What do you get when you throw tons of today’s biggest artists in a very colorful animated film that preaches positivity? No, you don’t get “Trolls 2.0”. Girl, please.
“UglyDolls” is a brand new film from STX Entertainment, based on the line of plush dolls originally launched in 2001. While the dolls in the film look pretty different than the originals, no, this is not a cheap “Trolls” ripoff. “UglyDolls” is a film centered around embracing one’s uniqueness and showing viewers that it’s okay to be different.
Moxy, voiced by Kelly Clarkson, is an optimistic pink Ugly Doll who refuses to give up hope that one day she will be given to a child in the real world. Moxy lives in Uglyville, an island where all the other rejected UglyDolls live. The island is no pity party – everyone celebrates their ugliness, and is perfectly fine with staying where they’re at… except for Moxy. Many dolls feel Moxy is delusional for thinking that today IS the day she will escape Uglyville. However, she convinces a few other dolls decide to join her in her journey towards the “real world”.
On their trek, the dolls reach the town of Perfection, where more conventional looking dolls train to be placed with a child in the real world.
Now let’s talk about this dude for a second, because you can’t have a sweet story without a sour villain.
Lou, voiced by Nick Jonas, is the leader of Perfection. He is dynamic, charismatic, and extremely manipulative. He is obsessed with being “perfect”, and with shaping perfection. Many dolls swoon over him, and his ego is larger than his disproportionately sized head. Lou is definitely not afraid to tell someone they’re ugly, including the UglyDolls.
This dude is literally the most likable villain I’ve ever seen in an animated film. Even though a lot of the things he says are very hurtful for the dolls, he’s a little hard to hate. AND he sings, so that means we get to hear Nick Jonas singing in the movie… loooord!
The UglyDolls are not accepted by the dolls in Perfection, and must learn to accept themselves and their “flaws”. The movie is a journey towards self-love, and learning to embrace those features that make you unique. It’s a musical, loaded with tunes sung by Kelly Clarkson. “UglyDolls” also features the voices of Pitbull, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton, Lizzo, Charli XCX, Bebe Rexha, Wanda Sykes, and more.
While the story may seem like something everyone has seen before, it’s definitely something that young kids need to hear. Believe it or not, there’s plenty of elementary school kids who are on social media. The pressure to maintain a certain image online is real – I literally had to step back from Instagram for a few weeks to regroup. The pressure to be “perfect” is everywhere, and it can affect anyone from any age group. But it’s important to be reminded that you’re perfect just the way you are, and “UglyDolls” is a cute reminder.
Hey – the movie is harmless.
Check out the official trailer below.
“UglyDolls” opens in theaters on May 3rd, and is rated PG.
And of course, be sure to check out the stacked soundtrack featuring music from Kelly Clarkson, Why Don’t We, and more!