Synopsis
Uglyville is a beautiful and happy place. Moxy is the life and soul of the town, but all she really wants is to bring joy to a child's life. She finally decides to do something about it instead of waiting and brings herself and her friends face to face with a whole new world.
Review
On the face of it this looked like it was going to be an average animation movie, there was nothing in the trailer that screamed exceptional, a little predictable maybe. I actually came out feeling very positive and upbeat.
Every day in Uglyville is amazing, there's singing, there's dancing, there's fun, frolics and food. It's the perfect place to be. But even though she's always happy, Moxy wants nothing more in life than to be chosen as a companion for a child.
Moxy finally decides that the hole in which Uglyville residents arrive through must be the way to the real world and she convinces some of her friends to take a trip with her. The other side is a sparkly and perfect place run by Lou. He runs it like a machine and only the best make it through, there's no room for faults. He lets the visitors stay and train but there doesn't seem to be any chance that Lou will let them succeed.
There are some very positive things to take out of this film and it may sound daft but if you can identify with it on some level it's very reassuring and a real mood lifter.
There are some musical titans in UglyDolls and it was a great idea to bring them on board. With the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas and Pitbull we get some amazing musical numbers. They also do a brilliant job with the voice acting alongside a contingent of comedic actors to help keep the fun going.
The animation is "simple" but exactly right. The way they've created Uglyville is a perfect design, it feels like there would be something fun to discover at every turn. I thought it was particularly good when things change in town after Moxy and her friends return from their trip, everything reflects the situation and it's a great little insight into how the town works.
It really does hit a lot of emotional bases. Not only is it a big advocate of being who you are, it also shows you love and loss as well as friendship and how sometimes you don't have to succeed to win. The positivity in this film is everywhere and it genuinely lifts my spirits just thinking about it again. From the very beginning it shows you that Uglyville is a very literal place, their names, what they sing about. It's a very open and honest place... and damn it I'm feeling super motivated right now!
I could be here all day telling you why I thought this was a great film. It does have some minor flaws (which aren't really flaws), it is a little predictable, but honestly, with the outcome of everything I'm not sure it really matters.
What you should do
I think this is wonderful and it should definitely be on your watchlist.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
I'd love my very own Uglydog, failing that maybe some Uglyville food, although I sense it might be a little fibrous.
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