better than you would think

Rating: 7/10 (20 July 2001)

Coyote Ugly is definitely a movie that you wouldn't expect much from, but surprises you along the way.
I must say this was my first time seeing Piper Perabo, and she completely amazed me for a little known and little experienced actress. Only unfortunate thing is that she didn't sing in the movie. Jerry Bruckheimer thought that her voice "was too low". But what the hell? Didn't effect the movie at all because, you really believed it was her singing. I couldn't tell. Anyway, she was perfect for this role, gracing it with the sincerity and innocence it needed, to become believable as the small-town girl, trying to make it in the big city as a song writer. Definitely expect great performances from her in the future.
Maria Bello was great and believable in her "strong-woman" role as the owner of the Coyote Ugly bar. Andy Garcia also surprised me, with a decent performance as Violet Sanford's love interest in the film. John Goodman stood out with a surprisingly decent comedic role as Violet's overweight father. And as for Tyra Banks ... well, she was OK, i guess. Didn't mind her that much, although the only reason she's in this movie is for a little star power to grace the movie posters and trailers.
All in all, the movie was decent. For me, the highlights were Piper Perabo "singing" and her scenes with Andy Garcia.