The Ugly Truth

I usually try to avoid critiquing films that are just released, because I think spoiling plot lines is just annoying and petty. The only time I discuss the movie is if I find it so moving that those who would never watch it have to hear about it (that's pretty much my mother), or if I feel some of its attributes can be discussed without revealing the overall plot and timbre of the work.

That's why I haven't discussed my opinion of the most recent Harry Potter film - I really could not comment on it without disclosing something I shouldn't.

That isn't the case with The Ugly Truth. I'm glad to say that the previews haven't totally ruined it. Although the story line is formulaic and Hollywood didn't decide to throw us a curveball with an unhappy ending, I still found bits of the film surprisingly funny. I just love clutsy characters - whether man or woman, I relate to them on some fundamental crash-test-dummy level. Katherine Heigl would, for example, trip and I would, for example, chuckle quietly. And then ten seconds later, as she looks at her body on the floor wondering how it happened, I end up guffawing - because I have TOTALLY been there. So many times. (She doesn't trip in the film -- see this is where discussing a movie that I want to protect becomes a tish bit tricky.)

Oh, and in case you were wondering, Gerard Butler is a very good actor. Yes, he's hot. With like five t's at the end. But I was surprised to find him more than a sex symbol - his character was believable, I found his nonverbals warm and engaging, and I wanted to be his friend by the end of the movie. There were also some surprisingly fresh characterizations done by John Michael Higgins and Cheryl Hines, and a few subplots that managed not to distract.

Overall, I found the movie refreshing, sharp, formulaic, and oh my word so very vulgar. If a grade were being assigned, it would receive a C+ or grudging B-. Yes, I enjoyed it thoroughly. But there is this sort of invisible checklist I carry into every theater, and it did not meet all of those standards.

Go to the film. Without the kids. Laugh your hind ends off, and as you walk out cheekless, remember what I told you. I think my review will make more sense afterwards.