I admit... I was expecting a movie that was really about the Coyote Ugly bar. This wasn't it. Other than utilizing the bar as a set in the story line for part of the movie, it really doesn't do much more for the bar than plug it.

The movie
Coyote Ugly, the movie, is about a young song writer, Violet (Piper Perabo), who is the small town girl from across the bridge who comes to New York City to sell her songs and have them recorded.

Of course, to make the movie watchable, Violet has a bit of rough luck in the beginning...no one is interested in her songs, her apartment is broken into and her backup cash stolen, and she can't seem to get over her stage fright

But never fear, soon she is in the grasp of the cute Kevin (Adam Garcia) and happens upon three girls in a local diner, who are winding down from their night of work. She sees how much they've made in tips and how much fun they appear to have and eventually wanders to the bar looking for a job. She's hired on and known as "Jersey" the ex-nun, ex-school teacher.

Although she is rough at first, she begins to get comfortable at the bar and in an effort to break up a brawling bar that seems to have swallowed up the other two bartenders, she jumps up on the bar and begins to sing with the jukebox. She's a hit (duh... what did you think would happen??) and she begins to sing along with the jukebox on a regular basis.

She does have the big fight with her dad *and* her boyfriend, she loses her job, etc. But rest assured, by the end of the movie she is on top of the world again.

Why I liked the movie
Well, while it wasn't really about the actual Coyote Ugly bar, except for Violet's stint working there, as I was hoping, it is a nice, uplifting story and great acting.

Having been a bartender in a totally female staffed bar, I can vouch that it's fun, especially on really busy nights. Even in our more conservative, hotel sports bar atmosphere, there is a definite advantage to having women behind the bar. Face it, they draw the guys. I could relate to the movie on that aspect. And being a singer (and wanna-be performer) I related to the movie on that aspect as well.

The actual bar
A real bar in New York City, Coyote Ugly typically hires girls who are down-to-earth, sexy and fun. Why? Again, because girls behind the bar bring in guys for customers (who's girlfriends are typically not far behind). Yes, they really dance on the bar, have attitudes, blow fire, and serve shots directly into the mouths of waiting customers.

An article was written in GQ Magazine in 1997 about the bar and it's owner, Liliana Lovell, played by Marta Bello in the movie. And many more have been written since the movie came out. In it's fame, the bar has out-grown itself, in a sense. Many of the articles contain old regular customers complaining about not being able to get in or fit in the bar anymore due to the rash of fans of the movie.

But other than more patrons, the bar has not changed since the movies release and as told in one article, it is even mentioned that the bar now displays a sign that reads "This ain't the movie."

For me, I think the whole concept sounds like a big party and a lot of fun... spring break behavior for adults, if you will. The bartending talent has to be there, but the attitude is what makes or breaks the bartender. Actually that is how it is everywhere, maybe just a bit more at this bar. Would I work there? Maybe 5 years ago. However, I am not sure I've ever been enough of a party girl to make it at Coyote Ugly. But it would have been fun to try.

My only curiousity and the only unreal point of the movie (and the real bar)... what on Earth can that bar's liquor cost be? In the movie, Violet breaks at least 4 bottles of Seagram's VO. Yikes! And in both, bartenders are known for sloshing alcohol and free pouring shots. I'm just glad I don't have to buy the alcohol inventory for either.


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good Date Movie
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older