISTER ACT I & II, EDDIE) handles business her own way in this outrageous comedy hit! Whoopi plays a fast-track executive who starts her own company after a back-stabbing co-worker (Tim Daly, TV's WINGS) nabs her promotion. But when she's locked out of the stuffy corporate world, she invents a dazzling male business partner to sell her ideas! Her wacky plan soon spins wildly out of control, however, when her bogus "associate" becomes Wall Street's hottest financial whiz -- and Whoopi herself must impersonate him! With Dianne Wiest (THE BIRDCAGE) in a hilarious supporting cast, THE ASSOCIATE is a comedy treat you're sure to love! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Great Movie
Whoopi Goldberg stars in THE ASSOCIATE, a humorous movie about the stock market and a woman finding her way. She plays Laurel Ayers, a stock broker who is promised a promotion. When her co worker takes her promotion right from under her, she is determined to make it on her own. She quits and starts her own company. To her dismay she finds out that it's not easy making it in the world as a woman, doors are constantly slammed in her face because of her gender, so she sets out to take the world over by storm, by creating a fictional person, Robert Cutty. Yes she creates a man and even dresses up as one. Cutty takes the world by storm, but Laurel has to keep up with her charade. Eventually she realizes that Cutty has been nothing but trouble for her, no one cares about what SHE has been doing, and a man is still getting all the credit for her ideas. So she sets out to kill a fictional man that doesn't exist! She realizes she is no better than she was, because Cutty is getting credit for all her work and ideas. ...Overall a really humorous and well acted film, worth seeing many times.

Very Entertaining!
I truly love this movie! I have been trying to get it on DVD eversince I first watched it in March 1997 on my way to the UK. Whoopi Goldberg's acting is convincing but I liked Dianne Wiest's supporting role. A very entertainingly funny plot will keep you laughing most of the time through the whole movie.

He Look-a-Like-A-Man!
I must have seen this movie about twenty times or more! Each time I viewed it, I discovered something new in the movie!I loved
when Whoopi finally got a break-through and was given an account to prove her worth as a business woman! Women are still looked down in 2002 in many fields!The White Male is still given every thing over the Black woman and the white woman! Opray was the frist African American woman given close to a billion in revenue, we're cousins by the way Opray and I! No, really!!

viewing the movie helped me to make many successful deals without feeling like a helpless female!

Anyway Whoopi plays a guy as well as she does a girl! Five stars for you Whoopi!

Not a Great Comedy but Sometimes genuine humor film.
Wall street analyst (Oscar-Winner:Whoopi Goldberg) cannot survived in the World Business Men. So, she sets up with a Phony Fictitious business male partner and she decide to dress herself as a Man!

This Comedy is a Remake from a French 1982 film. Goldberg is Quite Good in the lead. Great suppoting cast:Including-Two Time Oscar Winner:Dianne Wiest, Eli Wallach, Timothy Daly, Bebe Neuworth, Austin Pendleton and Lainie kazan. Directed by Donald Pertie (Grumpier old men) has made a good comedy but he has made funnier films that this one. Grade:B.

Badly acted; not very entertaining
Any one who has the faintest inkling of how Wall St works will find this movie a joke. I can't believe the other reviews giving four or five stars. I was very disappointed with the whole thing. Whoopi seems very uninvolved in her acting. The movie just drags and drags. Many of the so called comic scenes are very contrived. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Good adaptation
Some descent light entertainment, and great for kids.
This movie stars Macaulay Culkin as Richie Rich. The richest little boy in the world , in this movie adaptation of the famous comic book.

We see how he overcomes , with flying colours , his own struggle to make real friends , while defeating the wicked whiles of Lawrence Van Dough (John Larroquette - 'Night Court'. ) , to save his parents - Richard
And Regina Rich played by Edward Herrmann and Christine Ebersole.

Kudos must also go to Jonathan Hyde as Richie's ever-faithful butler, Herbert Cadbury , Micheal McShane as Professor Keenbean , and Stephi Lineburg as little Gloria , who we know from the comic books as Richie's 'girlfriend'.

good but
whatever happened to john laroquette? i remember he had that one movie. that was several years ago though. is he still alive? ah, who cares?

Good family movie
This movie is about the richest kid in the world who has everything but friends. As he learns to have a successful sociala life, a disloyal employee plots to kill him and his parents and take over the family business. With the help of his new friends, his faithful butler, Cadbury, and the inventor Professor Keenbean, Richie tries to locate his missing parents and save the family riches. The Professor provides many interesting gadgets, including a remote-controlled bee, a machine that makes bowling balls, and a sticky substance that is 1000 times as powerful as superglue.

one of the RICHEST movies I've ever seen!
I could go on forever! This movie was fantastic! Based on the populuar 1960's hanna-barbera cartoon. Me and my friend thought this would never beat the TV series. IT DID! If you had a race starting at Miami, Florida and ending at Seattle, Washington all the other movies would be one inch in Miami and Richie Rich the movie would already be in Seattle! Bottom Line: humor,tons of action,cool places this movie was unbeatable! other bottom line: If you dont like this movie I suggest a way stupider movie such as MR. MOM ?!
P.S. if you like the movie watch the cartoon series!

