Knife-edge satire of the pageant scene in small town America, with obsessive mothers and overachieving daughters from all walks of life. Near perfect performances by all involved, especially Allison Janney as trailer trash friend of the Atkins family.

Not a film cliché in sight, and each point goes swiftly and subtlely for the jugular. Told in a way that improved both the sarcasm and the delivery through the eyes of an imaginary documentary crew. Gleefully and darkly pokes fun at the whole scene down to every detail, including the priceless climax where the all-knowing pageant overlord cosmetic company has been boarded up after going bust on tax evasion.