Exploring the Facade of Beauty: A Fresh Take on Uglies (2024)

Superficial criticism of superficiality

Filmtopp has seen Netflix’s new teen adventure “Uglies” and ponders how the film manages to be exactly what it’s trying to criticize.

It’s fascinating that a film that goes out of its way to criticize the superficial can be experienced as completely without depth. Netflix new combination of sci-fi adventure and teen drama is a vain and clichéd creation that completely without irony embodies the ideals it seeks to question.

Uglies makes some attempts at originality and nice messages, but the clumsiness of the presentation makes most of it fall flat. Somewhere under the surface there might be a good idea for a film for young people, but in its current form it is not a beautiful creation.

Two cheeky fools. Photo: Netflix.

Criticizes superficiality in the most superficial of ways

In “Uglies” we step into a world where man has found the solution to his self-destructiveness by making everyone into beautiful people. When you turn 16, you undergo an extensive operation that transforms you into the perfect version of yourself – because perfect people don’t destroy themselves, others or the world around them. Until you reach your 16th birthday, you are forced to live on the periphery of the utopian society that has been created, and anyone who hasn’t undergone the operation is called “uglies”.

In the midst of this world of “ugly” children we find Tally (Joey King) who yearns to have her surgery so she can start her life with all the other beautiful, happy people in town. But when Tally, on the occasion of her 16th birthday, sets out to find a friend who opposes the whole concept of beauty, she soon has reason to question everything she believed to be true.

Much of the subject matter is relatively clear of just the premise. Here we get a story that questions ideals of beauty and the aspiration to be like everyone else. It’s hardly original territory to explore, but for a film aimed at young people, it’s still an admirable message. The problem is that the film feels exactly like an imitation of everything else in the genre.

The predictable sequence of events is easy to swallow, but given the messages, it’s harder to accept that the film seems to have undergone exactly the kind of beauty transformation the story calls into question. Here we are thrown into a “cheeky” sci-fi world where the fireworks explode every night, where our characters can get cheeky “toothbrush pills” directly from a hole in the wall, where they have cheeky hoverboards on which they do cheeky tricks and where it cheeky just stays cheeky, without ever really being analyzed.

And the times when the panel on the facade is actually dismantled in places, it is completely selective in order to move the plot forward.

But perhaps the worst of all, I can sum up with the question: Where are all the ugly people? How can you take the film’s message seriously when they didn’t dare to include a single nymph or a single body that violates any norms? If you make an effort, you might be able to classify some actors as ordinary, but the nuance of the criticism would have been much, much stronger if there was a greater variation in appearance. Give us at least one character who is passionate about the operation, and the story would have taken on a whole new dimension.

Cheeky. Photo: Netflix.

Is the deep just a spade away?

No, “Uglies” manages to hit hook legs on itself on most levels, but it must be said that the film lobs up for a sequel (the film is based on Scott Westerfelds popular book series, so there’s plenty of additional material to draw from) and towards the end it actually starts to raise some interesting questions.

The focus gradually shifts to man’s right to choose his own destiny and even if it does not get enough space in Ugliesthen there is an opportunity to depict interesting dilemmas if there were to be more films. With that as a clearer starting point, the viewer could even get the chance to think for themselves, instead of being force-fed clichés. Maybe that facade can be demolished after all.

Finally, I want to draw attention that I am very aware that I am not the target audience for this film and if you watch it without analyzing as I have done, I can definitely see that older children and younger teenagers will enjoy the adventure. With that in mind, that grade lands at a 2, but it’s a merciful one.

“Uglies” is now available to stream on Netflix.

Filmtop tips: Interesting youth films

– What⁤ are ‍the main criticisms of Netflix’s “Uglies” regarding its portrayal of superficiality?

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Superficial Criticism of Superficiality: A Review of Netflix’s “Uglies”

It’s ironic that a film ⁤that sets out ⁤to criticize the superficial can⁢ end up being so shallow itself. Netflix’s new teen ‍adventure “Uglies” is ‌a prime example of this phenomenon, presenting a veneer of depth while ultimately lacking substance.

