If you like formulaic romantic comedies, then you’re going to like “The Ugly Truth,” starring Gerard Butler and Katherine Heigl. It’s comfortable, like an old bathrobe, and Butler and Heigl are so attractive that director Robert Luketic is hoping that you’ll look at them and forget about the story. Abby Richter (Heigl) is the uptight, prudish producer for a Sacramento morning TV show that’s not doing well in the ratings. The station manager hires Mike Chadway (Butler), a ranting lout who hosts a cable access show that gives advice to men. When Mike learns that Abby is trying to win the affections of her hunky neighbor, he makes her a deal. He will offer insights into the male psyche and teach her how to get her man if she’ll agree to work with him. If he fails and Abby doesn’t get her ‘perfect’ mate, he’ll quit. Of course, it quickly becomes clear that these two beautiful people are attracted to each other. And you know how this movie is going to end.
Butler is not new to the rom-com genre, having starred opposite Hilary Swank in “P.S. I Love You.” And who can forget him in “300”? If his accent slips now and again, who cares? And Heigl, taking time away from Grey’s Anatomy, has headlined in “Knocked Up” and “27 Dresses.” Both are photogenic and have enough on-screen chemistry that you might believe these two characters indulging in a fling, but a lasting relationship? Remember, we’re following a formula here. If you want to see a creative use of the formula, see “The Proposal” instead. 7/25/09
I rather enjoyed this funny, funky comedy and I'm not sure I agree with the blogger. Just because the writer used a time tested formula in making this movie is no reason to penalize, there is enough here to entertain. There are scenes in this picture that are howling funny and the chemistry between Butler and Heigl crackles. I give it a 3 1/2 bagger out of a possible 5
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