Rich!
Culkin's main role in this film has nothing to do with burglars. All he wants are some friends. Friends to play baseball with, and just hang out with. But that's not easy when your richer than everyone else. He also must save his parents from being captured on the Mount Rushmore-like mountain of his family. Someone is going after the family's riches. He does have a steady friend throughout the movie and he makes more later. There's also an inventor coming up with amazing stuff to either help or effect the movie a bit. It's a fun movie to watch once in a while, so check it out! ... Read more

Reviews (183)

(3.5) A movie with flaws, but it improves toward the end.
I'm not quite sure where to start with this one. I didn't have high expectations, after seeing the trailer, but I thought it was an interesting premise, so finally I rented it. My initial skepticism was promptly validated. Until about 2/3 of the way through the movie I was going to write a rather scathing review and certainly not give it more than a 3.0 rating. The basic plotline is this: Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) writes a "How to" column for a rather flaky looking magazine that usually covers topics like clothes, diets, dating, etc. Her current topic is "How to lose a guy in 10 days," and she's made a bargain with her boss that if she can successfully drive a man away in that amount of time, she'll finally be able to write about issues that really matter - politics, religion, etc.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) works in advertising, and is desperate to be the one appointed to handle a contract with a huge diamond company. While trying to persuade his boss that he's the right man for the job, the topic of selling diamonds is somehow made synonymous with Ben's ability to sell himself to any woman alive. His boss agrees that he can have the job if he can make a woman (picked by two of his co-workers) fall madly in love with him in the next ten days. He agrees. The co-workers pick a woman out of the crowd and, big surprise, it's Andie. The two begin to date, with Andie doing everything she possibly can to drive him mad, and Ben doing everything he can think of to win her heart. Predictably, they end up falling for each other, and much professional and internal conflict ensues.

As I said earlier, the first 2/3 of the film did little to win me over. Most of the characters seemed just too incredibly fake to care about, particularly Andie. The makers of the film took a big gamble, whether they know it or not. The power of romantic comedies comes from having the audience truly wanting the two protagonists to get together in the end. Here, Andie comes across as a cold, calculating snob for much of the first part of the movie, while Ben is a cocky, arrogant playboy. I just didn't feel like rooting for either of them.

It's not until the sequence where Ben takes Andie to Staten Island to meet his family that the two really begin to seem like caring, feeling beings. At that point the characters' emotions were much more genuine, and the story began to pick up. From there on I really liked the film, even though the very end was perhaps a little too contrived ... But the chemistry really does come through in the latter part of the film, and thus I raised my rating to a generous four stars.

The acting is fairly good all around, despite the fact that most of Andie's co-workers are rather stereotypical scatterbrains who live on emotional roller coasters and think the world is made better by a cup of coffee and new clothes. I'm not sure whether their characters were supposed to be genuine or satire, but either way it adds some comic value to the film. I particularly liked the scenes with Ben's family, as the interactions there seemed the most genuine, and the people there the most real (they're a bit odd at times, granted, but don't most families have their quirks?).

DVD features include director commentary, a "Mapping Out the Perfect Movie" sequence with cast and crew interviews that provide extra insight into the film, deleted scenes (most of which I'm glad were not included in the actual film), a "Mapping Out the Perfect Location" featurette, and a music video of the song "Somebody Like You." My parting advice: If you don't like romantic comedies to begin with, don't see this movie. It's [probably] not the one that will win you over to the genre. If you do like romantic comedies (or even if you just have a thing for Matthew McConaughey), it's worth seeing, though it isn't the best. I'd advise renting it first to decide if you really like it or not.

Saved by the actors
Would have given it three and a half stars, if the option was available.

Kate Hudson plays an aspiring journalist who assigned a job at her less-than-serious-journalism-beauty-magazine called "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days." Her assignment: Find a poor, unexpecting schmuck, make him fall in love overnight, and then do all the annoying little stereotypical quirks that girls do to push guys away - she must get rid of him in 10 days. Matthew M. plays an egotistical womanizing guy who makes a bet with his friends that he can make some poor unexpecting girl fall in love with him in 10 days. What a coincedence -shocker!- these two meet!!! Yeah, I know! I couldn't believe it, either! The rest of the movie is Kate Hudson doing everything she can to be annoying (she succeeds with flying colors!) and Matthew doing everything in his power to be a sweet, sensitive, and understanding boyfriend to try to make her fall for him. There are funny parts, and there are also extremely predictable and dull parts. But, the movie is saved by the acting of both Kate Hudson (who is too cute for words) and Matthew M. (um, hello? sexy as hell) I liked it. Not the best comedy of the year, but definitely worth watching. I think it makes a pretty good date movie, since there is the romance and girl humor for the girls, and guy humor for the guys.

