Uglies

2024 - 9 - 13

Uglies: A Film That’s Anything But Attractive!

beauty standards - dystopian - film adaptations - Joey King - Netflix - Pretties - Tally Youngblood - Uglies - YA novels

Dive into the drab world of 'Uglies' as Netflix gives us a teen dystopian tale that's more miss than hit! Is a sequel on the horizon?

Netflix's latest offering, 'Uglies', directed by McG, tries to transport audiences to a dystopian future where beauty reigns supreme, and let’s just say, it’s a struggle to get to the finish line. Based on Scott Westerfeld's popular YA novel, the adaptation brings us Joey King as Tally Youngblood, a character embroiled in a world that deems those without cosmetic enhancements as ‘uglies’. Unfortunately, the film falls flat, drawing on familiar young-adult tropes without any of the bite or depth that one would hope for. Critics have dubbed it a "drab and dated mess", questioning whether this is really the best the YA genre can do these days.

As viewers sit through the predictable plot, thoughts shift to whether a sequel, 'Uglies 2', is in the works. Fans are hopeful for a continuation, especially with Joey King and Chase Stokes' performances. Speculation is rife about the potential of a 'Pretties' movie, and the thirst for details is real. As Netflix keeps its lips sealed, this cliffhanger has left audiences crossing their fingers for more, while some wonder if they’ll even get a chance to care for their protagonists beyond the original film.

But what happens in the end? The moving conclusion of 'Uglies' leaves Tally facing the aftermath of her choices, setting the stage for future adventures—or misadventures. Spoiler alerts are in order! If you’re as invested in young Tally’s journey as we are, the questions about her fate will surely keep you awake at night, pondering just how much gyproc one can shove into a two-hour film without it losing its charm!

In her candid interviews, Joey King has touched on her personal experience of "turning up the yassification", bringing a unique flair to her character. Meanwhile, director McG is reminiscent of his days working with Drew Barrymore, as he continues to push boundaries within the teen genre. There’s something oddly nostalgic about how Hollywood keeps recycling these stories, yet still, audiences line up to engage with new iterations.

After all, did you know that 'Uglies' was one of the first books to tackle the concept of beauty standards head-on when it was published back in 2005? And fun fact: Chase Stokes, who plays Tally’s confidant Peris, was also part of the hit show 'Outer Banks', showcasing the evolving landscape of teen dramas that blend fantasy and real-world issues. Will 'Uglies' evolve into a beloved classic or be swiftly forgotten like last week's leftovers? Only time will tell!

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Uglies review – Netflix's drab and dated YA dystopian mess is not ... (The Guardian)

An empty and exasperating teen book adaptation, set in a future where beautiful people rule the world, is one of the year's most pointless films.

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Image courtesy of "Glamour UK"

Is Uglies 2 happening? What we know about a potential Pretties movie (Glamour UK)

Uglies 2 is all we can think about after finishing the new Netflix film starring Joey King. So will we get a Pretties movie? Here's what we know so far.

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Image courtesy of "Today.com"

'Uglies' Moving Ending Explained: What's Next For Tally? (Today.com)

What happens at the end of the Netflix movie Uglies? Read on for a summary of the ending, spoilers for Pretties sequel and reactions.

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Image courtesy of "Capital FM"

Will There Be An Uglies 2? Pretties Release Date, Cast, Trailer ... (Capital FM)

Will There Be An Uglies 2? Here's everything we know about Netflix making an Uglies sequel.

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Image courtesy of "Variety"

Joey King Talks 'Turning Up the Yassification' For 'Uglies' (Variety)

Joey King and Chase Stokes break down their new Netflix film "Uglies."

Review: Based on Familiar Young-Adult Dystopian Tropes, <em ... (thirdcoastreview.com)

We're introduced to this future-world through Tally Youngblood (Joey King) and her best friend Peris (Chase Stokes), who live in pre-surgery dorms and attend ...

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Image courtesy of "TeenVogue.com"

UGLIES Movie Star Brianne Tju on Shay's Transformation and ... (TeenVogue.com)

Hear about how Brianne Tju transformed into Shay in the UGLIES movie, adapted from the dystopian YA novel, now playing on Netflix.

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Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

What to watch with your kids: 'Speak No Evil,' 'Uglies' and more (The Washington Post)

Entertaining but violent horror thriller includes blood and swearing. This psychological horror-thriller was adapted from the 2022 Danish film of the same ...

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Image courtesy of "TheWrap"

'Uglies' Director McG Says His Connection With Joey King ... (TheWrap)

Director McG tells TheWrap that working with Joey King on "Uglies" was "reminiscent" of working with Drew Barrymore.

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Image courtesy of "Deadline"

Netflix's 'Uglies' Movie Vs. Book: What's Different? (Deadline)

Several changes were made to the Netflix adaptation of 'Uglies' by Scott Westerfeld, which stars Joey King, Chase Stokes, Laverne Cox and more.

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Image courtesy of "TheWrap"

'Uglies' Director Breaks Down the Changes From the Book and Why ... (TheWrap)

At the center of the story is Tally Youngblood (Joey King), an almost-16-year-old who desperately wants to receive her surgery. But, when her time comes, she's ...

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Image courtesy of "Roger Ebert"

Uglies movie review & film summary (2024) | Roger Ebert (Roger Ebert)

The genre dominance of early 2010's YA media was indisputably dystopian. “The Hunger Games” kicked it off in 2012, and 2014's rollout eventually caught up.

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Image courtesy of "Screen Rant"

Uglies Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When They Play In The Movie (Screen Rant)

Tally Youngblood's story in Uglies is accompanied by an excellent soundtrack, with both original compositions and songs from varying artists.

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