The Ugly Truth (2009) User Reviews

Funny But Predictable And Not For Those Who Are Easily Offended

[sddavis63 · 7/10 · 7 May 2014]

Truthfully, I'm not a huge fan of Gerard Butler, and I'm really not that familiar with Katherine Heigl, so I can't say that I went into this movie with particularly high expectations. But I have to confess that I was surprised. This is actually a very enjoyable movie, and at times (I'm thinking of the scene in the restaurant) it's downright hilarious. Heigl plays Abby, the uptight producer of a local Sacramento morning TV show who's always on the lookout for love but never finds it. Meanwhile, Mike (played by Butler) is the obnoxious host of an obnoxious talk show about relationships who gets hired for the morning show (against Abby's wishes) in the hopes of boosting ratings.

OK. You can pretty much see where this is going to end up so it can't be considered especially original, and it's true that once it takes its predictable turn (which is thankfully fairly late in the movie) it becomes rather formulaic as opposites attract and romance blossoms, etc., etc. But the story goes on for a while before that angle gets introduced, and there's a lot of fun along the way, especially as Abby and Mike first become friends and Abby tries to reinvent herself with Mike's help in order to snare a local doctor she's attracted to (who's played by Eric Winter.)

Yes, by the end it's quite predictable and the last 20 minutes or so become a little dull to be honest. But before then this movie does have a lot of laughs. Butler and Heigl also played their parts well and worked well together. It is at times (fairly often actually) a bit crude, so it's not for those who are looking for a sweet, innocent romance. But for a few laughs, this is worth watching. (7/10)

You want the truth? You can handle The Ugly Truth, a fine romcom, but be forewarned that it deserves its "r" rating

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 27 July 2009]

Abby (Katherine Heigl) is an intelligent producer of a local morning show in Sacramento, California. She lives with her cat in a beautiful, lushly-gardened apartment complex but, the lovely lady longs to meet Mr. Right. One day, bad news arrives, twofold. One, since the show's ratings have slipped, the owners of the station have decided to go in a new direction. And, two, that direction would be south, Abby believes, for they have hired a brash, I-don't-mince-words talk show host, Mike (Gerard Butler) for a reprise of his late-night call-in program, The Ugly Truth. Mike will do small segments of advice, where he will counsel women on what a man "really wants". Since Abby has a past with this gentleman (she had recently called the late night show to tell Mike to take a hike) the young producer is mighty peeved that he has been hired for "her" program. Instant dislike reigns supreme. However, Mike does seem to know about affairs of the heart, even in his twisted fashion, and starts to give advice to Abby, on how to "catch" the very handsome young doctor, Colin (Eric Winter) who has just moved into her complex. two doors down. But, since this requires Abby and Mike to actually converse and confide in one another, could it be that Cupid's arrows could go astray? This is a very raucous and funny romcom but. it is definitely not in the Doris Day tradition. Therefore, if you are easily offended or prefer "sweet" tales of love, with just a touch of spice, this one may not be for you. That said, the cast is really delightful, for Heigl and Butler make a most attractive. sparring duo and Winter turns heads with his looks and smiles. The supporting cast, with Cheryl Hines and the rest, is quite nice, too. Also, the Sacramento setting is lovely while the costumes are terrific and the production values high. As for the direction, it is full of energy and mischief, as befits a script that is clever but rather risqué. All in all, if you love romcoms or any of the stars, you will probably embrace this one with gusto. For the truth is, it is very romantic at its core, and that's the best ingredient a comedic love tale can possess.

Light entertainment. Unfortunately they cut the parts that would have made it great.

[rooprect · 6/10 · 10 February 2020]

If you're looking for a breezy, predictable romcom that pokes fun at gender stereotypes, "The Ugly Truth" will fill the slot. It's basically a watered-down rehash of the classic "When Harry Met Sally" gender war romcom (right down to the orgasm at a restaurant scene) with nothing really new. Unfortunately the angle that would have given it a fresh spin ended up on the cutting room floor. I'll get to that in a sec. First let's summarize the story.

Abby (Katherine Heigl) is an uptight, prudish tv producer who is forced to work with a loud-mouthed, misogynistic talk show host named Mike (Gerard Butler). Each presents an extreme stereotype of the sexes: Abby is a control freak who expects her man to be straight out of the Hallmark Channel while Mike treats women like he's ordering at the McDonald's drive thru. The plot revolves around a bet: Mike tells Abby that if she follows his neanderthal advice, she can snare her perfect dream man.

So there's an interesting sort of role reversal, where the prudish female is taking lessons from the neanderthal bro in order to achieve her ideal Hallmark romance. That itself was a great start, but this clever spirit of the film got lost when they cut a few critical scenes (I guess because those scenes focused on character development and didn't have enough zingers).