Wow, the realism of this movie....
Damn, they said that life imitates art but as we discover after watching this movie, it's the other way round. This movie is just so realistic. You know, the things that took place in that movie happened to me just last week. And the names! Andie Anderson, Benjamin Barry! Highly imaginative, hugely inovative. And movies like this are rare in todays world. Such an incredible script. I'm blown away.

P.S: I'm a compulsive lier. My shrink told me I should warn you that everything I just said was a HUGE PILE OF CRAP, much like this movie. Let's all hope together that it takes less than ten days to stop having nightmares about this movie.

GREAT MOVIE!!!
Last year, I kind of had 2 B-Day parties, one with like, 28 people (my actual party), and one with 3 freinds (which was on my real B-day). On my real B-day, my parents usually let me have a sleepover where we go to dinner and a movie, and that year, they did. We went to Hops, and then went to see this movie. Just pictue four 12 year olds, an 8 year old, and the B-Day girl's parents going to see this movie. We all loved it! It was such a funny, fun movie! As the movie ended, all I could say was definate buyer!!!

This movie was charming...
I really liked this film. Kate hudsons character is a writer for a fashion magazine. She ends up writing an article on how to loose a guy. Matthew McConaughey is a sports writer, that wants to write a advertisment for diamonds. These two come together in a fun way. They go back and fourth playing some crazy games. she does things to get rid of him and he does things to try to keep her. well all that push and pull made this movie fun. It was romantic. And matthew is just too cute. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A silly comedy that shines - thanks to its stars
Let me start by suggesting that you buy, not rent, this movie, because you might well find it too silly at first, then you'll surprise yourself with the urge to watch it over and over again. Yes, with a plot that's nothing better than a good episode of "Three's Company", the cast and crew deserved all the credits to make "The Favor" one of the most entertaining comedies reflecting various facets of love and marriage. Except for Elizabeth McGovern (who shines in almost every role given to her, especially in "Men & Women, Stories of Seduction"), other actors seemed to deliver their best performances here: Harley Jane Kozak, Bill Pullman, Larry Miller, the Orti sisters... I give this film 5 stars, one of which goes to the screenplay that's full of hilarious one-liners, so wisely interwoven with simple but thought provoking dialogues (the conversation between Bill Pullman, Harley Jane Kozak and Leigh Ann Orti in the "kitchen scene" being my favorite one).

Family Pleaser
This movie was "adorable". After seeing this movie and loving it, I had to take it to the rest of my family and watch thier reactions. It's a keeper. The plot is yes, a little corny and yes, a little silly. But, the cast was well positioned in thier characters. The thing that most amazed me was how sweet the artist character in this film was. Previous to my awareness of Brad Pitt, I thought he was wonderful. And after I realized it was him I had seen in this movie...I had to see it again and yes....again.

A Delightful Romantic Comedy
I found this movie to be one of the best romantic comedies of all time. It has an outrageously funny storyline coupled with fine performances by sexy Bill Pullman and sultry Elizabeth McGovern. A must see for any Pullman fans! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

This is a GREAT movie no one knows about !! GET IT !!
"Opportunity Knocks" is a cute, funny movie. I have this movie and without a doubt, it's one of my favorites. It is Dana Carvey's first "starring" role as something other than a Saturday Night Live character and he is excellent. This movie never got the accolades it deserved (perhaps not enough press coverage). This movie is MILES above "Clean Slate" (Dana's second movie). I have felt for years that this movie was a wonderful little secret that only I and a few others in the world knew about. Dana really shines here. If you like Dana Carvey...if you like really funny, sweet little movies...if you have a sense of humor and like a good laugh - buy this movie, PLEASE. I want to share it with you !!

This is a GREAT movie no one knows about !! GET IT !!
"Opportunity Knocks" is a cute, funny movie. I have this movie and without a doubt, it's one of my favorites. It is Dana Carvey's first "starring" role as something other than a Saturday Night Live character and he is excellent. This movie never got the accolades it deserved (perhaps not enough press coverage). This movie is MILES above "Clean Slate" (Dana's second movie). I have felt for years that this movie was a wonderful little secret that only I and a few others in the world knew about. Dana really shines here. If you like Dana Carvey...if you like really funny, sweet little movies...if you have a sense of humor and like a good laugh - buy this movie, PLEASE. I want to share it with you !!

Great movie, bad actress!
This movie is one of Carvey's best! He's very charming and as always funny. You can't help but start to love his charecter. It was an excelent movie, and I would give it a full 5, if it wasn't for Eddie's (Carvey) love intrest. I don't know if the charecter was played out perfectly, and it wasn't that interesting. Or the actress, Julia Campbell, didn't give it her best. She seemed very boring, and in many ways wrong for the part, and the guy. Other than that, this is an excelent film!

The Carvey Review
A great movie, one of my favorites! Carvey does excellent acting and the karaoke scene is pure gold! Dana Carvey should consider acting again.

