Netflixhas seen a change at the top of its movie chart, with one of its best rated original movies being replaced by one of its worst. In one of those “only at Netflix” moments, acclaimed action thrillerRebel Ridgehas been replaced at the top of the Netflix movie chart by futuristic sci-fi movieUglies (2024), which has had shade thrown at it from all angles since its debut on Friday.
In a trend that has been going on for the last few years,Ugliesis the latest movie release to find huge success on streaming while bombing with both critics and audiences when it comes to its reviews. Currently, the film is sitting on a20% Rotten Tomatoes score, with audiences rating it a little higher at 54% - a long way from the 95%/70%scores thatRebel Ridgeholds in comparison.
In a futuristic society where everyone undergoes compulsory cosmetic surgery at 16 to become “pretty,” Tally eagerly awaits her transformation. However, when her friend goes missing, she embarks on a journey that challenges her beliefs about beauty, conformity, and rebellion, ultimately questioning the foundations of their world.
This is certainly not unique to new movies, as many older box office bombs landing on Netflix have also found themselves challenging the top of the charts despite previous disappointing theatrical runs and terrible reviews. It seems, thanks to viewers having already paid for these movies as part of their Netflix subscription, they don’t really mind if it turns out to be a complete dud.
Is Uglies That Bad?
Ugliesstars Joey King and Chase Stokes, who have previously found success in Netflix offeringsThe Kissing BoothandOuter Banks,respectively. The movie’s premise revolves around the idea that society has become so obsessed with beauty that plastic surgery has become compulsory and class is defined by appearances alone. Although it could be an interesting take on the way standards of beauty are viewed in current society, it seems that many of those who have reviewed the movie see it more as, ironically, just a polished throwaway product that is instantly forgettable and could do with a make-over.
Critics have complained that King“can’t really play a teen anymore”and the YA dystopian story of non-conformity in an oppressive world is one that is“stale.”One point that comes up across hundreds of reviews is the consistent note thatMcG’s movie is so generic it is hard to find much that stands out as memorable in a crowded market.
Uglies Review: A Drab and Sluggish YA Adaptation with Troubling Ramifications
Despite some strong performances, Uglies is a cheap, generic YA adaptation with a rather troubling message at its core.
Although the audience approval score is more than double that of critics, the same complaints appear time and time again in their reviews too. Some like the premise but find thatthe whole thing is just wasted on a substandard scriptand acting that doesn’t really engage. Others directly scolded Netflix for recommending the movie to them through their personalized email marketing.
All in all, while there are some people who like the movie, it seems that no one is expecting to rush back to watch it again any time in the future – if they made it through it all the first time around. With a constant churn of movies and TV shows moving through Netflix and other platforms, it seems that they won’t have to worry too much, as there will be another recommendation coming along soon that will either take the pain away…or just possibly make it worse with another dud recommendation.
Ugliesis streaming now on Netflix.