The scenes that were cut showed exactly how hopelessly neurotic Abby is and why she keeps scaring men off. And they focused on the important, yet mostly lost, subplot of how fake Abby must become in order to snare her man. 4 or 5 scenes were cut, and rather than understanding the degree of Abby's "Pygmalion" transformation, we the audience are rushed through the process. Also cut are some scenes that show Mike to be more sensitive/human, giving his character depth which is otherwise lacking. The result of these cuts is, instead of this film showing more of a complex gender-role-reversal switcheroo, it simply falls back on the black & white stereotypes of men being neanderthals and women being prudes. Nothing exceptionally clever, but still entertaining enough.

So in the end, yes, I can understand why the watered down message could offend some. What we get is mostly the male perspective of Mike, reducing Abby's role to being his clueless sidekick. And the rest is predictable.

The angle of them on a tv set with a producer/talent relationship is interesting, but it's nothing really new if you've done your romcom homework. On that account I would sooner recommend "Groundhog Day" which has the identical setup--Bill Murray playing the narcissistic tv talent with Andie McDowell playing his more sensible-minded producer--except that Groundhog Day rightfully focuses on the narcissist coming down to earth, not the other way around which we see here.

A final note worth mentioning. I've heard it said that any movie that ends with a hot air balloon is insulting to the viewer's intelligence. There is indeed a hot air balloon in this one. So be prepared...

One of the few all-around great love movies, both for women and men!

[ekbatani14 · 25 July 2009]

So as I was forced to watch this movie with my sister and her friend, the original stereotypical thoughts towards all love movies seem to be bursting throughout my head- corny: guy meets girl, girl hates guy at first, girl meets another guy then realizes that the first guy was the love of his life, girl goes back to guy and the movie ends with a touching make-out scene. Well, of course this was the case. HOWEVER, I wouldn't exactly call this movie a chick-flick. It seem to be the "battle of the sexes type," and it did not disappoint. I can easily say that I had some great laughs in this movie; surprisingly, and I am not even a comedy/chick flick guy. The whole moral of the movie is something both guys and women can you relate to, and some scenes are just hilarious for all types of audiences. The whole plot of the story was actually pretty solid for this style movie. In fact, the approach of this movie is so unique that I believe it belongs in its own category. Gerard Butler gives an excellent performance, both funny and charming. The humor had tremendous variety that kept audience laughing hysterically at some points. Overall, I really do recommend this movie for the male audience (Especially couples) and guarantee that they will not be disappointed after seeing this flick.

Better than I expected, it's honestly not that bad, it had better potential though

[Smells_Like_Cheese · 6/10 · 4 September 2009]

Romantic comedies, I've said it before and I'll say it again, we always have the hit and miss formula that comes with this genre. For the most part it's a miss, we RARELY have a funny or original romantic comedy. It's been over a year since we've had a good romantic comedy and this year seems to be pushing the horrible movies of this genre. For example, we had The Proposal that was released this year and it was just awful and so simple. The Ugly Truth seemed to be heading the same way when I first saw the trailer, but when I learned that it was Rated R, I decided to try to give it a chance. Honestly, this movie was a lot better than I had expected, it actually had some really great laughs and is a heck a lot better than The Proposal. But once again The Ugly Truth fell back into the ugly formula of clichés that are just annoying and there were quite a few things that I would have done differently with the story, I'll first explain the plot.

Abby, a TV producer, is coming home from another disastrous date one night, she happens to see a segment of a local television show, "The Ugly Truth," run by Mike Chadway, whose cynicism of relationships prompts Abby to call into the show to argue with him on-air. The next day, she discovers that the station is threatening to cancel her show because of its poor ratings, and the station owner has hired Mike to do a segment on her show to bring them back up. At first, the two have a rocky relationship; Abby thinks Mike is crass and disgusting while Mike finds Abby to be a control freak. However she meets the man of her dreams, a doctor named Colin living next to her, and Mike persuades her to follow his lead. She agrees to his helpful advice and if he can get her the man she wants, proving his theories on relationships, she will work happily with him, but if Mike fails, he agrees to quit; he successfully guides Abby to be exactly what Colin would want. But being a romantic comedy, Abby and Mike instead fall for each other as usual, you know how the story goes.

Now things I would've done different, if you don't want spoilers then don't read on: there is a child that comes into Mike's apartment, he and Mike get along great, I'm thinking that's his son; instead it's his nephew. I think this would have added substance to his character and made him more likable and would have had a better story on why he was so bitter on women, maybe like the mother left him or something. Second: I honestly would have had Abby chosen the doctor over Mike. Katherine and Gerad are great on screen together, but their chemistry for this film I felt was more of a great friendship than falling in love with each other. Her choosing Mike over the doctor was so typical, I would have had the doctor find out about what was going on and then take her back realizing that he still liked her very much and then Mike ends up with some slutty girl as usual happy with his shallow life, but still enjoying it. Third: no tired formulas, no girl best friend supporting everything the lead female does, no big kiss in front of an audience, no dramatic of finding out what a kiss meant. Fourth: why do we have gorgeous people claiming they have a hard time finding love or supposedly not having sex for a year? I'm not saying it's impossible, but I'm finding it hard to believe that girls who look like Katherine Heigl are having the hardest time finding love.

