Movie Review: UglyDolls Finds the Beauty in Everyone

Unconventionality rules in UGLYDOLLS, STXfilms’ new animated musical adventure. The film is inspired by the unique and beloved global plush toy phenomenon launched in 2001. Mixing fun, music, and adventure with characters and worlds unlike any audiences have experienced, UGLYDOLLS promotes acceptance, empowerment, joy, and friendship. The film stars well-known musicians and actors Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton, Wanda Sykes, Gabriel Iglesias, Leehom Wang, Emma Roberts, and Pitbull. It is directed by Kelly Asbury.

“Broken & Beautiful,” written and performed by Kelly Clarkson, is a song that represents the message of this animated family movie.

Can someone just hold me?
Don’t fix me, don’t try to change a thing
Oh, someone just know me
‘Cause underneath, I’m broken and it’s beautiful

In the fun but different town of Uglyville, weird is celebrated, strange is special and beauty is embraced as more than simply meets the eye. Here, the free-spirited Moxy (Kelly Clarkson) and her UglyDoll friends live every day the security of being different and unique.

Moxy loves her square-peg life in this round-hole town, but her curiosity about all things leads her to wonder if there’s something – anything – on the other side of the mountains on the border of Uglyville. Moxy gathers a group of her closest friends and sets off on a journey where they are surprised to discover another town – Perfection. It is here where more conventional dolls are trained in proper toy protocols before they graduate and are sent to the “real” world to find the love of a child.

In Perfection, Moxy and her crew are subject to the manipulations of Lou (Nick Jonas), the perfect doll in charge of training recruits. Here, the UglyDolls confront what it means to be different. Under the strain of Lou’s oversight, they struggle with their desire to be loved, and ultimately discover that you don’t have to be perfect to be amazing because who you truly are is what matters most.

The underlying message of UglyDolls reflects the scriptural passage from the Apostle Paul:

Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-11, NASB)

The lead character, Moxy, is truly loving and selfless, displaying Christ-like compassion for others. Her willingness to lay down the possibility of achieving her dream in order to care for those who are hurting is a tremendous lesson and example for young people today.

Created as a plush toy line by David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim, the UglyDoll brand quickly gained a following around the globe and was named Toy of the Year by the Toy Industry Association in 2006. Beloved by children, teenagers and adults alike, UglyDoll characters are distinct for their endearing “Uglyness,” in a wonderful “Uglyverse” where differences are cheered and embraced.

UglyDolls is a fun movie with a positive message – you will enjoy taking your kids to see this charming film. Rated PG.

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Learn more and watch the trailer at UglyDolls.com.