Dana Carvey's best film
Dana Carvey plays a small time conman named eddie whos about to hit the big leagues. He breaks into a house and is mistaken for the housesitter. That's when the movie takes off. He has to play it cool to keep his cover and not let the girl he loves know he is a fraud. ... Read more

Reviews (183)

(3.5) A movie with flaws, but it improves toward the end.
I'm not quite sure where to start with this one. I didn't have high expectations, after seeing the trailer, but I thought it was an interesting premise, so finally I rented it. My initial skepticism was promptly validated. Until about 2/3 of the way through the movie I was going to write a rather scathing review and certainly not give it more than a 3.0 rating. The basic plotline is this: Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) writes a "How to" column for a rather flaky looking magazine that usually covers topics like clothes, diets, dating, etc. Her current topic is "How to lose a guy in 10 days," and she's made a bargain with her boss that if she can successfully drive a man away in that amount of time, she'll finally be able to write about issues that really matter - politics, religion, etc.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) works in advertising, and is desperate to be the one appointed to handle a contract with a huge diamond company. While trying to persuade his boss that he's the right man for the job, the topic of selling diamonds is somehow made synonymous with Ben's ability to sell himself to any woman alive. His boss agrees that he can have the job if he can make a woman (picked by two of his co-workers) fall madly in love with him in the next ten days. He agrees. The co-workers pick a woman out of the crowd and, big surprise, it's Andie. The two begin to date, with Andie doing everything she possibly can to drive him mad, and Ben doing everything he can think of to win her heart. Predictably, they end up falling for each other, and much professional and internal conflict ensues.

As I said earlier, the first 2/3 of the film did little to win me over. Most of the characters seemed just too incredibly fake to care about, particularly Andie. The makers of the film took a big gamble, whether they know it or not. The power of romantic comedies comes from having the audience truly wanting the two protagonists to get together in the end. Here, Andie comes across as a cold, calculating snob for much of the first part of the movie, while Ben is a cocky, arrogant playboy. I just didn't feel like rooting for either of them.

It's not until the sequence where Ben takes Andie to Staten Island to meet his family that the two really begin to seem like caring, feeling beings. At that point the characters' emotions were much more genuine, and the story began to pick up. From there on I really liked the film, even though the very end was perhaps a little too contrived ... But the chemistry really does come through in the latter part of the film, and thus I raised my rating to a generous four stars.

The acting is fairly good all around, despite the fact that most of Andie's co-workers are rather stereotypical scatterbrains who live on emotional roller coasters and think the world is made better by a cup of coffee and new clothes. I'm not sure whether their characters were supposed to be genuine or satire, but either way it adds some comic value to the film. I particularly liked the scenes with Ben's family, as the interactions there seemed the most genuine, and the people there the most real (they're a bit odd at times, granted, but don't most families have their quirks?).

DVD features include director commentary, a "Mapping Out the Perfect Movie" sequence with cast and crew interviews that provide extra insight into the film, deleted scenes (most of which I'm glad were not included in the actual film), a "Mapping Out the Perfect Location" featurette, and a music video of the song "Somebody Like You." My parting advice: If you don't like romantic comedies to begin with, don't see this movie. It's [probably] not the one that will win you over to the genre. If you do like romantic comedies (or even if you just have a thing for Matthew McConaughey), it's worth seeing, though it isn't the best. I'd advise renting it first to decide if you really like it or not.

Saved by the actors
Would have given it three and a half stars, if the option was available.

Kate Hudson plays an aspiring journalist who assigned a job at her less-than-serious-journalism-beauty-magazine called "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days." Her assignment: Find a poor, unexpecting schmuck, make him fall in love overnight, and then do all the annoying little stereotypical quirks that girls do to push guys away - she must get rid of him in 10 days. Matthew M. plays an egotistical womanizing guy who makes a bet with his friends that he can make some poor unexpecting girl fall in love with him in 10 days. What a coincedence -shocker!- these two meet!!! Yeah, I know! I couldn't believe it, either! The rest of the movie is Kate Hudson doing everything she can to be annoying (she succeeds with flying colors!) and Matthew doing everything in his power to be a sweet, sensitive, and understanding boyfriend to try to make her fall for him. There are funny parts, and there are also extremely predictable and dull parts. But, the movie is saved by the acting of both Kate Hudson (who is too cute for words) and Matthew M. (um, hello? sexy as hell) I liked it. Not the best comedy of the year, but definitely worth watching. I think it makes a pretty good date movie, since there is the romance and girl humor for the girls, and guy humor for the guys.

Wow, the realism of this movie....
Damn, they said that life imitates art but as we discover after watching this movie, it's the other way round. This movie is just so realistic. You know, the things that took place in that movie happened to me just last week. And the names! Andie Anderson, Benjamin Barry! Highly imaginative, hugely inovative. And movies like this are rare in todays world. Such an incredible script. I'm blown away.

P.S: I'm a compulsive lier. My shrink told me I should warn you that everything I just said was a HUGE PILE OF CRAP, much like this movie. Let's all hope together that it takes less than ten days to stop having nightmares about this movie.

