Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)

In a seemingly idyllic small town in Minnesota, the annual beauty pageant transforms into a hilariously chaotic battleground where ambition, rivalry, and outrageous antics collide. As the local TV crew captures the glamour and glitz of the competition, the pressure mounts on former beauty queen Gladys Leeman, who is determined to ensure that her daughter walks away with the crown. With her extravagant plans veering dangerously into the realm of sabotage—think falling lights, explosive mishaps, and even fiery trailer incidents—Gladys proves that the quest for beauty can be anything but pretty. Enter the sweet yet formidable Amber Atkins, the underdog who refuses to be overshadowed by the Leemans’ wealth and influence. Her relentless spirit and genuine passion for the pageant reveal a heartwarming counterpoint to the cutthroat antics of the elite. As the competition heats up, viewers are treated to a sharp, satirical examination of the lengths people will go to for fame and validation, all while delivering laugh-out-loud moments that expose the absurdity of beauty standards. With its blend of dark humor and heartfelt storytelling, this film invites you to cheer for the underdog while reminding us that in the world of beauty, sometimes it gets a little ugly.