The Ugly Truth (2009) – 1*

Dir: Robert Luketic/ Writer: Nicole Eastman and Karen McCullah Lutz/ Cinematography: Russell Carpenter

Gerard’s joke about the Englishman and the Irishman was going down badly…(image: PerryMarco FlickrCC)

The clue’s in the title
Forget the relaxing benefits of entertainment, this is the kind of tosh that takes years off your life. Attempting to redo Shakespearean comedy The Taming of the Shrew for the billionth time, The Ugly Truth sees tightly-wound spinster TV producer Abby (Katherine Heigl) get patronising lessons in seduction from alpha male, TV sexpert Mike (Gerard Butler).

Heigl should be ashamed. Gerard Butler…well, it’s about par for the course for him in his new role as Hollywood’s ‘favourite sleazy lead’ – now that Colin Farrell’s wised up and moved on.

This has been done with far more charm and almost the same plot line in countless films (a personal favourite being Someone like You with Ashley Judd and the delicious Hugh Jackman) any of which make a far better way to pass the time.

Unfunny, misogynistic bobbins.

Movie Pieces review rating for The Ugly Truth: 1/5
IMDb entry for The Ugly Truth

300

Dir: Zack Snyder. US. 2006

King Leonidas (image: apastor85 Flickr CC)

“Unless I miss my guess, we’re in for one wild night.”

Based on Frank “Sin City” Miller’s graphic novel, 300 ‘re-imagines’ the story of the Spartan warrior people and their legendary battle in 480 B.C. against the marauding Persian forces at Thermopylae.

300 (give or take a few) brave warriors against 7000 fighters, the Spartans are hugely out-numbered, but spurred on by King Leonidas, with such motivational gems as “Spartans! Prepare for glory! For tonight we dine in hell”, it’s clear they won’t give up the fight easily.

A swords and sandals epic to follow in the mighty steps of Gladiator it seems that imitation really can be the greatest form of flattery.  Slo-mo action?  Check. De-saturated colours? Check. Scenes of the otherworld (a.k.a. Heaven B.C.), with scads of Enya-lite melody? All present and correct.  But, without the warmth, humour, and humanity, that underscored Ridley Scott’s Oscar winner, 300 feels a little grim.

No expense has been spared in re-creating Miller’s distinctive dark, hyper-realistic style.  Blue-screen created landscapes, computer-generated six-packs for the Spartan warriors and stylised black blood spattered by the bucket load – it certainly is a visual victory.  However, without a similar investment in script and characterisation, the stunning production design has the effect of distancing the audience. Gerard Butler (as Leonidas) works very hard to create a hero of substance but there just is too little to believe in.

Which isn’t to say that 300 isn’t worth watching.  For all its character flaws it’s jaw-droppingly stunning to look at, full of heart-pumping action and, of course, those stirring speeches.  Two hours in the company of Mr Butler and you’ll see those dreary old Classics lessons in a whole new light.

Rating: 3/5
IMDb entry