But there are some positives in the film, honestly I did have a good time watching this film over all, it was just the ending that killed the movie. But even the little rip off of When Harry Met Sally where Abby is wearing vibrating panties at a company dinner and someone saying what was in her food to have the same effect, it's an old joke but it never gets old. I loved that this was a Rated R rom-com because the reason MOST of these movies don't work are due to the fact that they're too family friendly and very much unrealistic. Not to say that The Ugly Truth is completely realistic, but more so than most films. We have some sick jokes but get a great laugh, Abby is going to a baseball game with Colin, her crush, and she accidentally spills her drink on his lap and starts rubbing his pants to clean them and the kiss cam lowers in on them with a bad angle looking like she's just having fun with his hot dog. Honestly I think most of the theater had a hard time catching their breath on that joke, no one could stop laughing. Katherine and Gerad do have great chemistry on screen, I just think it would have worked better as a friendship. So I would say this is better suited as a rental vs. a theater view. It's a lot better than I expected but had more potential as it falls back into the same old tired formula.

6/10

A very nice romantic comedy

[barrys82 · 7/10 · 10 October 2009]

The Ugly Truth is a entertaining romantic comedy about Abby Richter, a romantically challenged morning show producer whose search for Mr. Perfect has left her hopelessly single. She's in for a rude awakening when her bosses team her with Mike Chadway, a hardcore TV personality who promises to spill the ugly truth on what makes men and women tick. Although I think the movie is a little predictable and with some corny moments, it is also very enjoyable and funny. The cast is formed by Gerard Butler (300) and Katherine Heigl (27 Dresses) in the leading roles. Heigl is like in her previous movies very good, she is made for this type of movies and Butler is a real surprise, he did excellent in his very first romantic comedy. In conclusion, The Ugly Truth is a very enjoyable comedy for men and women.

Nothing ugly about this show. Thats the truth.

[xamtaro · 6/10 · 23 September 2009]

Over the years, i have found few romantic comedies suited to my taste. Be it live action or in the form of anime, romantic comedies tend to be very mediocre IMO with only a handful that turn out really funny and enjoyable. Through some unforeseen circumstances i ended up not watching "Gamer" starring Gerald Butler and instead watched "The Ugly Truth", also starring Gerald Butler. To be honest, it was my curiosity at seeing "Mr 'This is Sparta'" handle a comedy lead role that convinced me to give this movie a shot.

THe premise is as such. Abby Richter (Katherine Heigl) is a perfectionist, "control freak"-ish morning show TV producer whose show is on the verge of being canceled due to low ratings. One night, she comes home from a disastrous date and happens to watch a segment of a TV show, "The Ugly Truth", hosted by "shock jock" by Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler). Abby calls into his show and argues with Mike on-air, in response to cynical attitude about relationships prompts, which leads to her quite literally "hating his guts". The next day, she discovers that the station she works for has hired Mike to do a segment on her show in order to boost ratings. This kicks starts a very storm tossed relationship between the two which lends itself to numerous comedic turns. Sooner than expected, Abby just so happens to fall for her doctor neighbor and she grudgingly goes to Mike for advice at "netting" the man of her dreams(actually the only man who fulfilled her listed criteria). The unlikely pair cut a deal in that if she is She agrees to his advice and is successful, it would prove Mike's theories on relationships and she will work happily with him. However if Mike fails, he agrees to quit.

Anyone with experience in this genre of movies can more or less fill in the rest of the story. Unlikely pair work together, more jokes, fall for each other, more jokes, Love triangle develops, tragedy strikes, touching finale. Finish.

In this case, I would admit that the usual formula actually works to a certain extent. It allows the audience the satisfaction of actually knowing what they are watching, and getting exactly what they are expecting. This is not avant Garde cinema, but it is entertainment. Also the formulaic story allows one to focus more on the scripting and acting, which IMO is where this movie truly shines.

Witty banter and a cornucopia of innuendo-ed jokes fill up most of the film. Sexual references abound but are written in such a tactful way that they do not come off as crass or crude. Most sexual innuendo jokes tend to be rude and sometimes offensive; thankfully thats not the case here.There is wit to the humor in this movie that utilities word puns and double meanings in their jokes to good effect. Thankfully, the humor is not over-played and the more serious moments of the movie are spliced very well into the overall narrative. The characters and situations are written in such a way that anyone could easily identify with them, which lends to a greater emotional involvement in the film.

