BULLETPROOF MASCARA

With her newly earned degree in linguistics, Nikki Lanier is heartbroken at the lack of suitable jobs—and desperate to distance herself from her nagging mother. When she agrees to try selling cosmetics for Carrie May Company, she’s surprised to learn that the extensive training incorporates hand-to-hand combat using flash grenade lipsticks and GPS-tracking earrings. The company mission, "Helping Women Everywhere," includes rescuing kidnapped human rights advocates. Renée Raudman's portrayal of Nikki is just right for this delightful spoof. It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, with the steely core of a woman who is prepared to use her stiletto stilettos for more than one purpose. Raudman maintains a crisply paced narrative and mostly straight delivery for the characters, allowing this escapade to be fun but not over-the-top. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2010]