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Director: David McNally
Cast: Piper Perabo, Tyra Banks, Bridget Moynahan, Maria Bello, Izabella Miko, John Goodman, Melanie Lynskey, Adam Garcia
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 86 minutes
Studio:Â Touchstone PicturesÂ

THE SKINNY
Aspiring songwriter chases her dream in the big city and ends up working at the best party in town

THE BOTTOM LINE
The most fun you’ve ever had at a bar without the hangover

THE FULL REVIEW
Panning Coyote Ugly for having a shallow script is akin to criticizing Schindler’s List for its lack of comedy. Just what were professional film critics expecting to see when they attended their screenings of this film? Hadn’t they seen the movie trailers? Of course they did. Weren’t they aware that the man behind this film-Jerry Bruckheimer-was also the producer of such “check your brain at the door” flicks as Gone in Sixty Seconds, Armageddon and Con Air? Of course they were. Didn’t they know that summer is the time when “serious” filmmakers are off vacationing in the South of France or the Hamptons? Of course they did. Then why were they still so blinded by their highbrow leanings that they were unable to see just how surprisingly entertaining this film actually was?

Directed by David McNally and inspired by a 1997 GQ article, Coyote Ugly tells the story of an aspiring New Jersey songwriter named Violet (Piper Perabo - The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle, Whiteboys), who makes the big move to New York City in order to pursue her dreams. Virtually penniless, Violet must support her quest for stardom by working at a rowdy hot spot called Coyote Ugly, where an enticing crew of female bartenders draw in the crowds nightly with their flashy moves behind and on top of the bar. But if you’ve seen any of the film’s trailers, you already know this. What you may not know, however, is that much of the film deals with a budding romance between Violet and a charming Aussie named Kevin, played by Adam Garcia (Wilde), as well Violet’s relationship with her unapproving yet good-hearted father, played by John Goodman (What Planet Are You From?, The Big Lebowski, Barton Fink). While screenwriter Gina Wendkos certainly doesn’t take any risks with her script, Violet’s relationships with both Kevin and her father provide Coyote Ugly with enough substance to make it a fairly engaging film and one that can be enjoyed by both male and female audiences.

Lest you think that I am recommending Coyote Ugly because I found the story to be so utterly riveting, it should be noted that I probably would have enjoyed the film just the same had it been in a foreign language without subtitles. Clearly, when making this film it was not the minds of filmgoers that Mr. Bruckheimer was looking to stimulate. Not only does the film’s cast feature three gorgeous models (Tyra Banks, Izabella Miko, and Bridget Moynahan), who make the otherwise ordinary act of popping open a beer bottle look seductive, but Coyote Ugly’s soundtrack consists of a wonderfully eclectic, albeit somewhat dated, mix of rousing music.

That being said, this film would not have been the surprising delight that it was were it not for the thoroughly enjoyable performance of the adorable Piper Perabo. She plays her part to perfection, making use of her obvious acting talents to create a character that is both endearing and alluring. Piper will be a star.

Rounding out the cast are Maria Bello (”ER,” Payback, Permanent Midnight), who is convincing in her role as the feisty and headstrong owner of Coyote Ugly, and John Goodman, who is more than likable and at times even quite amusing as Violet’s father.

While Coyote Ugly may not have lived up to the highbrow standards of the many critics who trashed the film (the majority of whom are male), it is difficult to believe that these critics were not the least bit entertained if not outright titillated by the movie. Can’t you just picture it? A pretentious film critic has just completed his scathing review of Coyote Ugly. After reflecting for a moment on his brilliant writing efforts, he decides to reward himself with a ten minute session in the bathroom with a copy of the Coyote Ugly film poster, his wife’s Victoria’s Secret catalogue (Tyra on the cover) and an brand new jar of Vaseline…jumbo size.

HIGHLIGHTS

*Piper Perabo
*Cool soundtrack
*Great bar scenes (you’ll wish you were there)

LOWLIGHTS

*Ridiculous car scene toward the end of the movie
*Predictable story, but who cares?

OTHER INFO

Nudity: None (but almost as good)
Violence: Minor
Humor: Some

By: Craig EttingerÂ