GREAT MOVIE!!!
Last year, I kind of had 2 B-Day parties, one with like, 28 people (my actual party), and one with 3 freinds (which was on my real B-day). On my real B-day, my parents usually let me have a sleepover where we go to dinner and a movie, and that year, they did. We went to Hops, and then went to see this movie. Just pictue four 12 year olds, an 8 year old, and the B-Day girl's parents going to see this movie. We all loved it! It was such a funny, fun movie! As the movie ended, all I could say was definate buyer!!!

This movie was charming...
I really liked this film. Kate hudsons character is a writer for a fashion magazine. She ends up writing an article on how to loose a guy. Matthew McConaughey is a sports writer, that wants to write a advertisment for diamonds. These two come together in a fun way. They go back and fourth playing some crazy games. she does things to get rid of him and he does things to try to keep her. well all that push and pull made this movie fun. It was romantic. And matthew is just too cute. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

So enjoyable!
I loved this movie so much I watched it over and over again... Then I realized why I love it even more than my children do. First of all, the casting was perfect: Christopher Lloyd so witty and friendly, Liz Hurley stunningly beautiful and incredibly funny, and Darryl Hannah - definitely the loveliest girl on earth... Also, the special effects were smart, well designed and hilarious. But what's really captured me was these inoffensively sarcastic lines that made me laugh so hard. To quote a few: (Uncle Martin to Brace Channing, when the antennas popped up his head): "Quaint, aren't they? These days most of our young are born cable-ready". (Uncle Martin to Tim O'Hara): "I did a molecular identiclone of your body. You'd never understand. You people think Email is amazing". (Uncle Martin to himself, after cloning Brace Channing): "Boy, her head was dark and empty". (Suit, jumping out of spaceship): "A giant leap for men, a step backward for Martians"... To sum it up, this is so far the best Disney movie to me. Watch it with your family and laugh your butt off.

Best Disney since Rocket Man
My 15 year old friend and I saw Favorite Martian at the movies and I can't wait for the video! Disney could have decided this video would be released a bit earlier, but I guess September 28 is O.K. The only thing I didn't understand about this movie was that the Martian's body parts were separating!!!I wonder how they did that!!I gave this one 5 stars

An enjoyable quicky,
A little bit tired yet watchable. Jeff Daniels and Christopher Lloyds are a stitch! A fun little movie with a witty script and excellent special effects. The aliens and monsters look SO cool! The DVD for the film is nice, two. A sharp transfer with solid blacks and glossy colors. For extras we get an excellent 25-minute making of featurette, a trailer, and a alternate french language track. A very fun, if rather rushed film. Great for kids.

Disney wrost movie.
I don't have to see the movie. I know this is a bad movie.

A great kid's film!
This movie is great! The special effects are great and it's very funny. I watched it in theatres with my kids and they loved it too. The DVD is also great, with a audio commentary by actress Drew Barrymore, 4 deleted scenes, a lot more? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau are reunited in this popular 1993 comedy, in which the Odd Couple veterans play John and Max (respectively), a pair of elderly bachelors whose lifelong friendship is based on mutual aggravation and constant bickering. Their competitive natures kick into overdrive when the beautiful Ariel (Ann-Margret) moves into their otherwise snowbound Minnesota neighborhood. She takes a liking to John, but after a lover's spat she also gives Max a chance at romance, and the long-time buddies reach a peak of grumpy rivalry. It's a stretch to think that Ann-Margret's dating choices would be limited to a pair of grouchy codgers, but sarcastic attitude and snappy dialogue made this a surprise hit (followed by a 1995 sequel), and Burgess Meredith adds plenty of spice as Lemmon's amorous old father. Don't forget to watch the hilarious outtakes during the closing credits! --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Lemmon and Matthau's Greatest Movie...
In 1993 Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau played their best roles in this movie together. This movie, "Grumpy Old Men" is a MASTERPIECE! It's funny, joyfull, and heartwarming. These two were the perfect match for an EXCELLENT movie like this. The plot of the movie is great. The setting of cold and snowy Wabasha, MN was a the perfect setting.

The movie starts out on a snowy morning with two rivaling neighbors John Gustufson (Lemmon) and Max Goldman (Matthau). These two have been at each other's throats since they were kids. They always insult each other like calling each other a putz, a moron, or even a schmuck and other rude names. Whatever the two do they compete against each other to be better. One of those things they compete against is they both ice fish everyday and Max always ends up with more fish than John. So one day after they finish fishing, Max has half a dozen fish and John only has two. So Max of course picks on him and John throws one of his dead fishes into Max's car which causes a terrible stench.

That night John is watching the lottery and Max has the same T.V. remote so while John's watching the numbers Max over in the next window switches the channel. Then John switches it back then Max does it again and again. Finally John finds out it's Max and Max's son Jake (Pollak) opens the window to make him apologize and when Max goes to the window, John sprays his garden hose at him. Will these two ever stop fighting?

