Surprisingly enjoyable

Rating: Null/10 (12 August 2000)

After I read a movie review for "Coyote Ugly" in my local newspaper and watched the trailer for this film, I expected it to be a mediocre picture lacking in plot, depth and clothing. Fortunately, a trip to the theatre to see "Coyote Ugly" proved me wrong. This film was an absolute treat. I'll grant it forgiveness for its cliches of the innocent girl in the big city seeking her fortune, the barista babes who befriend her, or the time-honored boy chases girl scenario, or in this case, how the ferociously handsome Mr. O'Donnell chases Violet Sanford.
On the subject of the male lead, Adam Garcia gives a sizzling performance as the dashing Mr. O'Donnell. Female fans in the audience will be thrilled to see Adam Garcia in his prime at the bar, but I won't divulge any details here. (Darn!) Although the film does feature some provocative female rug-cutting, some of the numbers are well-choreographed and pay homage to genres of dance like line dancing or "Riverdance"-esque moves. The soundtrack takes pages from The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Kid Rock, Third Eye Blind, and LeAnn Rimes, who performs the film's trademark song "Can't Fight the Moonlight."
This film has its share of pitfalls, such as the moment when Violet describes her stage fright to Mr. O'Donnell or Violet's weepy friend (why is she in the film again?) Yet on the whole, it was a solid, humorous, cliched film. I would give it **1/2 to *** stars. Thank you!