Iffy for 15+
Predictable romcom mixes racy content, sexist messages.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this R-rated comedy is much crasser than star Katherine Heigl's last romcom, 27 Dresses. It's heavy on sexual references and scenarios (Jell-O wrestling, vibrating underwear, etc.) and light on sweetness. The characters are stereotypes until the end, and most of the messages about dating and relationships are shallow and, frankly, sexist (i.e. women should play games and hide all traces of their true personality if they want to "land" a man). There's also lots of strong language, from swear words like "f--k" and "s--t" to body-part terms like "balls," "c--k," "p---y," and "tits."
- Families can talk about how the movie portrays dating and romance. Ask your teens whether this is what they think adult relationships are reallylike. Parents, take this opportunity to talk to teens about the danger of changing or hiding your real personality in order to attract someone.
- Do the characters in the movie seem realistic, or are they exaggerated "types"? Why do so many romantic comedies have polar opposites falling in love? What's the attraction of that type of storyline? Is it believable?
- Do movies make it seem like there's more difficulty communicatingbetween the genders than there really is? Are men and women really allthat different?
The good stuff
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Messages: Although in the end the main characters learn that it's being yourself that matters, most of the movie revolves around sexist, stereotypical ideas of how a woman should act if she wants to "land" a man -- and how not to act if she doesn't want to scare them all away forever (it basically boils down to playing games and hiding all signs of your true personality...). Other choice bits of advice include never criticizing, laughing at all of a guy's jokes, being sexy but also aloof, etc.
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Role models: Both male and female characters are very stereotypical: The successful businesswoman loses out on romance and is written as a brittle perfectionist who can’t find a boyfriend (even though she looks like Katherine Heigl...). Her counterpart is a boorish, sexist, noncommittal guy. Naturally, they both really have hearts of gold and manage to soften as the movie progresses, but the depiction of dating/relationships is still shallow and often cringe-inducing.
What to watch for
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Violence: Abby almost falls out of a tree and needs rescuing; lots of verbal sparring, with some yelling.
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Sex: Although the movie is more talk than action, there's a lot of talk, with frequent use of sexual/body part words and euphemisms like "balls," "p---y," "tits," "blow job," "funbags," etc. and frank discussions about sex and attraction. After discussing masturbation with a male co-worker, a woman dons vibrating underwear and has an orgasm during a business dinner. Two other women wrestle in a vat of Jell-O in bikinis. There's also a brief shot of partial nudity (a naked man is shown from the back from the waist down), plus some passionate kissing and one scene with implied sex (including lots of noises).
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Language: Frequent use of everything from "f--k," "s--t," "p---y," and "c--k" to "crap," "hell," "goddamn," "oh my God," "bitch," and more.
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Consumerism: Pretty subtle placement of logos for a few products (BMW, for instance).
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some social drinking (wine, mixed drinks), but the characters are all adults, and no one appears to overindulge.
Fan Reviews provided by
1
contrived by nohea3
...over done with all the sexual inuendos ..not funny.
1
The Ugly Truth by Blondie64
The Ugly Truth is that this movie is a waste of money, even with beautiful people like Heigl and Butler.
What passes for humor is merely vulgar slang that should have stopped amusing us by the time we got out of middle school. The plot is overused and predictable. Have all the witty screenwriters retired?
5
The Ugly Truth by Love2c
Both my husband and I enjoyed the movie and laughed quite hard at the beautiful truth in the differences between the sexes. Not for kids, though.
5
So good i saw it twice! by caro614
LOVED IT
4
Pretty Freekin Funny by danny-booy
I know the fuddy duddy crowd and nay-sayers will be abundant. This is NOT a "Family" film. Sooo don't take your kids, then complain about having to explain to them the whole "fun" panties at the restaurant thing! My wife and I laughed out loud many times. BUT was not filthy by some of the modern movie standards. Go knowing you will laugh, hard sometimes : ) If you are wanting to critique this movie because its not "preaching a sermon"...don't waste your time...its not!
5
Funny, laugh out loud comedy. by farwest101
Surprisingly funny film for such standard summer fare. My wife and I had some good belly laughs - usually at different parts of the film as there are some blatant sexist remarks that ring true.
5
better than expected by miltsmom
I first read the review which only got an "F" but didn't say anything to my husband and our guest. We all loved it and could not stop laughing. It is well worth going to see....don't miss this as I'm afraid people will read the reviews and go from there. I highly recommend it.....IF your offended by strong language (sexual content) then take a pass...otherwise get ready to really enjoy and laugh your A%# off.
5
Must go by metalmouth1906
This movie is the funniest movie that I have seen in a long time. I thought this movie was going to be a chick flick; however, this movie is for both men and women. People who haven't seen this movie go now and to the people who have seen it go again.
5
FANTASTIC MOVIE FROM A HARSH CRITIC by CityEatsSky
I am very picky about movies. But I thought this was a great movie!!!
I was laughing continously. Do not listen to the REAL critics.
Go see this amazing movie for yourself. Some say it was predictable but I loved that the battle between the two characters. DO NOT SAY that this is a crude movie because if you can watch Bruno, The Hangover, Knocked Up, Superbad... then you DEFINITELY can take this.
There was no nudity just sexist jokes. I found it to be funny and I am a very single female, who probably messes up a lot of relationships... GO GO GO GO!!!
5
The Ugly Truth by Jeanclare
Loved this movie. IT was cute, lite, refreshing and funny. Nice to get that kind of a break from life. It was the first movie in a long time I have seen that was worth the money or time.