Then the rivalry takes another step up when a beautiful new neighbor Ariel (Ann-Margret) moves in and catches the attention of Max and John. Ariel is a lovely, warm-hearted, spirited woman who Max and John start fighting over. Max takes her ice fishing where she catches a 3-foot fish that she actually THROWS BACK before Max can take a picture of it. Then John and Ariel have dinner together and then go snowmobiling together and eventually sleep together. MAX IS FURIOUS!!!

Now Max and John are out fishing and Max is thinking of how to seek revenge. So John is in his shanty when it starts moving. He looks out the window and Max is moving it with his car heading straight for THIN ICE. John jumps out and his shanty is sunk. Of course Max is in his car chanting, "Yeah!" The two finally have a brawl and John is convinced that Max deserves Ariel more than he does because John can't support her because his house is about to be taken away from the IRS.

Will John get her or will Max? This movie is a great comedy everyone can enjoy. It's very touching and loving and is full of laughs. Your comedy collection is not complete without "Grumpy Old Men." This is a 5-Star MASTERPIECE!

I rate it five stars because of the cast

Maybe not a great movie, but certainly a funny one. I thought it was great. It is about two codgers who fling insults and dirty tricks at each other, until they reconcile--partly because of Ann Margret's influence on them, and partly because a heart attack makes them realize that they are really dependent on each other's friendship.

Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau are great together as a comedy team, and Anne Margret is as good in this one as she was in The Villain, with Kirk Douglas. They should be so lucky as to have such a dish fall for them, at their age. No wonder Lemmon had the heart attack!

Anyway, you'll love this film! Get it.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

This film really shouldn't have worked this well
Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon were outstanding, veteran comic actors by the time this film was made. Their presence guaranteed some level of quality and success. Add Burgess Meredith and the still-lovely Ann-Margret, and you have plenty of ingredients to end up with a 3.5 to 4 star film. The story is pretty basic, really. Two old friends, moving into their senior years, both fall in love with the lovely woman who moves into the neighborhood. Nothing complex, new, innovative, or fascinating in that plot, as it stands by itself.

Every once in a while, though, all the ingredients in a stew -- or a film -- come together just right, and there is a touch of magic. That occurred here. Will this film make you roar with laughter? Is it comic genius? Probably not. Will you smile and chuckle a lot? On that, I'd bet good money.

Matthau and Lemmon are better than Martin and Lewis
Two old geezers, known each other since they were in school, live is same neighborhood, are alot older, but still haven't grown up! I am a Lemmon and Mathau fan from way back, together or alone they are great, but in this case when they get together, they get GRUMPY! If there were more stars to give, I would. The movie is funny, serious, heart warming, a bit of an old guy testosterone fight. New lady moves to town, and the testosterone definitely jumps up... they fight like school boys with a first crush. This is not your wifes "Chick Flick", but men and women alike will enjoy this movie.

-5 for the DVD. +5 for the movie.
The film= two classic funny guys doing what they do best. Making us laugh. Great film. The DVD= it's a barebones edition with a horrible full-framing problem. They've cut off so much of the film that I felt like I was listening more than watching. It's HORRIBLE. I'd skip this DVD and get something else. Wait til a decent DVD comes out. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's a good thing Sandra Bullock knows her strengths and weaknesses, because without Bullock as star and producer, Miss Congeniality would be an insufferable mess as opposed to being a mildly enjoyable trifle that is custom-made for Bullock's established screen persona. Only Bullock's fans could really appreciate this fluff (even then they'll wish its ripe premise had been more intelligently handled), but it's not without some highlights to accompany Bullock's reliable charms. Here she plays clumsy, nerdy FBI agent Gracie Hart, who is given the horrific pseudonym Gracie Lou Freebush (one example of the movie's juvenile tendencies) when assigned to infiltrate a beauty pageant to investigate threats of a terrorist attack.

Transforming Bullock from frumpy to stunning is a piece of cake (although she gives pageant coach Michael Caine a run for his money), so the movie's premise is trivial at best. More enjoyable is her character's uncouth disdain for pageant contestants and her mistaken perception that they're all a bunch of bimbos. The movie nicely charts Gracie's realization that her own pageant makeover provides a much-needed ego boost. In addition to Caine's effortless scene-stealing, pageant host William Shatner and organizer Candice Bergen are smart choices for comedic support (Shatner's a perfect Bert Parks wannabe), but the movie desperately needs a credible foundation for its comedy to really pay off. Bullock's bureau boss (Benjamin Bratt) is an unconvincing dimwit, and none of the plotting is as smart as say Beverly Hills Cop in combining procedure with laughs. That leaves Bullock to carry the burden of a comedy that just barely works in her favor. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (323)

MINDLESS MERRIMENT
Most reviewers seem to agree that if you suspend your credibility expectations and enjoy this frothy romp for what it is, then MISS CONGENIALITY is okay.I enjoyed watching the film, but didn't laugh as much as I would have expected.Sandra Bullock is a competent actress, smart enough to know what she does well and what her fan base wants from her.Going from the rather unfeminine workaholic nerd to the potentially sophisticated beauty, Bullock works her part heartily and seems to be having a good time.The fellow pageant hopefuls are fun at times, but Cheryl's stupidity (When William Shatner asks her about her ideal "perfect date," she comes up with something like "April 21.") is sometimes too broad.Shatner is fun as the Bert Parks wannabe and Candice Bergen is a scene stealer as the pageant's director with a dark underlying agenda.The movie tries to elevate the necessity for these cattle calls by focusing on the scholarship potential, but MISS CONGENIALITY does little to justify their existence.A fun if forgettable flick!

I LOVETHIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GREAT MOVIE! RECCOMEND IT! ALL THE ACTORS AND ACTRESSES WERE GREAT. THAT= AWESOME!

amuzing
this was funny but, it just wasnt that good i mean it wasnt bad, but it was sooo predictable.And if you think abut it the plot is really stupid

Turn off your brain and let yourself be entertained.
This film has a really horrible reputation, but it's actually not that bad. Once you turn off your brain and stop thinking about the story, it's actually quite good entertainment.

If you hate Sandra Bullock, this film will probably do nothing to change your mind, but I watched it with very low expectations, and got a really positive surprise.

Oh, and the scene with the talent show, at which she's wearing a tyrolean style dress and making the glasses sing - it's just worth the entire movie. I laughed so much I thought I might never stop.

Does it merit a sequel?
Sandra Bullock is fabulous in the role of a tomboyish, gritty, somewhat klutzy FBI agent Gracie Hart. The story is almost a "Pygmalion" or "My Fair Lady" as an urbane Englishman (played by Michael Caine) seeks to transform Gracie into a lady. The reason is that there has been a coded warning that the Miss United States Beauty pageant is going to be victimized by a terrorist attack. Gracie, is needed for the purpose of going undercover, thus she is transformed into "Miss New Jersey."

In addition to the My Fair Lady similarity, there is also an element of "Rooster Cogburn." In that movie, John Wayne is a Marshall who has his badge taken away due to screw ups but, alas, he is recruited back when he is needed to solve a crime. So too, Gracie has just been assigned to desk duty after she has screwed up an operation but, after an exhaustive search for someone to go underecover, she is reactivated when she emerges as the only possible agent for the job. She is reluctant to take on this role but, predictably enough, is cajoled into it. Also, predictably enough, she views her fellow pageant competitors as bubble heads and has a rather disdainful attitude towards them but,as she gets to know them and form relationships, her estimation of them rises as she enters into genuine friendships.

Candace Bergen is well cast as a former pageant winner who is now the director of it. She is sweet and proper on the outside but, has a dark and calculating underside. Given both this portrayal and her physical resemblence, she would be perfect if they ever have to cast someone to play Martha Stewart!!

This movie, despite its predictability, is genuinely entertaining. Now that there is a sequel, the question is whether this has been played out to the point where none is merited. Perhaps, I will ultimately see "Miss Congeiality 2" and give my opinion in a later review. But, standing on its own, this DVD is fun entertainment and I enjoyed it. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

So enjoyable!
I loved this movie so much I watched it over and over again... Then I realized why I love it even more than my children do. First of all, the casting was perfect: Christopher Lloyd so witty and friendly, Liz Hurley stunningly beautiful and incredibly funny, and Darryl Hannah - definitely the loveliest girl on earth... Also, the special effects were smart, well designed and hilarious. But what's really captured me was these inoffensively sarcastic lines that made me laugh so hard. To quote a few: (Uncle Martin to Brace Channing, when the antennas popped up his head): "Quaint, aren't they? These days most of our young are born cable-ready". (Uncle Martin to Tim O'Hara): "I did a molecular identiclone of your body. You'd never understand. You people think Email is amazing". (Uncle Martin to himself, after cloning Brace Channing): "Boy, her head was dark and empty". (Suit, jumping out of spaceship): "A giant leap for men, a step backward for Martians"... To sum it up, this is so far the best Disney movie to me. Watch it with your family and laugh your butt off.

Best Disney since Rocket Man
My 15 year old friend and I saw Favorite Martian at the movies and I can't wait for the video! Disney could have decided this video would be released a bit earlier, but I guess September 28 is O.K. The only thing I didn't understand about this movie was that the Martian's body parts were separating!!!I wonder how they did that!!I gave this one 5 stars

An enjoyable quicky,
A little bit tired yet watchable. Jeff Daniels and Christopher Lloyds are a stitch! A fun little movie with a witty script and excellent special effects. The aliens and monsters look SO cool! The DVD for the film is nice, two. A sharp transfer with solid blacks and glossy colors. For extras we get an excellent 25-minute making of featurette, a trailer, and a alternate french language track. A very fun, if rather rushed film. Great for kids.

Disney wrost movie.
I don't have to see the movie. I know this is a bad movie.

