Tools for this page
Print

The Ugly Truth

(2009, Rated R, Comedy, Starring Gerard Butler, Katherine Heigl, Eric Winter)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Predictable romcom mixes racy content, sexist messages.

Themes in this movie include:   dating/crushes, gender issues, honesty

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–17

What to watch out for

  • 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.
  • 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.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Ugly Truth

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."

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Ugly Truth?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Adult only - and only if you like sexual vulgarity

    Really vulgar. Was actually pretty surprised at the level of crassness. Not appropriate for kids/teens of any age.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Way funny

    I found this movie to be very raunchy, however, my wife and I laughed almost the entire time. You might be wondering why I put negative message and positive message. Through out the entire movie it is reiterated that all men want is sex and all women want is the perfect guy. It is definitely inappropriate for kids that shouldn't be exposed to sex, but at the end finally a good message is brought across that true love actually does exist.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

  4. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    i would never allow any of my children who aren't MARRIED to see this film. i've been married for 33 years and i was still shocked by some of it! (and i watch a lot of movies)

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    super sexy rom com draws some very very big laughs

    how much sex is there in the film let's see vibrating underwear ther's discussion of why it is the woman's job to make the man don the e******n but there are some big laughs such as the tree scene whcih she fals out of the tree in which she sees her hot nieghbor naked. but if you can handle sex on sex on sex on sex you amy find the ugly truth

  6. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    So good! I was laughing so hard I was crying!

  7. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    So good! I was laughing so hard I was crying!

  8. I rate this title off for age 14 and give it 4.0

    rated R for a reason!

    definitely NOT for children. the title clearly states that! not only that but its rated R for a reason! the entire theme of the movie revolves around adult relationships and actions. the commercials revealed enough to when i walked into the theatre i knew it would be crude and stereotypical and thats fine. the fact that someone would let their 13 year old see this is unbelievable. everything in that movie was incredibly inappropriate for a young kid. my husband and i really enjoyed this movie because of how stupid the characters were and it was comical of how typical they were. thats the point.

  9. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative role models

  10. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    Too crude and cheap for some adults.

    I'm 34 and went to see this with my husband and our friends. I was embarassed by the crude references to things like an** s** and mast********. Please avoid this if your looking for a witty or fun romantic comedy. This is not.

  11. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    ok for teens 13 and older

    we think it was an awesome movie for kids 13 or older and it isnt a bad r movie and we think it should only be pg13

  12. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Crass and Crude Language

    Although main characters are good to look at, as soon as they open their mouths, all you get are obscence, lewd, crude and trash talk that makes this movie seem like you just waiting to get to the end. Very disappointed in the writing for stars that should consider themselves too good of actors than to stoop to this language just to sell a ticket.

  13. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title off for age 16 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    I'm so sorry I wasted my money.

    This is such a low class, vulgar movie. I actually watched only an hour then walked out of the theatre, but a 21 year old told me it only got worse. It is a movie no one should see, because of its disrespect for women, makes men seem brainless, and the language is just one offensive thing after another.

  14. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message

    It's vulgar and embarassing; not funny at all. I wouldn't recommend it for adults let alone kids.

  15. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

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

    I love this movie! It's so hilarious! I recommend that everyone 13+ go see it. (:

  16. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message

    Crude Language

    I am46 years old. My husband got up after about 20-25 min into the movie because of the crude language and sexual innuendo.

  17. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title off for age 16 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    AWFUL

    One of the worst movies ever made. Don't waste your time or MONEY!

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Game of the Week

    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name