Stellar acting by the cast also helps. Special mention goes to Gerald Butler who proves to be an exceedingly versatile actor. He nails the carefree, in-your-face, yet internally bitter character of Mike Chadway to the point that it is easy to forget the actor playing the role and just become so involved with character himself. Katherine Heigl does a satisfying job as Abby, lending both her acting chops and eye candy to the complex lead role.

My only beef with this movie is that it could have expounded on the relationship themes a little more instead of falling back on "the usual thing". Having a clearer conflict of ideals between Mike and Abby and maybe going deeper into the strengths and flaws of the ideas presented would have turned this film into a more thought provoking experience. "what men really want" , "what women really look for", "loving the 'me you want to see' or loving 'the real me'", all those little tidbits would have made benefited from a more central role in the film which would have given this movie a "fresher" feel instead of the stale standard story.

I was personally very entertained by "The Ugly Truth" especially in the laughs department, not just because the jokes were extremely funny, but that they were also well written, witty and made sense without being offensive. I loved superb acting by the leads, excellent cast chemistry and an overall sense of escapism.

At the end of the day, All i can say is that unless you are already a fan of romantic comedies or unless you have an open mind when it comes to various movie genre(<---like me), its best to stick with what you like. "The Ugly Truth" won't convert staunch action movie junkies or epic fantasy aficionados anytime soon, that's for sure, but just sit back relax and enjoy a good laugh that is easy on the brain. A hearty chuckle and a few quick tugs at the heartstrings now and then is good for body, mind and soul.

Note to the "not so proficient in English" crowd: Keep your ears open for all the double meanings behind the jokes, its funnier that way.

What Men and Women Want to See on Television

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 26 July 2010]

In Sacramento, the producer of a morning show Abby Richter (Katherine Heigl) is a controller that has a checklist with items about the ideal man for her; however she can not find any man that fulfills her prerequisites. Her show has problems with the low ratings and the TV direction hires the cynical chauvinist Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler) that hosts the popular and gross mannish show "The Ugly Truth" about what men and women really want in a relationship. Abby has frictions with Mike and he proposes to help her to get her attractive neighbor Colin (Eric Winter) that fulfills her checklist; in return she would support him in the show. Abby dates Colin but when Mike is invited to participate in the Craig Ferguson's Late Late Show in San Francisco, they get closer and fall in love for each other. But out of the blue, Colin arrives in Abby's room and she has to take a decision.

"The Ugly Truth" is a delightful romantic comedy supported by the beauty and charm of Katherine Heigl and her chemistry with Gerard Butler. The story is a sort of adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac to the environment of a television in the present days and there is an acid criticism about what American people want to see on television. In the end, the ugly truth is that love does exist. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "A Verdade Nua e Crua" ("The Ugly Truth")

Extremely crude but I love it!

[UniqueParticle · 8/10 · 18 December 2021]

Gerard Butler is one of my favorite actors and in The Ugly Truth he's very inappropriate. Robert Luketic directed a fun rom-com that is very bold, charming, and energetic; lovable yet easy to hate. Katherine Heigl is gorgeous and delightful she's easy to enjoy; I need to see more of her! A little obnoxious at times but I guess it's a guilty pleasure.

Painful to watch

[chocokitty11 · 1/10 · 11 June 2011]

This may be one of the most abysmal movies I have ever seen. It surprises and disgusts me that it has a rating as high as it does. First of all, it basically sets the feminist movement back to the 1920s. It is offensive to both genders and portrays women as up-tight whiny control freaks and men as heartless and and arrogant jerks who only want sex. I hated the main characters and I honestly didn't care what happened to them. The jokes weren't at the least bit funny. I did not laugh once in this movie, mostly just cringed at the horrible dialog. If you like annoying, unintelligent, and disgusting humor, by all means go out and rent The Ugly Truth. If you you like Romantic Comedys that are actually funny and not grossly insulting, I highly advise you to watch something else.

A comedy for both sexes

[michele17 · 10/10 · 21 July 2009]

I saw this movie at a preview event last Friday night and it was hilarious. The sold out cinema was laughing hysterically throughout the movie. The movie is fast paced and does not drag. The comedy is "r" rated with a little raunchy adult humor that can be shocking at times but that is in line with the movies theme of male/female relationships.

Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler were both great in the film. Not a role that you would expect to see the King of Sparta, but Butler has great comedic timing complimenting his tough guy persona. And Katherine Heigl is once again perfect doing comedy.

If you are expecting to see a typical romantic comedy you will be surprised, because this R rated film is geared toward the men in the audience as well as the ladies. Grab your significant other and be prepared to laugh and enjoy the movie together.

Here is the ugly truth about this movie. It's nearly unwatchable.