A great kid's film!
This movie is great! The special effects are great and it's very funny. I watched it in theatres with my kids and they loved it too. The DVD is also great, with a audio commentary by actress Drew Barrymore, 4 deleted scenes, a lot more? ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's a good thing Sandra Bullock knows her strengths and weaknesses, because without Bullock as star and producer, Miss Congeniality would be an insufferable mess as opposed to being a mildly enjoyable trifle that is custom-made for Bullock's established screen persona. Only Bullock's fans could really appreciate this fluff (even then they'll wish its ripe premise had been more intelligently handled), but it's not without some highlights to accompany Bullock's reliable charms. Here she plays clumsy, nerdy FBI agent Gracie Hart, who is given the horrific pseudonym Gracie Lou Freebush (one example of the movie's juvenile tendencies) when assigned to infiltrate a beauty pageant to investigate threats of a terrorist attack.

Transforming Bullock from frumpy to stunning is a piece of cake (although she gives pageant coach Michael Caine a run for his money), so the movie's premise is trivial at best. More enjoyable is her character's uncouth disdain for pageant contestants and her mistaken perception that they're all a bunch of bimbos. The movie nicely charts Gracie's realization that her own pageant makeover provides a much-needed ego boost. In addition to Caine's effortless scene-stealing, pageant host William Shatner and organizer Candice Bergen are smart choices for comedic support (Shatner's a perfect Bert Parks wannabe), but the movie desperately needs a credible foundation for its comedy to really pay off. Bullock's bureau boss (Benjamin Bratt) is an unconvincing dimwit, and none of the plotting is as smart as say Beverly Hills Cop in combining procedure with laughs. That leaves Bullock to carry the burden of a comedy that just barely works in her favor. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (323)

MINDLESS MERRIMENT
Most reviewers seem to agree that if you suspend your credibility expectations and enjoy this frothy romp for what it is, then MISS CONGENIALITY is okay.I enjoyed watching the film, but didn't laugh as much as I would have expected.Sandra Bullock is a competent actress, smart enough to know what she does well and what her fan base wants from her.Going from the rather unfeminine workaholic nerd to the potentially sophisticated beauty, Bullock works her part heartily and seems to be having a good time.The fellow pageant hopefuls are fun at times, but Cheryl's stupidity (When William Shatner asks her about her ideal "perfect date," she comes up with something like "April 21.") is sometimes too broad.Shatner is fun as the Bert Parks wannabe and Candice Bergen is a scene stealer as the pageant's director with a dark underlying agenda.The movie tries to elevate the necessity for these cattle calls by focusing on the scholarship potential, but MISS CONGENIALITY does little to justify their existence.A fun if forgettable flick!

I LOVETHIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GREAT MOVIE! RECCOMEND IT! ALL THE ACTORS AND ACTRESSES WERE GREAT. THAT= AWESOME!

amuzing
this was funny but, it just wasnt that good i mean it wasnt bad, but it was sooo predictable.And if you think abut it the plot is really stupid

Turn off your brain and let yourself be entertained.
This film has a really horrible reputation, but it's actually not that bad. Once you turn off your brain and stop thinking about the story, it's actually quite good entertainment.

If you hate Sandra Bullock, this film will probably do nothing to change your mind, but I watched it with very low expectations, and got a really positive surprise.

Oh, and the scene with the talent show, at which she's wearing a tyrolean style dress and making the glasses sing - it's just worth the entire movie. I laughed so much I thought I might never stop.

Does it merit a sequel?
Sandra Bullock is fabulous in the role of a tomboyish, gritty, somewhat klutzy FBI agent Gracie Hart. The story is almost a "Pygmalion" or "My Fair Lady" as an urbane Englishman (played by Michael Caine) seeks to transform Gracie into a lady. The reason is that there has been a coded warning that the Miss United States Beauty pageant is going to be victimized by a terrorist attack. Gracie, is needed for the purpose of going undercover, thus she is transformed into "Miss New Jersey."

In addition to the My Fair Lady similarity, there is also an element of "Rooster Cogburn." In that movie, John Wayne is a Marshall who has his badge taken away due to screw ups but, alas, he is recruited back when he is needed to solve a crime. So too, Gracie has just been assigned to desk duty after she has screwed up an operation but, after an exhaustive search for someone to go underecover, she is reactivated when she emerges as the only possible agent for the job. She is reluctant to take on this role but, predictably enough, is cajoled into it. Also, predictably enough, she views her fellow pageant competitors as bubble heads and has a rather disdainful attitude towards them but,as she gets to know them and form relationships, her estimation of them rises as she enters into genuine friendships.

Candace Bergen is well cast as a former pageant winner who is now the director of it. She is sweet and proper on the outside but, has a dark and calculating underside. Given both this portrayal and her physical resemblence, she would be perfect if they ever have to cast someone to play Martha Stewart!!

This movie, despite its predictability, is genuinely entertaining. Now that there is a sequel, the question is whether this has been played out to the point where none is merited. Perhaps, I will ultimately see "Miss Congeiality 2" and give my opinion in a later review. But, standing on its own, this DVD is fun entertainment and I enjoyed it. ... Read more