Pretty Ugly People is a comedy with heart. Starring Missy Pyle as Lucy, the film is about a woman who having suffered from being the "heavy" friend in college, reunites with her old buddies for a long weekend. After glamorizing her friends for years, she is in for a surprise when she discovers that they all have their less than joyful moments. Melissa McCarthy (Gilmore Girls, Pumpkin, etc) is the caring friend that rounds up the less supportive crew who are too busy in their own lives to want to have to take time out for Lucy.
The premise of the film rests on this idea that Lucy, having never asked any of them for anything before, needs them "before her time is up." An ambiguous phone call with McCarthy's character, Becky, leads her to assume that Lucy is dying and they must go no matter what. I won't give away whether she is or not, but let's just say, the crew is not so happy when they arrive and Lucy has plans for them to go on a 4 day hike through the wilderness.
Pyle Headrest
The plot is fairly simple and the reunion type film has been done many times before (The Big Chill, etc), yet the film remains fresh with some great comedy from the ensemble cast. Still, the film has a good message and doesn't just make fun of the heavy girl, but actually shows that we all have our hang ups, whether it is our looks, or sexual identity, our race, our position in society. Due to some pretty strong direction from Taylor, the film never gets heavy handed even though it takes on some pretty tough subjects.
As much as I loved the film, I had some trouble with the beginning and end. The middle of the film, when they are in the wilderness is just perfect. Some great acting that is shot in a beautiful location in the hills of Montana is all you need. But the original premise of their friendship was stretched a bit thin as rather than open with flash back scenes of their college time, the director made an interesting decision to begin with animation. Not to say I didn't like the animation, as it was done very well, with some great edits into the real characters (I compare it to the John Cusack Better off Dead animation scenes but with more flair). But, since the characters are bitchy and not real happy to support her in the beginning, it doesn't help that they remain bitchy and not real happy to support her throughout. Why is she surprised by this? Why are these people her friends? Oh because, we all have those college friends, don't we? The ones that you promise to remain in touch forever but as your lives go down separate paths, it gets harder and harder to remember to reach out. In fact, one of the lines in the film hits the nail on the head about the most obnoxious character, "We all have our George's don't we?"
And we do. You can connect with this movie, because we all have those friends throughout life that we can be ourselves around even when we are our less than perfect selves. Those are the friends that, maybe it takes a while to get reacquainted, but once you do it is like you are right back in the moment that bonded you in the first place. And yet the beginning does work in the context of the film to help you understand that her idealized version of her college friends and who they are today maybe are not so different, it is she that is waking up.
And then the end happens. A complete curveball that maybe was a little too over the top but definitely a strong plot point in order to create a change in these characters. The ending is not the worst I have seen, but I did find it slightly out of place for the rhythm of the story.
However, the very end makes up for it with the scene stealing Allison Janney. A must see if for no other reason than her hysterical bit. Although, I highly recommend that once this film gets out on the festival circuit, try to find a way to see it. One of my favorites at a fest so far this year.
Click for larger image and other views
PYLE PLD72GR Adjustable Headrests w/ Built-In 7'' TFT/LCD Monitor w/ Built in DVD Player & IR/FM Transmitter With Cover (Gray) Feature
- 7'' LCD/TFT Monitor With Built In DVD Player - Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Widescreen - PAL/NTSC Compatible - Built In IR Transmitter For Wireless IR Headphones
- Headrest With Zipper Hide-Away Cover - High Resolution: 1440x234 - Auto Switching - Built In FM Transmitter
- DVD/VCD/MP3/JPG/MP4/CD-R/CD-RW Compatible - Contrast: 300:1 - Full Function Wireless Remote Control - Adjustable Mounting Posts: 4.3''To 7.1''
- USB/SD-MMC Card Reader - Brightness: 350CD/M2 - English OSD Menu - Dimensions: 11.5''W X 8.3''H X 4.7''D
- Built In Game With Joystick - AV Inputs/Outputs - Power Supply: Dc12v
PYLE PLD72GR Adjustable Headrests w/ Built-In 7'' TFT/LCD Monitor w/ Built in DVD Player & IR/FM Transmitter With Cover (Gray) Overview
On long trips, it’s important to keep the backseat entertained and the driver comfortable. That’s where this grey adjustable headrest with built in 7” LCD monitor, DVD player, and SD card slot comes in. The picture on the screen is bright, crisp and accurate, thanks to the 1440x234 resolution, 300:1 contrast ratio, 25ms response time, and 16:9 display ratio. A full function remote control provides complete wireless access to your monitor’s settings. The kids will enjoy themselves in the backseat and you’ll be comfortable and safe in the front knowing a headrest will protect you. This model also includes a zip-up cover for the screen to prevent sun damage and to keep your car safe when you’re not around. It’s also compatible with IR wireless headphones, so you can enjoy peace of quiet while the backseat has a blast – or use the built in FM transmitter to enjoy the sound throughout your vehicle. Best of all, these headrests are easy to install, and fit in many car and SUV models.Available In Stock. |
