Parents' Guide to Uglies

While the core ideas of this high-concept, book-based film from McG might feel simplistic to an adult audience, there's a chance they could have a real impact on younger viewers. The messaging behind Uglies will be helped along by an energetic star turn from the popular King, as well as the movie's construction of a compelling visual world, fast-paced action, and a contemporary soundtrack. The casting of trans actress Laverne Cox to play the pusher of perfection, meant to free people of "hatred and discrimination based on the way you look," was inspired.

Additionally of interest to its target audience, the constructs of every good high school movie are here—mutual crushes, kids wanting to fit in with the "in" crowd but also needing to figure out who they are, some necessary teen rebellion. It won't be lost on viewers that the "uglies" are all quite beautiful, but that's just one piece of the film that's best not analyzed too closely. If kids walk away believing that thinking for themselves, accepting their appearance, "reading, learning, dreaming," spending time off screens and in nature, and caring for the environment are all cool, then so be it.