Coyote Ugly
2000 · Directed by David McNally
Original language: English
- comedy
- drama
- music
- romance
The story
Graced with a velvet voice, 21-year-old Violet Sanford heads to New York to pursue her dream of becoming a songwriter only to find her aspirations sidelined by the accolades and notoriety she receives at her "day" job as a barmaid at Coyote Ugly. The "Coyotes" as they are affectionately called tantalize customers and the media alike with their outrageous antics, making Coyote Ugly the watering hole for guys on the prowl.
What it’s like
Saturated neon and warm bar-light do most of the work here: a loud, glossy Manhattan dive bar lit in reds, ambers and bright blues, with bar tops lit up for dancing and a camera that loves to swoop and whip around the room. The soundtrack is big early-2000s pop-rock and radio anthems, with a voice that cuts through the din in the quieter moments. Vibe: giddy, sun-warm and breezy, a fizzy night-out feeling. It suits a Friday evening with friends, a comfort rewatch, or something to put on while you're half-listening. The pacing is brisk and bouncy, with comedic set pieces and a clear romantic-comedy rhythm. The emotional register stays light and upbeat, following a young woman who learns to trust her own voice and stop shrinking for other people's approval. Intensity is mild: plenty of drinking, flirtatious and suggestive dancing, some crude jokes and bar brawls that play for laughs, and a cheating boyfriend who stings more than he menaces. Nothing graphic. It's for people who want escapist, sparkly entertainment with a feel-good underdog arc and a lot of music.
More films like Coyote Ugly
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved Coyote Uglyand we’ll explain which ones fit you.
