The Ugly Truth
Starring: Gerard Butler, Katherine Heigl, Bree Turner
Details: US/96mins 16
There does seem to be a problem with a lot of mainstream romantic comedies these days, in that they are almost perennially slight, and lacking in the kind of obtuse gags that will pull in the male masses. The Ugly Truth is a film that is pretty much about a crass man, and a chick that falls for him, as Gerard Butler attempts to make up for that atrocious Irish accent by doing a more convincing American one, and mostly succeeds - even if the bar wasn't exactly set at a lofty altitude. Films of this ilk do rely on the charm of their central characters, and this is no different.
Katherine Heigl stars as a producer of a failing morning TV show, whose arse is on the line when ratings drop to an all time low. But work isn't the only area where she's having problems, as her love life constantly takes a back seat to her job. When her boss drafts in an abrasive, sexist cable talk show host to boost ratings, soon her work life gets a lot easier. She's also using him to help seduce her dreamy, Surgeon/Men's Health cover model neighbour - as he knows guys y'see. But, as often is the case in these types of romantic comedies, the two soon find themselves strongly attracted to each other.
There's no doubting that The Ugly Truth is an all together shabbily made film. The script tries desperately to be edgy as well as adhering to the set-in-stone rules of the genre, but often just comes off as crass. There's nothing wrong with crass, frankly, I welcome it; but it does feel unnecessarily abrasive given the tone here. As with 27 Dresses, Heigl does rise to the top, making a stereotypical character, in a clichéd comedy likeable - no mean feat. Butler too earns points for his brash delivery, and convincing performance as the misogynistic bastard... With a heart of gold.
Lacking as a cohesive package, but sporadically amusing thanks to the two leads, there's nothing here that you haven't seen in a hundred other romantic comedies already. Although not as inherently bland as the likes of Maid of Honour, this still comes up short.
Most Popular Reviews
 |
Scott Pilgrim vs the World |
 |
The Last Exorcism |
 |
The Switch |
|
|
Salt |
|
|
Grown Ups |
Most Popular Trailers
 |
The Switch |
|
|
Grown Ups |
|
|
Scott Pilgrim vs the World |
|
|
Diary of a Wimpy Kid |
|
|
The Girl Who Played With Fire |
Your Reviews
nothing special - De
Fairly witty but just your typical rom com. Nothing special and it didn't really help that I think Gerard Butler is an atrocious actor. There was no chemistry between the two leading actors, it just... MORE
Review Published 20 June 2010
Star Rating: 
alright - De
Frily witty but just your typical rom com. Nothing special and it didn't really help that I think Gerard Butler is an atrocious actor. There was no chemistry between the two leading actors, it just... MORE
Review Published 15 June 2010
Star Rating:
You can hande this truth - declanh
Well - it turned out to be a bit of a Gerard Butler night here the other night - when I choose Gamer, and my better half chose "The Ugly Truth". Now - while I enjoyed 300, and though that Lawabiding... MORE
Review Published 15 March 2010
Star Rating: 
Everyone is allowed there own opinion but that review above is wrong!! - angelface
I really enjoyed the gags and the whittyness of this film. I dont go for chick flicks at all because they usual consist of the same old jokes but i found this one quiet different... it actually made... MORE
Review Published 15 March 2010
Star Rating:
Search for Cinema Listings
Most Popular Features
- Ten Picks For The Picnic (Music Feature)
- Ironman 70.3 Wiesbaden: Mike's Race Report (Other Fitness)
- A Conversation with Fight Like Apes (Music Interview)
- Disheveled-chic for Electric Picnic (Other Fashion)
- Recommended Albums For September (Music Profile)
- SCOTT PILGRIM Vs THE WORLD: Video Interviews with Michael Cera, Jason Schwartzman, Edgar Wright and Anna Kendrick (Movie Video Interview)
Your Reviews...
Daredevil
More for newcomers than anyone else - Cyberx_94
Daredevil Daredevil is an adaptation of the Marvel comic's character of the same name, it stars Ben Affleck in the... MOREReview published 23rd August 2010
In Bruges
Dark and delicious - paula galvin
This film is so darkly comic,so politically incorrect and so devilishly good that you will laugh from beginning to... MOREReview published 29th August 2010
Moon
Quality stuff. - Sarah
This is a different kind of movie. I really didnt know what to expect, but I have to say I was impressed with this... MOREReview published 26th August 2010
The Prestige
The only fault here is that his other films are even better - Cyberx_94
The Prestige Directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Michael Caine , Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale the Prestige... MOREReview published 31st August 2010
