The Ugly Truth (R, 2009)

common sense media says

Predictable romcom mixes racy content, sexist messages.

parents & educators say

88% say language is an issue
75% say sexual content is an issue

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."

Positive 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.

Positive 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.

Violence: Abby almost falls out of a tree and needs rescuing; lots of verbal sparring, with some yelling.

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).

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.

Consumerism: Pretty subtle placement of logos for a few products (BMW, for instance).

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some social drinking (wine, mixed drinks), but the characters are all adults, and no one appears to overindulge.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

What's the story?

Sacramento TV producer Abby Richter (Katherine Heigl) is a self-admitted control freak with exacting expectations for the man of her dreams ... which is part of the reason she's had trouble finding him. A handsome new neighbor looks like he could be the one, but her show's resident in-house boor, Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler), thinks Abby needs to refine her act a bit first and become the woman of all men's dreams: compliant, non-threatening, and dressed for sex. Abby can't stand Mike’s caveman ways, but she's eager enough to win her dream guy that she's willing to give his tips a try -- especially since Mike appears to be the ratings lure her bosses have been craving. But, as it turns out, both Abby and Mike find their presumptions turned on their heads.

Is it any good?

Heigl and Butler have enough chemistry to make a semi-scorching couple, but the movie's pluses pretty much end there. Truth is, THE UGLY TRUTH is as predictable as a romantic comedy can get. Yes, the two stars can't stand each other when they first meet. And, yes, they're polar opposites. And of course you have to suspect that they'll still wind up in each other's arms by the film's end. For good measure, there's a dance number thrown in so that they can finally touch each other long enough to realize that they like each other.

And there are other problems beyond the story. Tone, for instance. Granted, one of the protagonists is meant to be piggish, but does the rest of the film have to lard it on, too? In order to reach Judd Apatow-ian brilliance, you have to do more than just pile on the crass (Knocked Up this ain't). Had The Ugly Truth committed to being a simple-but-entertaining escape, it would have fared at least as well, if not better, than Heigl's more teen-friendly 27 Dresses.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details

Studio: Columbia Tristar
Director: Robert Luketic
Cast: Eric Winter, Gerard Butler, Katherine Heigl
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 101 minutes
Theatrical release: July 24, 2009
DVD release: November 10, 2009
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: sexual content and language

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This review was written by S. Jhoanna Robledo

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 16 parent & educator reviews:

88% say language is an issue
75% say sexual content is an issue

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Most useful reviews by all members

4Spice
adult

good movie

good romantic comedy movie 15 and over for sex and language

What other families should know

Movie Details

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Genre

The Ugly Truth (R, 2009)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on The Ugly Truth

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Movie themes & details

Movie Details

Watch our review

Review It

Review The Ugly Truth

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

good movie

Awsome Comedy

e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens

Adult only - and only if you like sexual vulgarity

Too crude and cheap for some adults.

Perfect for older teens and adults. Very funny movie.

A Ruined Movie

Adults Only

perfect for kids 13 and up

Way funny

super sexy rom com draws some very very big laughs

rated R for a reason!

filthy language

Crass and just...a bad movie..

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