Not my kind of bar...but it has its moments!

Rating: Null/10 (24 July 2001)

David McNally's directorial debut, Coyote Ugly, is basically a story about Violet (Piper Perabo) trying to establish her singing career in New York. She soon finds that the Big Apple is harder than she imagined, and finds herself broke and desperate for a job. She acquires one at the hottest, raunchiest bar in town, aptly titled the 'Coyote Ugly', where she has to dance, spin bottles and basically keep the customers happy. Throw in a love interest, Kevin O'Donnell (Adam Garcia), who encourages Violet to overcome her stage fright and pursue her singing career. Then add her father's (John Goodman) disapproval of her job at Coyote Ugly, and you've basically got the plot.
Coyote Ugly is a film that is targeted mainly at teens and is extremely predictable in most areas. The subject is far-fetched, for I doubt I'd attend a bar and risk getting my hair cut off or being doused in water, and I also doubt that four girls and one bouncer could control a massive crowd or serve them well- especially when the staff constantly break into dance on the actual bar itself! That aside, there is some bad dialogue and awkward moments, but the film isn't as trashy as the trailers imply. The film attempts to have substance with it's romantic angle, John Goodman is entertaining as Violet's protective but kind father and the rest of the cast provide adequate performances. Coyote Ugly is far from a spectacular film, the climax is extremely weary and predictable, and the last scene is fairly stupid. But in general, Coyote Ugly is a fairly decent teen popcorn flick, and can be entertaining if you don't take it too seriously! **1/2 out of *****!