Review: ‘The Ugly Truth’

He Said:

So, when Jennifer said “I want to see that,” I looked up from my laptop and asked “see what?” She quickly backed up the Tivo and showed me a commercial for ‘The Ugly Truth’. All I remember thinking was… oh no, not again.

Fast forward and we’re at the premier and sitting in our seats eagerly awaiting the raging suck fest that most romantic comedies are. I said most. Not all. There are, in fact, a number of fantastic romantic comedies out there. Though, most of the ones I can think of involve Meg Ryan. Weird. So anyway, the movie begins and follows the path of Abby, a TV producer and neurotic control freak who is surprisingly well versed in handling her crew and talent. Knowing just what to say to keep them happily in line. She also shows off her ability to think on the fly when the guest chef on her show causes a small uprising with the dish he makes.

So, enter the struggle as poor Abby, played by Katherine Heigel (Knocked Up, 27 Dresses), is trying to save her failing show and find the ideal mate at the same time. When by chance, her cat changes the channel on the TV to ‘The Ugly Truth’, a show on public access TV hosted by Mike, played by Gerard Butler (300, RocknRolla).

Mike’s show is all about exposing the little fantasies we all have about dating and love. All the while making fun of the masks and slight of hand we use in our pursuit of romantic relationships. It was kind of refreshing to hear a man talk about being a man. Talking about what our real motivations are and how they relate to male and female interactions. If there is not a show like this one on the air now, there really should be.

After a very embarrassing moment as a caller on Mike’s cable access show, Abby finds herself in the unfortunate position of being Mike’s producer after he is brought onto Abby’s show as a weekly guest. The powers that be think that Mike is just the sort of audacious flare that the dieing show needs.

This is a fantastic movie. Heigle and Butler have a strong on-screen chemistry. Their fight scenes have sexually charged energy that makes them engaging to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed the film. It occurred to me as we sat watching the credits and waiting for the theater to clear out that this is a guy movie disguised as a chick flick. Take that Coyote Ugly!

— Chad

She Said:

The truth about romantic comedies is that they all follow a pattern. An established set of rules that you can check off as you work your way through the movie. ‘The Ugly Truth’ starring Katherine Heigel and Gerard Butler hits all of the required notes and unfolds exactly as you might expect. What I did not expect was the raunchy humor, explicit language and profanity. And yet, somehow they made it all work.

Tightly wound morning show producer Abby runs a tight ship at her Sacramento television studio (look for Cheryl Hines and John Michael Higgins as a hilarious husband/wife anchor team). Ratings are down, so her manager decides to liven things up by bringing in the host of a local cable access show known for sparking controversy about the truth about the sexes. Mike (Gerard Butler) is everything that Abby is not. She is determined to get him off of her show by any means necessary.

Opportunity presents itself on two fronts when Abby meets handsome Dr. Andrews (Eric Winter is the perfect Ken to Heigel’s Barbie). To help her land the man of her dreams, Mike offers to coach her on the ways of seduction and lust. If he is right, she gets Dr. Andrews. If his plan does not work, Mike will leave the show.

While I am sure we all know how the film ends I will not give away the ending. I will however warn the faint of heart that the blue screened ending scene is in jarring contrast to the rest of the beautifully shot film. I actually think that the special effects in ‘Plan 9 From Outer Space’ may have been better.

‘The Ugly Truth’ opens in theaters Friday July 24, 2009 and is rated ‘R’.

— Jennifer