i felt bad for disliking this movie (and didn't have the guts to say so) because i went with a group who happened to really like it. it's one of those flicks that from the very beginning, you have to consciously force yourself to buy into the lame plot and character arcs. none of the characters, the premise, nor the unfolding events invited me in. for the sake of my own well-being, i played the part of an amused movie-goer, but not too far deep inside, i was tired of the trite dialogue, lame humor and unfortunately subpar acting that was all evident within the first ten minutes.
the whole ugly duckling theme wasn't ever treated with the depth and sincerity it could possibly have been aiming for. characters' revelations were weak, shallow and poorly revealed. it was a disappointment, but then again, i wasn't expecting much. i just went to go spend some time with a friend.
James McAvoy was this movie's only redemption, probably just for his supreme cuteness, but even that wasn't enough to lift this one out of the "i lost interest" category.
i haven't watched a PG movie in a while and i did find amusing the cute commentary of little toddlers in the theater.