A​ World of Beauty and Conformity

In the world of “Uglies,” humanity has found a solution‍ to ⁤its self-destructive tendencies by making everyone ⁣beautiful. At the age of 16, individuals undergo an operation that transforms them into the perfect version of ⁤themselves. Those who haven’t undergone the‌ operation are relegated to the fringes of society and dubbed “uglies.” Our protagonist, Tally (Joey King), is an “ugly” who yearns to have her surgery and join the beautiful, happy people in town. However, when she sets out ​to find a friend⁣ who opposes the concept⁣ of​ beauty, she begins to question everything she believed to ⁤be true.

Predictable⁤ and Clichéd

While the ‌premise of “Uglies”⁤ is⁣ intriguing, the film’s execution is ⁣predictable and clichéd. The story unfolds in a formulaic manner, with characters making⁢ choices that feel more like plot devices than genuine decisions. The world-building is also superficial, with a sci-fi setting ​that feels more like a shallow imitation of other films ⁤in the⁤ genre. The “cheeky” sci-fi elements, such as “toothbrush pills” and hoverboards, only serve to distract from the lack of depth in the​ storytelling.

Lack of Authenticity

One of the most glaring issues with⁤ “Uglies” is its failure to portray genuine diversity​ in appearance. Despite ⁣the film’s message about the dangers of superficiality, there is a‍ lack of representation of individuals who don’t conform to traditional beauty standards. This omission undermines the film’s credibility and makes its message feel hollow.

A Glimmer⁢ of Hope

Despite its many flaws, “Uglies” does raise some interesting questions towards the end, particularly about the right to choose one’s own destiny. While these themes are not fully⁤ explored ⁤in the film, they⁢ offer a glimmer of hope for potential sequels. If the franchise can delve deeper into these complex issues, it may be⁤ able to redeem itself from its superficial beginnings.

Conclusion

“Uglies” is a disappointing and shallow film that fails‌ to deliver on its promise of critiquing superficiality. ⁢While it may appeal to fans of teen adventures, it lacks the depth and nuance needed to make a meaningful impact. ⁣With some tweaks to its approach​ and a willingness⁣ to take risks, ⁤the franchise may be able to redeem itself in the future.

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​”Superficial criticism of superficiality”

“Uglies” Netflix review

Teen adventure film

Critique of beauty standards

Sci-fi world-building

Lack of diversity in film representation

Right to choose one’s own destiny

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“Netflix’s “Uglies” is ⁤a disappointing and shallow film that fails to deliver ⁢on its promise of critiquing ⁤superficiality. Read our review⁢ to see why ​this teen adventure film falls flat.”

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Its Portrayal of Superficiality?**

Superficial Criticism of Superficiality: Netflix’s “Uglies” Falls Flat

The Paradox of Shallow Critique

Netflix’s new teen adventure “Uglies” has sparked debate on its portrayal of superficiality, raising questions about the film’s ability to meaningfully critique the very ideals it embodies. Filmtopp takes a closer look at how this film manages to be exactly what it’s trying to criticize, and why it falls short of making a lasting impact.

A World of Beauty, but at What Cost?

In “Uglies,” humanity has found a solution to self-destruction by making everyone beautiful. When you turn 16, you undergo an extensive operation that transforms you into the perfect version of yourself. This utopian society is flawed, and the film attempts to question the ideals of beauty and the pressure to conform. The problem lies in the execution, as the film feels like an imitation of everything else in the genre, lacking originality and depth.

Criticizes Superficiality in the Most Superficial of Ways

The film’s premise is clear, but its exploration of beauty and conformity is shallow and predictable. The story follows Tally, who yearns to have her surgery to fit in with the beautiful people in town. However, when she questions the concept of beauty, the film fails to delve deeper into the complexities of the issue. Instead, it resorts to clichéd and superficial portrayals of a sci-fi world, complete with cheeky gadgets and futuristic aesthetics.

The Absence of Ugly

One of the most glaring criticisms of the film is its lack of diversity in appearance. Where are the ugly people? The film’s message is undermined by the absence of characters who fail to conform to traditional beauty standards. The selective dismantling of the facade only serves to move the plot forward, rather than sparking meaningful conversations about beauty and identity.

Is the Deep Just a Spade Away?

Netflix’s “Uglies” had the potential to be a thought-provoking film for young people, but its superficial portrayal of complex issues falls flat. The film’s inability to meaningfully critique the very ideals it embodies raises questions about the integrity of its message. Can a film that embodies superficiality truly critique it? Or is the deep just a spade away, waiting to be uncovered?

**What are the Main Criticisms of Netflix’s “Uglies” Regarding