Vastly over-rated

Rating: 6/10 (27 August 2007)

We all know comedies have their unbelievable moments, but if they are done well there is an internal logic that papers over the cracks or a cheery momentum that plugs up the plot holes. Not here, unfortunately.
If the girl had been in pageants before, why were they so surprised at what the competition involved or what the other competitors were like? Why had they not taken any interest in the girl's talent routine? Why had the boy not noticed his colour blindness earlier, had he never used crayons at school?
Then you've got the uninteresting, unsympathetic characters like the grouchy old man, depressive gay man, sullen teen...all stereotypes who grate quickly. You can't knock the fact the film is well-made, with a strong cast and some amusing lines...but Oscar-worthy?? No way.