I consider it one of the greatest tragedies in the history of the rom-com that this film was made. I unashamedly adore the first film, finding it funny, moving and endearing. So why would Sandra Bullock and Marc Lawrence want to systematically destroy everything that made the film memorable and enjoyable? For me, Miss Congeniality's strongest points were the great lovableness (is that a word?) of Gracie's character and the subtle sexual tension between Gracie and Matthews that simmers quietly throughout the film. But within the first 20 minutes of 'Armed and Fabulous' the relationship is no more, and Gracie has become a shrill and shallow version of her former self, showing little evidence of the classic Sandra Bullock charm. While I appreciate that these two events are supposed to be closely linked, and Gracie's appalling behaviour is apparently a direct result of being dumped, this is just not portrayed convincingly. While the idea that Gracie is a vulnerable and cynical character is effectively floated in the first film, the probability of her promptly losing all her feistiness and sense of self as a result of a fledgling relationship failing is 0.
The film has it's occasional saving grace in the odd funny line, but this without the magic ingredient of Sandra Bullock's charm is not enough to save it from its abysmal plot line.
The film has it's occasional saving grace in the odd funny line, but this without the magic ingredient of Sandra Bullock's charm is not enough to save it from its abysmal plot line.