Review: The Ugly Truth
August 4, 2009
Synopsis: Television producer Abby Richter (Katherine Heigl) just can’t find the right guy for her no matter how hard she tries. Television talent Mike Chadway (Gerald Butler) just can’t seem to get enough of degrading women by telling audiences “the ugly truth” about the sexes. After Abby’s station buys Chadway and his show for their network, the two team up to help Abby win over her handsome new neighbor. Along the way, however, are they really learning about the opposite sex or each other?
My Thoughts: I initially felt The Ugly Truth was being marketed so it appeared similar to Knocked Up (another Heigl film) and Superbad. I didn’t like either of these films because I felt they completely degraded women and encouraged bad behavior toward each of the sexes. But I wanted to see The Ugly Truth because I do like Heigl and Butler. I actually thought this film was incredibly funny! Yes, the film is playing to gender stereotypes and plays the joke to get the easy laugh. But the lines were delivered just right and in one scene (which I won’t spoil for you), Heigl really commits to the necessary acting. Heigl and Butler have good chemistry, and while not a great rom-com (which it is), you do have to consider how films have evolved in order to be successful with contemporary audiences.
For the Single Girl: So, SGs, Gerald Butler – he’s the (really) bad guy who helps Abby experience a new relationship – love it! And he does it so well. It’s also great to see more women in executive-type workplace roles. Abby doesn’t want to compromise her career goals in order to find a guy – yes, you can have both! She doesn’t apologize for being herself and she doesn’t want a guy who doesn’t want the real her – that is a great message.