[ironhorse_iv · 6/10 · 25 July 2013]

This movie, not only insults straight men and women, both gay and lesbians, and different countries social customs relationships. It's not good to insult your viewers like this. I don't find this movie directed by Robert Luketic, decent at all. Some critics really hate the film, some people says that this movie does tell the truth. I have to disagree. While I do say, it's a film that shouldn't be taken serious and I don't hate it, it does need some good old fashion criticize. If anything, I'd call this movie chauvinistic, as it exaggerated implies that all men are sexist pricks who only want to bang as many women as possible, and that all women exist only to be shrewish, egotistical money grabbing naive romanticism. In truth, yes, sex does play a role in relationships, but not all relationships are about sex. People also go into relationships for other reasons, like loved, cherished, made to feel special, safe and secure. Is it a bit selfish to want those things or all in a relationship? Yes, but it doesn't mean, people in relationships are pricks and shrews. It's because we differ from some animals because we don't only take, but give back as well. It is the ability to go against our natural instincts and treat the opposite sex with respect and equality that helps define us as humans. If this movie was indeed "the Truth", then it seems to say we should all just give in to our primal desires for sex and make horrible choices with it. But why stop there? Why not give into our urges to murder those who invade our territory, rape at will, and lose all trace of progression and civility we have left! This is why this movie fails. Believe it or not, there are people like Abby Richter (Katherine Heigl) and Mike Chadway (Gerald Butler). Really, they do exist. I have seen them, just not a daily basis. These people are the true annoying pricks and shrews. In no way does they represent society as a whole. Mike host a TV Show call 'The Ugly Truth' where he advice women into getting relationship with men by being an over-the-top misogynist. Heigl stars as the producer, Abby who disagree with Mike and try to control him every step of the way. Both make a 'battle of the sexes' deal with each other to see which idealism works on getting a relationship. How bad this movie is, obviously comes from these three women who wrote this. Like any other romantic comedy, you know deep in the end, these two would end up falling in love with other. Romantic comedies are so predictable and unrealistic. I doubt these two can ever fall in love, but in weirdest cases, it could, but most unlikely. I can never bring myself to feel for someone who has seemingly gotten themselves deeply involved with the totally wrong person only to turn 180º and abandon said person for that one true love, nor for a couple who manages to get back together after spending the entire movie hating one another, nor a case like this where both leads have such serious defects you don't want to see either one of them have that happy ending. Invariably, the audience is asked to sympathize with one or both leads. The three female screenwriters Karen McCullah Lutz, Kirsten Smith, and Nicole Eastman who wrote this probably sympathized with Gerard Butler quite a bit, and make the other women leads as unsympathetic trollops as possible. Every woman in this movie, including Abby, was a shallow, dumb, selfish, or arrogant. I guess they were saying, while women might hate men; women hate other women even more. The movie never solves the real problem with Heigl's character that is that she was a control freak, she has ridiculously high standards, and she overly judgmental of the men she meets. Both just naïve fall in love. The movie mocks naive romanticism, yet in the end, the movie have naïve romanticism win out. Talk about being hypocrites here. The jokes are a hit or miss here. I do like the remote control scene at the restaurant and the odd baseball game scene, even if it's seem out of place. It wasn't that funny, but it was decent. The whole random rape joke was a miss for me. It kill the mood. Was that supposed to be funny? Both actors did a pretty good job, even if their characters are unlikeable. For a date night movie, I have to say, it didn't work. Watching this movie on a first date would be awkward. I think watching this movie will sent more people apart, then bring them together closer. I might not know that much about romantic comedy, but that's not good in this type of a genre.

The Ugly Truth AKA Sexism: The Movie

[fontroy5 · 1/10 · 18 June 2010]

I like Romantic comedies, they humorous and never try to preach to much. Last good one I saw was Knocked Up and it was sweet. But according to the female lead in it was Sexist. Yes... okay what's your move Miss Heigl

*Katherine Heigl stars in The Ugly Truth*

There is no way nice way of putting this. There no kind way to lay this out. But this movie is freaking sexist. It paints men as sex crazed dogs, without an ounce of romance within them and everything they do is solely for sex. Move over Knocked Up, a film that made me laugh that was beautiful that really told a wonderful story.

Here we have a film that speaks down to woman, objectifies them and actually says this is right. That all men want is sex therefore woman should accept this and dress like whores, act like whores and overall listen to misogyny.

This film hurt me, it made me sick, I'm so glad only saw review because nothing about this movie appealed to me. The characters, the script, the music. It was all to paint men as sex crazed Neanderthals.

I'm 19, I want love, I want a relationship, I don't want sex for sex sake. And I'm demographic this movie aimed at.

Honestly it claims men only pretend to listen, that men only care what will get them laid. It doesn't have any nuances doesn't have any redeeming features and it's so contrived.

How can you call Knocked Up sexist and then go to star in this? It's beyond me.

There only one ugly truth here hypocrisy, making a film that attacks men rather than woman is just as bad as sexism against woman.

Trust me girls, this movie isn't realistic to any degree of real people.

So it just depresses me, how much people love this movie: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142988/

Gender wars is a pathetic use of anyone time, once you see people as anyone other than the shallow superficial crap you think of us as, then truly there will be less of this contrived and jaded nonsense.

