MANILA, Philippines—There’s hardly any truth, ugly or otherwise, in “The Ugly Truth,” what there is a lot of twaddle. A romantic comedy that brings together a TV producer (Katherine Heigl), who starts out as a feminist control freak, and a chauvinistic talk-show host (Gerard Butler) with caveman ethics, the film breaks no new ground and, in fact, even retreats a little.

Directed by Robert Luketic, the film follows the usual rom-com formula of boy meets girl, boy and girl don’t get along, then end up together despite all previous hindrances, such as different values and personal priorities. If you’re the type who can suspend disbelief for prolonged periods, this film can work for you. But, if you bring working brain cells into the picture, then the story loses what charm it has.

Heigl’s character, Abby, begins as a strong, ballsy career woman who doesn’t hesitate to grab the bull by its horns. Then, her personality undergoes a 180-degree change. The script has her agreeing to pretend to be what she’s not in order to win the “prize”—in this case, the perfect man, a surgeon (a plastic-y Eric Winter from “Days of Our Lives”) who meets all the requirements on her checklist.

Butler’s character starts out as a crass and insensitive man who helps “transform” Abby into every man’s ideal woman by doing away with all the traits that make her strong and replacing them with those belonging to your typical doormat. They have him undergo a character change, as well.

Eligibility

Anyone with an even slightly feminist bent would be outraged with what Heigl’s character, no slouch in terms of attractiveness and eligibility, needs to do just to get a decent man. It’s a surprise to learn that the story is penned by three women—you’d have expected more championing for the beleaguered feminine cause.

Instead, what we get in the movie is an almost complete rejection of a woman’s right to be sought after for herself, without having to fill degrading stereotypes.

Heigl and Butler do their best with the material they’re given, resulting in occasionally funny moments throughout the film. It doesn’t hurt that Butler, in particular, plays the modern caveman so well. However, no amount of onscreen chemistry and acting prowess can fill in the gaps left by the story. The script relies heavily on raunchy repartee and sex-driven dialogue, which is sometimes so unfunny that you feel embarrassed for the actors.