Beastly Review

Great film!

THE MOVIE: CRITIC'S TAKE

When I first heard about this movie I thought "O no! Not another movie starring an Olson twin!" During the screening process I heard nothing but good things about the film. I decided to rethink my feelings toward Mary-Kate and her counter-part Vanessa Hudgens. The film isn't doing so well in the theaters but that doesn't mean the film isn't watchable. I walked in the theater not expecting anything great but left with a smile on my face. The film is enjoyable from beginning to end and Mary-Kate really impressed me.

STORY

It begins with Kyle, played by Alex Pettyfer, showing off his good looks and rock hard abs. He's running for school president and is solely campaigning against ugly people. He has a problem with anyone who isn't attractive and treats them like crap. He catches the eye of the school witch played by Mary Kate. She warns him that messing with a witch is never a good idea. Of course he doesn't listen and tries to play a mean joke on her. She knew all along what he was planning and decided to give him a taste of his own medicine. She lays a curse on him turning his inner beauty outward. Too bad for him that his inner beauty was as ugly as a bat.

Fugly

He has a year to find someone to say the words "I love you." to him while meaning it. He falls into a deep depression when he realizes his own father doesn't even want him. He hires a blind man played by Neil Patrick Harris to teach him and enlists their servent played by Lisa Gay Hamilton to watch over him. They became his only friends and the only people that really care for him. They motivate him to take a chance and live his life. This leads him to stalk an old friend of his that he never really noticed to begin with; Linda, played by Vanessa Hudgens, the only good girl in school.

Thank you !

Through his stalking he realizes that everyone hated him because of how he treated people but Linda was the only one who respected his ways. He saves her life when her drug addict father was doing a deal that went wrong. The father ended up killing the dealer's brother which made him vow to seek revenge against his daughter. The father sends her to live with Kyle so he can protect her until this issue gets resolved. She doesn't want to be there and shows it with her emotions. He buys her gifts and tries everything to impress her. Nothing was working until he decides to do something that he hasn't done in awhile... be himself.

This leads to a friendship that blossomed on screen. Eventually they do fall in love and the spell is broken. Kyle also achieved good things for his friends. The witch was also impressed with his new found attitude and decided to do him one more favor. Give the father the same treatment!

She rocked it

ACTING

This film is full of chemistry. Everyone was able to feed off from one another. You can feel the connection between Vanessa and Alex. Watching their relationship unfold on screen was a delight to see. Neil Patrick Harris and Mary Kate gave some of their best performances here. Neil was funny from the time he entered till the time he left and I was really impressed with Mary. I didn't think she could act that well but she proved she can do roles that require a bit of sass and a taste of evilness. I wish her the best because she has skills that the world needs to see.

My hero

SPECIAL EFFECTS

I loved the makeup and their choice of scenery. It was very unique to say the least. I loved how his tattoos would change with the seasons and how they just pop out at you. The film was bright and lively, even during dark settings, that kept the feel of the movie from being too depressing. A great choice I have to say.

I think I'm falling for a monster.

WRITING AND DIRECTING

The movie was written and directed by Daniel Barnz. He did a great job keeping the pace of the film. It didn't feel rushed and the story flowed nicely. I enjoyed most of the dialog in this film. Neil was able to use his wit to bring the dialog to life and keep the crowd engaged in the film. Prehaps he was the best writtien character of all. Daniel was able to keep everything in full view and nothing seemed out of focus. He may need to brush up on his smash cuts but you can hardly notice if you're not a film buff. A decent film from a soon to be great director.

THE END

Give it a view. You won't be disappointed. If you love love stories this is the perfect one. I couldn't help but smile and root for him to succeed. One of the best films of the year!

Not so bad after all

STORY 8 out of 10
ACTING 7 out of 10
SPECIAL EFFECTS 7 out of 10
WRITING 8 out of 10
DIRECTING 7 out of 10

OVERALL 8 (WORTH A VIEW)