
Imperfection and Hope are True Stars of Ugly Dolls
As a kid, I was awkward and the nerds were my crew. The nerds wholeheartedly got me and accepted me for who I was at my core…different. As an adult, I learned to embrace what was different, because it was those characteristics and features that made me unique. I also realized that there’s always gonna be someone saying that you ‘re less than or second best. However, it’s when you show them who you are, show them you are strong that you truly win by embracing what is uniquely you.
Meet the residents of Uglyville, where less than perfect dolls are sent to live out their days amongst their own. Moxy wants and believes there’s more. She’s overly optimistic and the positive pulse of Uglyville. In a rousing, infectious opening number, “Today’s the Day”, Moxy (Kelly Clarkson) holds out hope that she’ll get to the big world where a child will choose her to be their one and only toy.
Her and her partners in crime, Wage (Wanda Sykes) Wedgehead (Emma Roberts), Babo (Gabriel Iglesias), Lucky Bat (Leehom Wong), Pitbull (Ugly Dog) make their way to the Institute of Perfection where pretty dolls are made perfect and only then sent to a child. Lou (Nick Jonas) who is a merger of Justin Bieber and Justin Timberlake runs the Institute makes the rules that only pretty dolls can run the gauntlet. The gauntlet is an obstacle course pretty dolls have to successfully run in order to make their way to a child. Janelle Monae as Mandy is adorable and will make kids who wear glasses feel really cool.
Ugly Dolls reads more like an animated musical than a straight up animated feature and I was there for every moment. Fusing brand new tunes with Hall & Oates oldies like “You Make My Dreams Come True” I bounced and sang right along with my peers and constituents who were mostly under 10 years old like we were at a bouncy house party.
Most of all Ugly Dolls is a wonderful cinematic, animated lesson for kids to embrace what is different about themselves and others without judgement. A lesson everyone can learn at any age. At the end of the day, we are all just want to be loved and accepted. Produced by STX Entertainment, Ugly Dolls hits theatres on May 3rd and the soundtrack will have you singing along well after the credits roll!!! .

