Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this pageDrop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
Director: Michael Patrick Jann
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
This sicko spin on Michael Ritchie's Smile is tailor made for modern audiences who feel free to laugh at violent death, mutilation, fat people and the mentally retarded because they know it's all terribly ironic. At Mount Rose, Minnesota, preparations for a heat of the Miss Teen America beauty pageant proceed under the supervision of former winner Alley, confident that daughter Richards will follow in her footsteps. Nearly everyone reckons the result's a foregone conclusion, but that doesn't deter trailer park siren Dunst and sundry misguided contestants eager to unleash their party pieces. Competition is intense. Indeed untimely fatality is visited on one contender after another, and an explosive act of trailer sabotage leaves Dunst's sozzled mom Barkin with a beer can fused to her hand. The first appearance of the mutant mitt is effective, but further sightings less amusing. Decidedly patchy, the film gains from the supporting talent of Janney as Barkin's mutton-dressed-as-lamb pal, another perceptive turn from a comedienne who deserves a movie of her own.Author: TJ
Cast & crew
Director: Michael Patrick Jann
Producer: Gavin Polone, Judy Hofflund
Cast: Kirstie Alley, Ellen Barkin, Kirsten Dunst, Denise Richards, Allison Janney, Will Sasso, Mindy Sterling, Sam McMurray full cast
Duration: 98 mins
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Stephen Poliakoff discusses 'Glorious 39'
Stephen Poliakoff’s ‘Glorious 39’ is his first film for cinema since ‘Food of Love’ in 1997. Dave Calhoun met him
Is 'Paranormal Activity' the new 'Blair Witch'?
How does a film go from DIY experiment to box-office smash? 'Paranormal Activity' director Oren Peli explains
Steven Soderbergh on 'The Informant!' and 'The Girlfriend Experience'
We talk to Steven Soderbergh about his two forthcoming films: one featuring a porn star, the other a chubby Matt Damon
A gateway to all things 'New Moon'
In anticipation of 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon', Time Out is offering the chance to pick up a limited edition pack with three exclusive magazines and a free poster.
London Children's Film Festival
Read our exclusive reviews of films playing at the 2009 London Children’s Film Festival
The films that deserve a TV spin-off
With Roland Emmerich suggesting he'd like to make a '2012' TV spin-off, we propose some more movie-to-TV serialisations
The Coen brothers discuss 'A Serious Man'
Masters of contrary comedy, Joel and Ethan Coen have struck gold again with their latest, ‘A Serious Man’
Michael Haneke discusses 'The White Ribbon'
Dave Calhoun met with Michael Haneke in Munich to mull over the details of his Palme d'Or winner, 'The White Ribbon'
Ten inspirations behind 'Avatar'?
Time Out ponders the influences behind James Cameron's anticipated space-opera on the basis of the trailer
Time Out's 50 greatest animated films with commentary by Terry Gilliam
In celebration of the release of Pixar's 'Up' and Wes Anderson's 'Fantastic Mr Fox', read our rundown of fifty classic feature length animations
What do you think?
Post your review now