God this movie annoyed the hell out of me.

Don't watch.

What a vile load of rubbish

[lucystaddon · 13 August 2011]

This film is probably the most unpleasant pile of trash I've seen for a long time. Perhaps they were going for some kind of sophisticated battle of the sexes comedy a la Cary Grant/Katherine Hepburn but they were way, way, way off the mark! This film seems to pride itself on the perpetuation of the stereotype that men are void of emotion and only seeking sex and women are controlling harpies who have a checklist of requirements that must be met in order for them to give a guy a second glance. Yes, the main characters get together at the end but only after we are subjected to a stream of disgusting clichés, insults and sexist 'jokes'. The contrived set-pieces, such as the vibrating knickers scene, are dismally unfunny and actually embarrassing to watch. I have no idea what drew either Katherine Heigl or Gerard Butler to think this was a worthwhile project.

The messages put forward by the film are extremely toxic e.g. that the best way for a women to get a man is to strip herself of her own identity and change herself completely into a stereotype of 'what men want'. Equally, I imagine that many men would be insulted to be described in the way they are by Gerard Butler's character, who essentially portrays them as nothing but sexist pigs. The fact that Heigl's character dumps the man she deceived into asking her out and that Butler's character realises at the last minute that he loves her doesn't exonerate the filmmakers from the crime of crassly pedalling sexist rubbish throughout the majority of the film. Both sexes have worked hard to counter these stereotypes over the last century but this film seeks to resurrect them for the purposes of a few cheap laughs.

I felt pretty undermined and violated by the end of this film. It was like going back at least 50 years to the worst periods of sexism and gender politics, with excessive swearing and copious amounts of vulgarity thrown in simply for the sake of it. I would strongly advise against wasting your time watching 'The Ugly Truth', which while certainly ugly, gets nowhere near to representing the truth about modern relationships.

Starts well, develops into the mediocre

[CrazyArty · 6/10 · 27 June 2022]

In order to boost ratings, a TV producer is forced to take on a radical, new (but sexist & outspoken) presenter. Stars Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler.

I had low expectations but initially was pleasantly surprised. Some funny moments, particularly from Butler. As the movie progressed it became very run-of-the-mill.

Overall, nothing special.

Perfect for a relaxed and funny Sunday movie evening

[alexandruburda · 6/10 · 4 October 2020]

The already typicall romantic comedy where the to protagonists who start by loathing each other end up falling in love for each other. As usual Catherine Heigl is beautiful and funny and I have to admit she was the reason for watching the movie. Gerald Butler is kinda in an unusual role but he gets it quite well making one think that maybe he should play in comedy instead of action movies. In the end is a funny and relaxing movie that will make you laugh, perfect for a Sunday home cinema evening.

Finally, a fun and raunchy romantic comedy that speaks to both men and women

[Jackpollins · 7/10 · 29 July 2009]

Everyone knows romantic comedies aren't the smartest movies out there. In fact, I find romantic comedies to be pretty lame 90% of the time. This is why I am happy to inform the new romantic comedy, The Ugly Truth is no 500 Days Of Summer, but it is fun and raunchy. It is not smart, but it is thoroughly enjoyable. It is not perfect, but I had a good time. The movie stars Katherine Heigl as Abby, a TV-news producer who has some trouble with men. Enter Mike Chadway (Gerald Butler), a dirty, scheming, degrading-to-woman TV show host of a local access show called The Ugly Truth who's hired to Abby's TV station much to her disgust. Abby meets a nice, handsome surgeon named Colin (Eric Winter, who you might know from Days Of Our Lives and Brothers And Sisters.) Although Abby likes him, she doesn't know how to get him. Mike agrees to teach Abby how to flirt. Mike says if Abby can't get this guy by his methods, he'll quit. This is not your lame romantic comedy, but a funny and raunchy one. I will tell you now....these are the following appeals to guys and the following to women: guys- it's as raunchy as Old School or The Hangover...women- it's a sweet romantic comedy. Whether you're a man or a woman, see this one.

Witty, funny, fun!

[ipekmine · 6/10 · 2 July 2012]

The Ugly Truth is a fun movie with a very good flow, a well-chosen pair to reflect the leading characters successfully and many funny (even hilarious) parts that make you laugh out loud. It lasts about 1 and a half hour only, and still manages to deliver the plot in its entirety, make sense and certainly entertain you. Almost each and every dialogue between Abby (Katherine Heigl) and Mike (Gerard Butler) is filled with adult jokes or implies sexual content, but it achieves to keep it at a good quality and does not go down to a cheap level or end up in boring clichés. I for one would recommend it to all those looking for a light, fun movie anyday, just to have a good laugh (or two).

Another GREAT Romcom for 2009

[Filmaholic78 · 9/10 · 6 August 2009]

I now believe that 2009 should be dubbed the year of the Romcom.

