The sequel follows our pretty-in-pink Harvard Law grad to our nation's capital (or Capitol) as a legislative aide with a personal agenda: to outlaw animal testing in the cosmetics industry and simultaneously to free the mother of her pet Chihuahua, Bruiser, in time for her nuptials. (Wishful point of reference: a clip of Frank Capra's Mr. Smith Goes to Washington on TV.) Our heroine is just going to continue to be herself no matter what, even if our leading lady, Reese Witherspoon, is going to appear to be a little less herself and a little more Lauren Holly, a little more Barbie Doll, a little more Gidget, a little more Everyblonde. But after all, why change, when the seas keep parting in front of her? Her string of successes takes all the awe out of her perseverance, and all the acid out of the caricature. The jokes, in any event, are so strained as to sour the mood long before she ever steps foot in D. C., and long before director Charles Herman-Wurmfeld (who, according to his bio in the press book, "currently resides in Los Angeles with his domestic partner, Jason Bushman," a bit player in the film) can advance the political agenda of canine homosexuality. Sally Field, Regina King, Jennifer Coolidge, Bob Newhart, Luke Wilson. (2003) — Duncan Shepherd
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