by J A Wright

Created on: September 12, 2009

The Ugly Truth is immediately a title which suggests a comedy, the things we often choose to ignore and the things we hate to hear. Sure enough this 2009 film release is comedy of errors in dating.

Katherine Heigl stars as Abby Richter, a sadly single television producer, meeting men who match her OCD like checklists of perfection. She is beautiful in a way which should be made illegal, she presents as perfect with the exception of her controlling tendencies but it's a non sequitur to her single status.

Gerard Butler is the macho and unshaven Mike Chadway, hardhitting subchannel presenter who drags his knuckles into her life as regular guest on her show and begins educating her in his somewhat Neanderthal version of finding and maintaining relationships. Somehow, despite the obvious , his methods seem to end in pleasing results for those who care to give them a go. He observes elements of relationships other have missed but packages them in a somewhat misogynistic manner.

When Abby accidentally meets Colin, her neighbour who might just be the perfect guy, she is given the opportunity to follow Mike's advice and possibly get rid of him if his advice is faulty. Abby follows his instructions to the letter and the consequences begin to make life complicated for them both.
The story is supported by Bree Turner as Joy, Abby's ever faithful assistant who lives vicariously through Abby. Joy represents the role of support female friends provide and the way in which women sometimes communicate about men, again with amusing results and a likeable and identifying role.

The Ugly Truth is frequently predictable, occasionally vaguely risque but always maintains a light humour. The laughs are sometimes sexual but then frankly, relationships generally are so it should come as no surprise. Sexual attraction and innuendo is rife throughout the script creating some genuine laughs and a few, slightly embarrassed titters from the more conservative British audiences.

It's worth seeing to pass time in a pleasant way but it's a somewhat forgettable film in the end result.

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