I was dragged to see the proposal by my girlfriend and thought it was hilarious. When she wanted to go and see The Ugly Truth I found myself putting up less of a fight this time. And I'm glad.

This film is HILARIOUS. I have to say I enjoyed almost every second from start to finish. It truly is designed for both men and women with fantastic views on romance, sex, attraction etc from both sides.

Acting is great, story is great and the chemistry between Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler works very well on screen.

To sum this film up I have to say watch it. Make your own mind up. But I bet you won't be disappointed and I bet you can't stop yourself from one agreeing with some of the points made and two laughing out loud.

It spun my head right round

[paul_haakonsen · 7/10 · 10 October 2010]

I had little expectations to this movie, as it is a romantic comedy, and the romantic comedies that come out of Hollywood tend to be sappy and boring.

This, however, proved to be quite entertaining. The storyline of the movie was good and captivating, and you were never left bored throughout the course of the movie.

The cast of the movie was really good, and I especially applaud Gerard Butler in this movie, he really carried the movie so well. His character was so well brought to life on the screen. Now I am not saying that Katherine Heigl didn't do good, but I just think that Gerard took the heavy load of the movie. And he has been making some rather good movies recently, and I am starting to actually enjoy watching his movies.

With a movie such as this, you know how it is going to end, and sure enough, it did end that way. But hey, that is just the standard recipe for a Hollywood sappy love story. But still, the movie came off as a rather good result.

I was especially amused with the vibrating pantie scene in the restaurant. I was laughing so hard there, that was one of the most memorable scenes in the whole movie, and I think that scene will win Katherine Heigl a place in movie history right next to Meg Ryan in the 1989 movie "When Harry Met Sally".

The chemistry between Butler and Heigl works very well, and you just sense there will be romance eventually, and being a Hollywood romantic comedy, there will.

I watched this movie by myself, but I am sure that it will sink straight in with the ladies. So to all you fellas out there, sit down with your significant other, watch this movie, and take her out for a romantic evening. This movie is definitely worth your time. A lovely and warm story, straight and to the point.

Blah blah blah, it's been done.

[sugarnspices · 4/10 · 3 March 2019]

Katherine Heigl single, uptight, rich and beautiful? Check.

Lead man a loud mouth, shallow pig? Check.

Hate each other? Check.

Start to fall for each other? Check.

Have a big fight right before totally falling for each other? Check.

End up together? Check.

Miss anything? Didn't think so.

Perfect Movie for a Great Laugh!!!

[danewalker · 10/10 · 26 July 2009]

What a fun movie! Don't pay attention to the critics - they need to just go and enjoy a movie sometimes. If you don't like crude, sexist humor, then don't go see this movie. However, if you can relax and just go watch a movie, then you will enjoy this one. The entire theater was rolling with laughter during this movie. I haven't laughed so much at a movie in a long time. This movie was a mix of romantic and slapstick humor with a little bit of crudeness thrown in for fun. This movie is definitely not one to take kids to - but that's why it is rated "R." It is full of adult humor (some crude), but that is nice for a change. All I can say is...go and enjoy this movie!!!

The truth isn't pretty, but Heigel and Butler keep it far from being ugly

[mexicospidergreen · 6/10 · 5 August 2009]

The battle of the sexes begins as Butler teaches Heigel The Ugly Truth. Abby is a successful TV show producer with a perfect job and body. The only problem is she can never seem to find Mr. Right. In comes Mike, a perverted and demeaning correspondent for a TV segment called "The Ugly Truth." Mike willingly helps Abby land Mr. Right, but what she doesn't know is that the guy who she really likes might be the one standing in front of her all along. Though predictability and believability are the films biggest flaws, the chemistry and wit between Katherine Heigel and her co-star Gerard Butler keep it from being another run of the mill Romantic Comedy. There were many hysterical moments I found myself laughing at from slightly crude but inventive gags to scene stealing comedy by Butler himself. His perceptions on what men and women want manage to keep you on a laugh riot but are also shockingly true and honest. Heigel on the other hand plays the same role in most of her movies, but can still manage to keep a likable balance of comedy and drama between her as well. The supporting cast also sharing the spotlight (including John Michael Higgins) too managed to make me smile no matter what the situation was. For fans of Hegel's recent movies (eg: 27 Dresses) keep in mind that this is much cruder, vulgar and might not even be on the same league. Some will find the sexist stereotyping distracting and appalling but at the end it's message is that it's being who you are that matters, and that the one who likes you for who you really are (not by your looks) is the one that's right for you. All in all despite it's clichéd and predictable plot Heigel and Butler turn it into a refreshing, entertaining and welcoming rom/com.

