It’s been a hell of a month for me. Things were not going my way and I haven’t had time for myself. I used to be updated when it comes to movies. Watching 2 to 3 movies every weekend on cinemas was my hobby back then. However, for the past two months I’ve become inactive due to personal matters regarding my career. Nonetheless, I’ve found time to watch “The Ugly Truth” just a while ago. I’m lucky that it was still showing on cinemas.
Well, I’m not a movie critic. I’m not an expert on when it comes to cinematography, soundtracks, music, etc.. I know you know what I mean. So, all I can discuss is the core of the movie. The very essence of the story.
Abby Richter (Katherine Heigl) is the hardworking producer of a struggling morning news show in Sacramento. Abby focuses so much on her work that she doesn’t have much time left for relationships, and what time she does spend dating is often undermined by her general uptightness. Enter Mike Chadway, the host of a small public access TV show called “The Ugly Truth,” which operates on the thesis that all men want only one thing, and that women should lower their standards and settle for that. The station manager has hired Mike to be a new correspondent on the show, much to Abby’s dismay. Abby tries to get rid of Mike, but he proves to be popular. Things take a turn when Mike offers Abby some advice regarding a neighbor she’s been eyeing.
Mike Chadway did not convince me with his philosophies. For me, they are just dull ideas and theories. I totally disagree with him. I do not agree that men are that shallow as what he was trying to tell and that what men truly want is sex. Oh, come on.. The very idea that all the interactions between men and women can indeed be reduced to a simplistic formula is ridiculous. Saying that all men want only one thing, and that women should lower their standards and settle for that is trash.
I don’t understand why on earth was Abby Richter following Mike’s advices. Yes, I know, they had a deal and initially Abby wanted Mike to be out of her show that’s why he agreed with the deal. But my point is, can’t she find another deal which does not concern her relationship with Collin? Yeah.. it’s part of the plot to make the story more romantic but I find it somewhat illogical. If Abby was really a smart ass, educated woman, she would not act like a moronic dependent child like the way she acts while following Mike’s advices, instructions.. etc.
But there were moments that captured me. I like the part where Mike Chadway was questioned by that guy in the late night show about the reason behind his becoming doctor know-it-all when it comes to women and relationship. He didn’t have an immediate response and was mentally blank for a moment. It seemed like his ego was slapped at that particular moment.
I love the part when Mike didn’t know what to say and what to do when he knocked on Abby’s door after their elevator moment. That’s how a typical guy acts-nervous and indecisive when it comes to situations like that. I was quite touched on the part where Mike lost his courage and cannot look at Abby straight in the eyes and express what he truly feels. Despite being Mike Chadway.. the famous Mike Chadway, he opted to choose the other way around.. to become a coward for a moment and just walked away. That’s his true character as I can say. That was the real Mike Chadway.
Mike Chadway is not the man he was trying himself to become. He was a loving brother and uncle.. a fact that was constantly presented by way of showing how concerned he is for his nephew and how he constantly remind him of not following his false and nonsense advices on TV. That's the real Mike Chadway. The fact is, he was just trying to escape from all the heartaches he had experienced prior to becoming famous.
When it comes to Dr. Collin’s part, I see him as a bait. He was the perfect gentleman but since Mike and Abby where the main character of the movie, Dr. Collin should be eliminated. And so, they found a way to get rid of him although it’s hastily made. It was implied though it was not stated that Dr. Collin was just like the guys that mike described.. guys who were just looking for physical intimacy. When Abby asked him about the reasons why he like her, his answers were describing the girl who Abby wanted to pretend that she was and not Abby’s true self. The fact is, he didn’t love Abby but I guess given an extended time of knowing her more will lead to that special feeling. However, it did not flourish because as what I said, this is Mike and Abby’s story. Nonetheless, ladies, I tell you.. like Dr. Collin minus the “go only for physical intimacy” idea do exist. Guys who are loving, caring.. etc. You just have to find them.
Overall, although I don’t agree with some of the ideas that the movie presented, I find the movie quite fun to watch. I like Abby’s transition from a mere moronic follower to someone who realized that she should be loved as being her and not to pretend after all. I also appreciate Mike Chadway’s transition from being the man he wanted to pretend he was on TV to the truthful and sincere guy in the end. He ate his own words. hahaha
