MICHAEL PATRICK JANN

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBB.5. 

USA/Germany, 1999.  New Line Cinema, Capella International, KC Medien.  Screenplay by Lona Williams.  Cinematography by Michael Spiller.  Produced by Judy Hofflund, Gavin Polone.  Music by Mark Mothersbaugh.  Production Design by Ruth Ammon.  Costume Design by Mimi Melgaard.  Film Editing by David Codron, Janice Hampton.  

Hysterical black comedy about a beauty contest in a tiny town in Minnesota, where murdering fellow contestants is no big deal for ambitious wannabe crown-wearers. Told in mock-documentary style, the film features brilliant performances from Ellen Barkin and Kirsten Dunst as trailer-park-dwelling mother and daughter who support each other through the ordeal of trying to win the contest, support they’ll need because they’re up against classy and rich Denise Richards and her mother Kirstie Alley (who is also the co-ordinator of the pageant).  Allison Janney shines in a supporting role as Barkin’s loud-mouthed best friend, and Brittany Murphy has some great moments as one of the other try-hards. Laughs from beginning to end, this one is very politically incorrect and loving it!