It's called a Stairmaster The Ugly Truth

[jaredmobarak · 5/10 · 21 July 2009]

Do you want to know the ugly truth about The Ugly Truth? Well, besides being obvious and banal cinematically, it made me laugh … a lot actually. Romantic comedies usually have one thing going for them and that is predictability. While this one has it in spades, what surprised me was how crude and crass the humor ended up being. And that's a very good thing because those instances brought on the biggest laughs of them all. One could guess there would be a few moments, especially after watching the trailer and seeing Gerard Butler's character being the epitome of alpha male, however, one would never anticipate a dinner party scene involving vibrating panties and a young child that loves objects resembling remote controls. But I'll tell you, set-ups like that were what kept me invested in the mediocre story, it definitely wasn't the manufactured chemistry between the leads.

Everything revolves around our heroine Abby, played by Katherine Heigl. It is definitely a role that she has proved herself willing to portray, the strong-willed, professional beauty left by the wayside in regards to the other sex. She produces a successful morning show that just can't win in the ratings. Her cohorts are as conservative as she, willing to do a piece about the mayor to try and drive viewership back their way, shaking their heads when risqué ideas are batted around. Her boss, however, decides to hire "shock-jock" of sorts Mike who has been cultivating a following on cable access with his insight into the truth about relationships. His callous nature and unwavering ability to say exactly what is on his mind breaths life back into Abby's show despite the trepidation of lowering herself to the kind of television she has always abhorred. She can be swayed, however, once Butler's Mike agrees to play Cyrano to her Christian in wooing her dating checklist approved neighbor Colin. Like that French film, though, and all its many copies, we all know who is really falling in love in the end.

Legally Blonde's Robert Luketic is behind the camera for this one and I'll admit that he tries his best to use the script in order to keep the audience on their toes. With subtle silent tricks, (introducing Mike's nephew and sister in a way to make us completely believe they are his son and wife), as well as a fearless use of language and sexual innuendo, (bravo to the studio for letting them take the R-rating and run with it), definitely got this guy—as in me—to stay alert while awaiting the next comedic gag. And while I didn't quite believe the romantic chemistry between Butler and Heigl, their relationship as buddies worked swimmingly. The beginning of their pact—to get her Colin and he respect on the set—where Mike coaches her on how to recover from the desperate call for a date is paced perfectly and acted just right. His over-zealous confidence and her naivety to it all becomes a great one-two punch. One that works just as well when she turns the table by proving she can flirt after a very funny shopping sequence where Mike is the one approving her wardrobe.

And it's that aspect that worked for me too, seeing the guy be the relationship guru for the girl. Sure you want to think that he is wrong, you want to take offense to things he is saying as a guy—willing yourself to believe that he isn't speaking about you—but the sad truth is, it's all probably not that far off. He is so right when he says he doesn't understand romance or love, but that he is a master at lust and manipulation. His methods work and they are foolproof, but as we realize towards the end, along with Abby, the bond they acquire is never lasting. If you have to be a generic type to win someone's heart, well, you will never be happy. The ugly truth, therefore, is that dating is hard and relationships take work, but if you aren't honest with yourself or your significant other, it is all a lie that will only end in heartbreak.

I'd like to give some credit to the supporting cast, but, frankly, they aren't on screen very much. This is the Katherine and Gerard show through and through. John Michael Higgins and Cheryl Hines do their best to steal some thunder, yet, thinking back, their most successful moments are a result of reactions to what Butler and/or Heigl did. If there was one guy that I really enjoyed in the background, and he is very quietly effective here, it would be Jesse D. Goins. His brief seconds of screen time, with either a facial expression or quick quip, are gold. The rest of the movie does rely on the stars and I applaud them for doing an admirable job. Why Butler needed to fake an American accent is beyond me, (his face just looked weird as he tried so hard to hide the Scottish), and Heigl's smugness rubs me the wrong way every time, but I was able to look past those crutches. If I could give The Ugly Truth any words of encouragement, it would be that my girlfriend loved it. So, if it fires on all cylinders for the demographic it's marketed to, and kept me laughing enough to forget how mediocre the actual story was, I guess, when all is said and done, it does do a pretty darn good job.

An interesting comedy that was ruined by a very poor ending

[Jamie_Seaton · 15 December 2009]

i can clearly say that both males and females can watch this. its not directly aimed at a specific sex. Gerard Butler play's yet another brilliant role and Katherine Heigl gives a pretty good performance but all that is destroyed by the very unfunny and tacky last 20 minutes of the film. apart from that its very funny and had me feeling this was a promising film. i think if its a comedy it should stay at the same level all the way through. not be very funny for an hour then the last 20 minutes to be really unfunny and extremely cheesy. see the last 20 minutes really leaves you disliking the whole film which is disappointing but true.

this is a pretty good comedy apart from the abysmal ending and should only be watched on a chilling day. don't consider buying this film, wait till its on television. i can definitely say that you should not take this film seriously and don't try to enjoy the first hour of the movie too much because you'll end up hating the last 20 minutes even more............ 5/10............j.d Seaton