Miss Firecracker (1989)

Carnelle isn't happy with her life, so in order to improve herself she enters a local beauty contest, trying to emulate her cousin Elain's win many years ago. Few think she can win, even her closest friends and relatives (e.g. slightly mad cousin Delmount) think she's heading for a big disappointment, but Carnelle is ever hopeful, seeing a win as a ticket to escape her small town in Mississippi.

A very funny comedy, with heart

This is one of those films that I view every now and then when I need a good laugh. Holly Hunter is superb as Carnelle Scott, the wannabe beauty queen. Although we laugh at the characters, Beth Henley's writing is never mean spirited to the characters. It is a virtuoso ensemble cast. There are some real gems in here, the scene where "Popeye" (Alfre Woodward) explains how her eyes started popping out, and Delmont and his former Miss Firecracker sister (Tim Robbins and Mary Steenburgen) tango through the house. The Miss Firecracker talent contest is brilliant...........this film deserves attention. July 29, 2008

Probably one of the nicest movies of this genre

And not a bad introduction to astronomy. I guess the only complaint is the whole production seems too stagey, as if the performers never completely made the transition from acting for stage to screen. While other beauty pageant send-ups that followed in the next decade, like "Drop Dead Gorgeous" and "The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom," left me hurting and frowning, "Miss Firecracker" provided a much needed sympathetic counterbalance. I'm sorry I kissed your girlfriend. July 4, 2008

Holly Hunter is sooo funny!!!

I Love This Movie! I always made me laugh! Holly Hunter, Tim Robbins, and Mary Steenburgen are hilarious as a family. Carnelle (Hunter)is trying to win a beauty contest for the fourth of July like her cousin Elain (Steenburgen). My favorite part is the IR romance between Tim Robbins and Alfre Woodard. It is really good! June 18, 2008

A small movie, a sleeper --

a movie of which I'd never heard, though I considered Holly Hunter hot in "Broadcast News".

Then this was recommended to me. A small movie and a sleeper that is a must see. Steenbergen is excellent [...]. Holly is the orphan-turned-town-pump-turned-determinedly-upwardly-mobile in the big small way offered by a small town.

All are excellent, but it is Alfre Woodard who walks -- ambles? -- away with the film. Hilarious and profoundly serious at the same time. And of a lovely light romantic idealism lighter than the lightened Holly in the scene at the end when Holly finally climbs above the ground.

Sweet and lovely film. You'll love it. If you don't, then you didn't watch it.

Popcorn-suitable, for those who prefer that kind of film.
May 15, 2008

Miss Firecracker review

this movie is great! the story is wonderful the actors are great!... and my oldest sister is in this movie! A MUST SEE! May 14, 2008

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