‘Coyote Ugly’ Has Its Own Special Effects

Mon., Aug. 14, 2000

Dave Rinehart Ferris

It’s a rare summer film that doesn’t need special effects to make your jaw drop. The exception is “Coyote Ugly,” a film replete with babes, booze and plenty of booty shakin’.

But “Coyote” is poorly served by the romance and emotional conflict thrown into the plot. The movie should have just settled for being a delightfully tasteless joyride.

Gorgeous newcomer Piper Perabo plays Violet Sanford, a small-town girl who moves to Manhattan in hopes of achieving songwriting stardom. Broke and in despair after only a few months, her last resort is auditioning for a job at a local bar, Coyote Ugly. Soon enough, she’s a full-fledged Coyote, pouring drinks and dancing atop tables for hordes of sweaty city folk. At the same time, Violet tries to balance her love life, continue her music efforts and forge a relationship with her father, played by the awesome John Goodman.

“Coyote Ugly” is not a film that should ask to be taken seriously. In doing so, it falters. Perabo gives Violet all the substance of a cardboard box, making her painful to watch from the get-go. Her romance and songwriting attempts are nauseating and only make you yearn for more bar scenes. That’s where the film really shines, with plenty of stunning actresses dancing provocatively, providing eye candy equal to millions of dollars worth of special effects.

The women are hot, but “Coyote” is ugly and only worthy of a spin on video.

Grade: C

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