In The Ugly Truth Katherine Heigl plays Abby Richter, the producer of a morning TV show in Sacramento which has been suffering from low ratings. After she agrees to let her boss make some programming changes, Abby comes across an episode of "The Ugly Truth," which is hosted by Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler), a womanizer with a popular relationship advice show on public access television. Abby is disgusted by Mike and calls into his show to give him a piece of her mind and the two go at it.
Abby thinks that’s the end her time with Mike, but then is shocked to find out that he has been hired to “liven up” her show. She must now put up with his sexist/misogynist attitude — which is revealed to be an act, since Mike is actually a caring guy who lives with his sister and nephew. He gives his nephew advice, telling him, “Never watch my show or listen to what I say when I’m on the air.”
Initially Mike and Abby butt heads over everything, but once Abby loosens up a bit, she lets Mike coach her on how to get her new neighbor interested in her. However over the course of the movie, Mike and Abby develop feelings for each other and after denying the truth, end the movie the only way they could.
The Ugly Truth is a predictable, “by the numbers” romantic comedy. Heigl is a skilled actress — Grey’s Anatomy, Roswell, and Knocked Up have proven that — but, as in 27 Dresses, she is doing bland work here when she is capable of so much more. Butler is great as the misogynist who is really much more. Heigl and Butler work very well together and have chemistry on screen but in the end the predictability of the film is a letdown.
The extras for The Ugly Truth include commentary; however it’s not your typical commentary. It’s only for selected scenes rather than the full film. Truthfully the commentary isn’t that special and nothing is said that hasn’t been heard before.
There are deleted scenes and two alternate endings, but there is a reason these scenes were deleted and these endings weren’t the ones chosen. Also included is a gag reel and two behind the scenes featurettes. “The Truth Is Ugly: Capturing the Male & Female Point of View” is a featurette about the making of the film, while “The Art of Laughter: A Making of Hilarious Proportions” takes a look at the comedic style of the cast.
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