location of story

Where was this supposed to take place? There were references to New York as if it was close by, so I assumed it was in the U.S. Otherwise, how were they all going to board the QE2 for a party in the near future? But then, why were the contest judges dressed like English judges, with wigs? (would never happen in the U.S.)
I suspect all the glowing comments on this board must have been written by people associated with the production, because the movie is not that good. There are a few better moments, like the fight scene, which is pretty goofy.