Drop Dead Gorgeous - An underrated classic

Drop Dead Gorgeous is filmed in a documentary style (no, thankfully not like the Blair Witch Project, or any of its many imitators) and charts a beauty pageant in small town America.

If you're expecting just some simply bitchiness between catty teenage queens, you're probably thinking too low. Kirsty Alley plays the mother of one of the contestants who's determined to do whatever it takes for her daughter (Denise Richards) to win. This, of course, means murdering anyone who she sees as competition.

Drop Dead Gorgeous is the epitome of black comedy. There are no jokes - as such - in this film. All the laughter comes from subtle situations and performances which leaves you cringing into your cushion. Also, all the characters are perfect. It's like an ensemble cast of actors and actresses that you probably don't know that well, who all just so happen to play their respected parts perfectly. Special credit must go to Denise Richards who is truly brilliant when she comes to visit the former beauty queen winner in hospital (I'll say no more about that - just classic).

Perhaps Drop Dead Gorgeous didn't set the box office alight at its time of release because of its dark subject matter. It does poke fun of America's obsession with parades, self image and all things beautiful. It may even have been a little ahead of its time. Back in 1999 at the film's release, documentary (or should I say `mockumentary' films?) were not as common as they are today.

If you like your films deeply dark, with plenty of subtle humour and great performances then this is the one for you. However, if you're looking for comedy that's a little more `in your face' (ala American Pie) then Drop Dead Gorgeous is a very different beast indeed).

8/10 The Force is definitely strong with this one