The Ugly Truth - 3 out of 4 Stars

Who Would Love This Movie: People who like movies that are truly half romance and half comedy

Best Mood to Walk In With: Light hearted

Don't See This Movie If: You don't like crude humor (this movie is not vulgar, but there are a few shocking references)


I was very impressed with The Ugly Truth, not because it was the best movie of all time, but because it was a romantic comedy that women will enjoy and most men will truly laugh at. I saw it twice this weekend, the first time with a guy who is not a fan of rom coms and the second time with some female friends. Although there was laughter at different parts of the movie, both groups of companions laughed and enjoyed themselves. Although I found the comedy exceeding my expectations, the romance part was predictable but not difficult to enjoy.

I think this movie is a crowd pleaser to both genders because of the amazing acting skills of Gerard Butler. After all, how could King Leonidas not take on a role that is guy-friendly? (Haha, that was sarcasm since he also was the Phantom in 2004's The Phantom of the Opera.) But seriously, Butler plays a character that many men can relate to, maybe not because Mike represents them particularly, but because he can probably represent at least one guy they know. Although a character like Mike who represents modern day "dude code" could be contrived and flat, Butler's acting lets you see more than just one or two sides of Mike's character and the strong script makes that delivery believable.

Although Katherine Heigl also does really well in this movie as an uptight, news producer seeking love, her artful comedic timing is only appreciated while the movie is on. I still find her incredibly taxing on the nerves in real life, and Newsweek agrees. Recently it published an article titled "Why is Katherine Heigl So Annoying?" Though I don't agree that her annoying real life antics make the movie bad, I do find the article true in other ways. To read more about it, click here.

Keep Your Eyes Closed For: The awkward make-out session between the two news anchors
Keep Your EARS Open For: Heigl's response to her date referencing his "wet crotch". HILARIOUS!

All in all, if you like romantic comedies The Ugly Truth is a healthy mix of the two elements. If you're looking for straight up romance, rent The Notebook.

Movies Are Life. ~ K