Why Everyone Hates Netflix’s Uglies — But It’s Better Than You Think!

Uglies – A 2024 Netflix Movie That Could Use a Bit More Appreciation

The movie, Uglies, released in the year 2024, didn’t get the most outstanding reviews but is worth a second glance. It might not be the pinnacle of the 2020s productions, but it’s deserving of more affection. Based on Scott Westerfeld’s novel with the same name, Uglies takes us to a post-apocalyptic dystopia where Earth’s natural resources have been depleted. In an effort to tackle this crisis, scientists discovered a method to surgically augment humans, improving their fitness and aesthetics. These individuals are referred to as “Pretties”. It is believed that the Pretties have eliminated prejudice and discrimination.

Uglies, undeniably, stands out from the crowd. Featuring a group of promising newcomers such as Joey King, Brianne Tju, Keith Powers, and Chase Stokes, the film exudes an energy that would’ve made it a blockbuster hit if released in the early 2000s, alongside other popular young adult dystopian films like The Hunger Game, The Maze Runner, and Divergent. Unfortunately, it didn’t see the light of day back then. Instead, it was released at a later time, and the nostalgia for those movies might have influenced its reception somewhat. Despite not being hailed as a masterpiece by critics, it’s far from a waste of time as some reviews may suggest.

Critics Tore Uglies Apart

The Film Has A 16% On Rotten Tomatoes

Currently, the movie “Uglies” has a 16% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With such a low score, many critics have highlighted several aspects as the cause for the film’s underperformance. One common complaint among reviewers, like Richard Roeper from the Chicago Sun-Times, is that there’s nothing particularly exceptional about the movie. In essence, Roeper stated that “everything about ‘Uglies’ is average” (ChicagoSunTimes). This one statement encapsulates one of the main issues with “Uglies”. There’s definitely truth to this critique.

The film adaptation of Uglies seems to be missing the special something that made movies like The Hunger Games stand out. A captivating story concept alone is insufficient; it requires more depth. This issue isn’t exclusive to Uglies, as Netflix has struggled to deliver quality original films, often releasing projects that appear rushed and underdeveloped. Critics of Uglies have pointed out a lack of tension, which was evident in the cliffhanger ending, hinting at a sequel. While end-credit teasers remain popular, full-blown cliffhangers tend to fall flat.

Uglies Was Maligned For Missing The YA Dystopian Wave

Young Adult Movies Are Often Dismissed As “Unserious”

The second issue raised about Uglies was that it was a young adult (YA) dystopian film produced well after the trend had faded out in Hollywood. At one time, every YA dystopian novel seemed to be getting adapted into a movie, but this phase passed as quickly as it emerged. The genre became so widespread that Saturday Night Live (SNL) made a humorous parody of them in 2014, titled “The Group Hopper”, which poked fun at the common themes found in these films. Unfortunately, many consider YA dystopian movies to be light-hearted, partly due to the general dismissal of films aimed at younger audiences.

I wouldn’t be so quick to write off a movie like “Uglies” based solely on its genre. It might just be another gem hidden amidst the mainstream that deserves recognition. For instance, “The Hunger Games” and “The Maze Runner” were both excellent films, with “The Maze Runner” being particularly underrated for its grittier tone compared to the usual genre norms. Similarly, “Uglies” shouldn’t be dismissed just because it didn’t quite align with popular trends or “missed the wave”. On the contrary, it serves as a refresher of why we loved those young adult dystopian movies in the first place.

Audiences and critics might find it repetitive because they’ve seen similar themes before in the genre, but using familiar tropes doesn’t make the filmmaking inferior or creatively exhausted. Instead, these tropes are simply well-known aspects of the genre. The challenge for a movie like Uglies is to stand out among other dystopian young adult films that have preceded it. If you can watch Uglies without constantly comparing it to other movies, you’ll likely enjoy the material more.

Some People Online Thought Laverne Cox’s Casting Was Offensive

Cox Plays A Character Who Forces Medical Surgeries On People

A point of contention among some internet commentators and reviewers regarding the novel “Uglies” was the choice of Laverne Cox as Dr. Cable. Dr. Cable, the primary antagonist in “Uglies”, is a high-ranking scientist who alters individuals to make them more attractive, but she conceals an ulterior motive: restricting their free will, thereby creating a legion of obedient, attractive beings. Despite being a trans woman and having made history as the first transgender person nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category, some readers found this casting choice to be questionable due to Dr. Cable’s antagonistic role.

As a movie enthusiast, I must express my concern over the portrayal of a transgender individual as a villainous character in the recent film by director McG. In today’s societal discourse, there are contentious debates surrounding medical procedures for transgender individuals, particularly concerning children. While evidence supporting this claim is scant (as supported by Harvard), it is a highly sensitive issue.

It is puzzling to me that the director would cast a transgender actor in such a role, given the potential implications, which likely were not intended. This decision may unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes and fuel ongoing debates about gender-affirming surgeries for minors. It’s essential for filmmakers to be mindful of their creative choices and their impact on societal perceptions.

However, Cox has commented on how she and Dr. Cable do share some similarities (via ScreenRant),

As a fan, I must clarify that Laverne and Dr. Cable are two distinct characters, yet there’s something captivating about embodying this woman who shares my passion for equality and fairness. Her unyielding spirit is inspiring, even if her methods sometimes raise ethical concerns. The way she silences dissent can be questionable morally, but it’s the thrill of the performance that makes it all worthwhile – simply delectable! The anticipation of slipping into any role is always nerve-wracking for me.

As a film enthusiast, I’d like to shed some light on the casting choice for Dr. Cable in Uglies. Upon closer inspection, there is no negative connotation linked to the selection of an actor who identifies as transgender. Instead, the character serves as a reflection of societal conformity and the oppressive system she upholds. It’s crucial to understand that Dr. Cable’s villainy stems from her role in maintaining a system of control, not her identity.

In essence, Cox delivers an outstanding performance as a brilliant scientist with insightful observations about the world, but harboring an insatiable thirst for power. Despite making some compelling points, her ultimate goal is to seize control, which adds depth and complexity to the character.

Uglies Is An Imaginative And Well-Acted Throwback To The Early 2000s

There Is More To Uglies Than Audiences Gave It Credit For

The movie Uglies harks back to the young adult dystopian films popular in the 2000s, yet it manages to feel both familiar and cozy. There’s a strong sense of nostalgia woven into this genre, making it enjoyable to witness its modern reinterpretation through Uglies. This film is quite imaginative, boasting impressive set designs that contrast the glitzy, Vegas-like realm of the “Pretties” with the bleak, frigid cityscape of the “Uglies”. The acting is also commendable, with most cast members convincingly portraying their characters.>

While not the finest film of the 2020s, “Uglies” surpasses its 16% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This movie offers plenty of entertainment in its distinctive setting, and director McG’s energetic style ensures viewers stay captivated. The performances by leads Cox and King are outstanding, making their confrontations a real treat to watch. It has the charm of the smaller productions from the early 2000s, with a fresh concept, dedicated actors, and sharp direction. Don’t let negative reviews deter you; give it a try and form your own opinion. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

2025-04-25 21:08