Confirms the Sandra Bullock brand that was emerging through action-thrillers like "Speed" and "U-Turn", here cast as a tomboy detective who must learn to behave like a lady in order to compete undercover in the annual Miss America pageant to capture an extortionist. With the regaled Victor Melling (Caine) contracted to refine her rough edges and prepare her for contest, pageant director Candice Bergen recoils at the thought of such a tomboy compromising the exacting standards, poking fun at the almost sacrosanct beauty pageant industry.
Apart from the precision professionalism of Caine and Bergen in their respective roles as perfectionists, Benjamin Bratt successfully breaks his "Law and Order" mould as Bullock's practical joking colleague, while ex-Ghostbuster Ernie Hudson plays the long suffering police chief.
While the momentum sags a little early in the second half, William Shatner fills the void as the flamboyant and faithful right hand man to Bergen, showing his comedic talents first discovered on "Star Trek" had not waned over the intervening years. With a cast that seem to be comfortable in their roles and genuinely enjoying the witty dialogue, the laughs are solid and the general tone is enjoyable to watch. Surprisingly, Bullock elected to make an ill-advised sequel (read remake) with which you shouldn't need to bother if you see the original.
Apart from the precision professionalism of Caine and Bergen in their respective roles as perfectionists, Benjamin Bratt successfully breaks his "Law and Order" mould as Bullock's practical joking colleague, while ex-Ghostbuster Ernie Hudson plays the long suffering police chief.
While the momentum sags a little early in the second half, William Shatner fills the void as the flamboyant and faithful right hand man to Bergen, showing his comedic talents first discovered on "Star Trek" had not waned over the intervening years. With a cast that seem to be comfortable in their roles and genuinely enjoying the witty dialogue, the laughs are solid and the general tone is enjoyable to watch. Surprisingly, Bullock elected to make an ill-advised sequel (read remake) with which you shouldn't need to bother if you see the original.