Few things in life compare to the serotonin boost received from a good old makeover montage. The glasses come off, the frizzy curls settle down and plain Jane realises that she was beautiful all along. Ah, priceless. There’s something about the peppy background music, extravagant spending and several outfit trials that is both satisfying and escapist. However, we do realise that there are quite a few underlying problems with the makeover trope concerning conventional beauty standards, therefore, it’s best if we consume this side of cinema with a pinch of salt. Here are the 5 feel-good makeover movies that will have you punching the air with delight:
1. Pretty Woman
Vivian, played by Julia Roberts receives an elegant transformation that takes her from being a woman of the streets to a princess. To top it all off, she gets to make her triumphant return to the store where her ‘pre-makeover self’ was denied service and have the last laugh.
2. Miss Congeniality
What happens when a tough cookie FBI agent has to go undercover as a beauty pageant contestant? You best believe she gets the finest makeover. Sandra Bullock’s Gracie Hart goes through a militaristic style makeover intervention that ends with a grand reveal of her in a bodycon Hervé Léger dress. Not only did she ultimately save the day, but did it wearing heels!
3. Princess Diaries
Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi (Anne Hathaway), Princess of Genovia takes home the makeover crown. The frizzy-haired, bushy-eyebrowed teen goes from being regular to royalty in an amusing montage. Featuring Pablo and his assistants working their magic. Julie Andrews approves and so do we.
4. The Devil Wears Prada
Anne Hathaway delivers yet another iconic makeover, this time, to match the atmosphere of her workplace. Not only does this transformation change her physical appearance, but her attitude towards her job as well. With the guidance of Nigel (the brilliant Stanley Tucci), Andy (Anne Hathaway) raids Runway magazine’s fashion closet and walks out in Chanel boots looking like a million bucks.
5. Clueless
“Giving her a sense of control in a world full of chaos”, Cher (played by Alicia Silverstone) loves taking up self-initiated makeover missions. Her new project? Tai (played by Brittany Murphy), the new girl in school. In the midst of helping a misfit become the quintessential popular girl, what she doesn’t realise is that it is her who is going through a makeover.
