Synopsis: In The Ugly Truth, a TV Producer meets her complete opposite in her new on-screen talent.
Release Date: July 24, 2009 MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre(s): Romantic Comedy, Comedy
Film Review
Production
After you get over the initial shock of some of the dialogue at the beginning of The Ugly Truth, you find that the movie is nothing shy of drab. You are simply put in a situation throughout where you feel indifferent. It does not seem to matter what happens next because you are never brought to be invested in the story. There is no excitement or an unpredictable moment throughout. The Ugly Truth is purely a poorly done formulaic romantic comedy that feeds off of what has come before it but tries to differentiate itself with some vulgar, or shocking, dialogue from its main character. Unfortunately, that one small change in the formula is not enough to save the film from being an utter waste of time.
Acting
If it were not for the complete dedication of Gerard Butler as the character Mike, The Ugly Truth would be even more painful to watch. He wholly consumes Mike, and takes deep pleasure in portraying a man who is a perfect cad. When he is on his own, delivering his lines perfectly, it is enjoyable to experience a character who can say the harshest, crudest, and downright obnoxious comments without making you dislike him. As for the other characters, including the other romantic lead Abby (Katherine Heigl), they are all but forgettable. Heigl does bring a small dose of comedy to certain scenes but they are quickly overtaken by her fake exterior. She does not show any qualities in her performance that makes you invest in her character or desire to see more.
Directing
If there was any direction taking place during the making of The Ugly Truth it is lost on the viewer. Nothing feels cohesive or though out. The entire third act of the film’s dialogue lacks any sort of timing and you can tell the actors are merely reading off their lines to each other as fluidity is nonexistent. The Ugly Truth is just one large mess that never develops into anything.
Chemistry
Playing off of the standard opposite attracts formula The Ugly Truth forgets one key element, chemistry. The two characters are so incredibly different there is no common ground for the chemistry to even remotely develop. The Ugly Truth is overly concerned with showy dialogue and witty remarks it forgets that these two people should like each other in one way or another. Instead, they just feel forced together by movie magic, and the magic is never created.
Comedy Factor
If nothing else The Ugly Truth will give you a few laughs here and there. It is mostly from the character Mike and his antics and belief system. The problem though is that as the film moves along the laughs are forgotten and taken over by the attempt at romance in the story. Before long you find yourself annoyed at the fact that what brought you to The Ugly Truth, the promise of comedy, has disappeared and nothing worthwhile has replaced it.
Cast and Crew
- Director(s): Robert Luketic
- Screenwriters: Kirsten Smith, Nicole Eastman, Karen McCullah Lutz, Kirsten Smith
- Cast: Katherine Heigl (Abby), Gerard Butler (Mike), Bree Turner (Joy), Eric Winter (Colin)
- Editor(s): Lisa Zeno Churgin
- Cinematographer: Russell Carpenter
- Production Designer(s): Missy Stewart
- Country Of Origin: USA
