Xpress: 'Miss Congeniality' a winner

Summary: Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock), a sloppy, tomboyish, rough and tough FBI agent, is sent into action. After cryptic letters are sent hinting that a bomb will be set off at what the FBI agents determine will be the Miss United States Pageant, it is decided an undercover agent must be entered in the event. Gracie Hart meets the qualifications except for one thing: her appearance! She must be transformed from a mess into a beautiful woman in two days. Vic Melling (Michael Caine), beauty consultant, is called in to perform that miracle. If he can't pull it off, everyone will be in danger, and there is a strong possibility that someone will get killed.

My view: I've seen a lot of Sandra Bullock movies, but I believe this one was, by far, her most entertaining. The laughs were abundant throughout, there was a good cast of actors, and there was never a dull moment. I don't like dull movies, so this one is a perfect example of what I DO like.

Favorite part: I loved Sandra Bullock's sarcastic remarks. It is good when a movie can have sarcasm and not go overboard to a point where it gets ridiculous. The character she portrayed in this film was very funny and likable in spite of all of the sarcasm.

Least favorite part: Sorry, didn't have one.

Recommendations: This movie has some mature themes (Sandra Bullock temporarily "enhances" her silhouette for the swimsuit competition, for instance). It is definitely geared toward a more mature audience, so I'll say it is appropriate for middle school age and up. It seemed like there were a lot of adults at my screening, though.

Grade: A-

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Billy Norris, 13, a seventh grader at Seminole Middle School, is a former member of the Times X-Team.

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