Fri Sep 13 20:48:22 UTC 2024: ## Netflix’s “Uglies” is a Pointless and Empty Teen Book Adaptation

**Los Angeles, CA** – Netflix’s new dystopian film, “Uglies,” based on Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 novel, falls flat despite its attempt to tap into the popular young adult dystopian genre. Directed by McG, the film feels dated and derivative of its predecessors like “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent.” While the film’s premise – a future society where physical beauty is enforced through mandatory surgery – seems relevant in today’s world, it’s executed poorly, with awkward dialogue and unconvincing characters.

The film follows Tally Youngblood (Joey King), a teenager who must undergo the mandatory “prettyfication” procedure at 16. However, after witnessing the transformation of her best friend, Peris (Chase Stokes), into a cold and distant “Pretty,” Tally decides to escape and join a group of rebels known as the Smoke.

While the concept of questioning beauty standards is interesting, the film struggles to deliver any meaningful commentary. The characters are underdeveloped, with most dialogue feeling forced and overly simplistic. The production design, heavily reliant on CGI, also lacks depth and authenticity.

Despite King’s best efforts to inject some humanity into her character, the film ultimately feels shallow and synthetic. “Uglies” seems more interested in throwing flashy visuals and action sequences at the audience than exploring the complexities of its themes. Ultimately, this adaptation is a disappointing missed opportunity that feels like another disposable product in the Netflix pipeline.

“Uglies” is now available on Netflix.

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