FUgly Review

JESSE SANCHEZ, an artist/comedian gives the performance of his life. During a New Year's party, Jesse fakes a suicide attempt wrapping a retractable dog leash around his neck, accidentally knocks himself out, and sinks into the waters of his bathtub. Jesse gets the chance to reflect, possibly for the last time, upon his life and love. Known for his envelope pushing performances, Jesse's near death experience bends reality to stage and back again.

Fugly is a fun, fresh film with a lot of charm and heart. John Leguizamo shines as Jesse Sanchez. One of the things that work with the film is Jesse interactions with his loved ones. You have his wife Zowie who is played Rosie Perez. Zowie is a self centered aspiring actress who only dates Jesse to further her career. You have his mother played by Olga Merediz, his mother loves Jesse brother more because he is the handsome one. Jesse interaction with his mother is an ironic one. He can't stand her but yet he makes her his manager. This creates a unique dimension between the two characters. On the one hand Jesse hates his mother but at the same time he loves her dearly. It was great to see the chemistry between Leguizamo and Merediz and it steals the show when they are both on screen together. While the acting shines it is the form of the storytelling is what really intrigues me.  The film is shot in various different ways. You have the reality show approach when Jesse is onewebcam talking to his fans. You have the single camera approach and you have the narration approach with flashbacks. Each style works well with the film.  

Overall Fugly is a fun film with great characters. Leguizamo pokes fun at himself and his life throughout the film. The film is beautifully shot in New York City showcasing different boroughs besides Manhattan. I found that to be really refreshing to see as a New Yorker. Great cast, fun story and a cool pay off at the end. Fugly is far from ugly this is a film to check out.