Bullock reprises role in Congeniality 2

"You love me. You want to kiss me," were among the last words of Miss Congeniality's Gracie Hart. Sandra Bullock returns as FBI agent Hart in Miss Congenitality 2: Armed and Fabulous, only it is a desperate FBI trying to improve their image that loves her, not her boyfriend.

This sequel picks up three weeks after her eventful Miss USA pageant mission only to find Gracie back to her pre-makeover masculine self. However, after her cover is blown during a bank robbery due to her recent notoriety, she is left with no choice but to become the public representative for the FBI.

It was hard not to feel sorry for the boyish Gracie in the original, but her character in the sequel sometimes leaves you wanting to gag because of her pretentiousness. She quickly transforms into FBI Barbie and goes on a publicity tour to promote her tell-all book.

Surprisingly, any hope of continuing Gracie's love interest from the original is quickly dashed as we witness her breakup within the first few scenes.

Removing the romance from what could have easily been another romantic comedy was a smart move to keep the sequel interesting and different from the original.

Instead of a smart-mouthed male counterpart playing opposite Bullock, Regina King steps in as Agent Sam Fuller. Their differences and the development of their friendship carry the movie past its similar Hart-saves-the-day plot.

King's character is portrayed too often as the angry black woman stereotype whom no one else will work with besides Hart. However, with the demanding Hart treating Fuller as her assistant rather than partner much of the anger is well deserved.

Their conflicts lead to interesting and very physical fights. Women doing physical comedy isn't expected and that is part of what makes it work well in Miss Congenitality 2.

Hart and Fuller end up pulling it together in an effort to save Hart's friend, Miss USA, who has been kidnapped in Las Vegas.

The plot becomes predictable as the closer it gets to the kidnapper's ransom deadline, the more it appears no one but Hart seems to have the right answers.

Still, the antics of Hart and Fuller are reminiscent of classic buddy films but with an estrogen edge.

The grand finale race to save the captive beauty queen includes pirates, drag queens, casinos and Hart donning a troublesome, bright yellow showgirl costume with feathers.

With such outrageous stunts, this is a movie that could only be set in Vegas. Miss Congenitality 2 finishes with a bit of a campy feel as Gracie realizes she must be true to herself, snorting laughter and all.

The sequel provides just as many laughs as the original without leaving you feeling inadequate for not being beauty pageant gorgeous or in a great relationship.

In the end Miss Congenitality 2 is good because it has what so many recent sequels have lacked: a bit of originality, a fun character to watch in Gracie Hart and a new story for us to watch her live.