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COYOTE UGLY

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the film. For other uses, see Coyote Ugly (disambiguation).

Coyote Ugly
Theatrical release poster
Directed byDavid McNally
Written byGina WendkosKevin Smith (uncredited, additional material)[1]
Based on“The Muse of the Coyote Ugly Saloon”
by Elizabeth Gilbert
Produced byJerry BruckheimerChad Oman
StarringPiper PeraboAdam GarciaMaria BelloMelanie LynskeyJohn Goodman
CinematographyAmir Mokri
Edited byWilliam Goldenberg
Music byTrevor Horn
Production
companies		Touchstone PicturesJerry Bruckheimer Films
Distributed byBuena Vista Pictures Distribution
Release dateAugust 4, 2000 (United States)
Running time101 minutes[2]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$45 million[3]
Box office$113.9 million[3]

Coyote Ugly is a 2000 American comedy-drama film based on the Coyote Ugly Saloon.[4][5] It was directed by David McNally, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman, and written by Gina Wendkos with additional material by an uncredited Kevin Smith, based on “The Muse of the Coyote Ugly Saloon” by Elizabeth Gilbert. Set at the titular drinking establishment in New York City, the film stars Piper Perabo in her breakthrough role, Adam Garcia, Maria Bello, Melanie Lynskey, and John Goodman.[6]

The film received mostly negative reviews but was a box office success nonetheless, grossing $113 million worldwide. The film has become a cult classic over the years.[7][8] In 2020, Tyra Banks said that she had been lobbying the original production team for a sequel for years.[9]

Plot

Violet Sanford leaves her hometown of South Amboy, New Jersey, her father Bill, and her best friend Gloria, to pursue her dreams of becoming a songwriter in New York City. Violet unsuccessfully tries multiple times to get her demo tape noticed by recording studios. When she tries to attract the attention of a music industry scout, a bartender convinces her Kevin O’Donnell is the bar manager and Violet is hurt by the joke. Despondent after her apartment is burglarized, she notices three girls at an all-night diner flaunting hundreds of dollars and learns they work at a trendy bar named Coyote Ugly.

Violet convinces the bar owner Lil to audition her but while it doesn’t go well, Violet earns a second audition by breaking up a fight between customers and goes shopping with Cammie for better apparel. Violet douses the fire marshal in water during the second audition. Lil is fined $250 but offers Violet a job if she can make up the $250 in one night. Violet auctions Kevin off to a woman at the bar to earn the money and Kevin tells Violet that she owes him. Violet agrees to four dates as payment and the two begin a relationship. Violet’s performance of Blondie’s “One Way or Another” during a chaotic night at the bar convinces Lil to make her a coyote. Kevin helps Violet overcome the stage fright she inherited from her now-deceased mother who had also moved to New York to pursue dreams of singing.

Bill, Violet’s father, sees a photo of Violet in the newspaper and investigates, finding her dancing on the bar with other bartenders pouring pitchers of water over her. He refuses to talk to her when she calls him shortly after. Tensions grow when Lil refuses to let Violet leave for a singing gig Kevin arranged, costing Kevin a rare collectible to a bookie. When Kevin confronts a customer harassing Violet at the bar, Violet breaks up with him, and Lil fires her. Violet returns to New Jersey for Gloria’s wedding and Bill is seriously injured when he is hit by a car while operating at a toll booth. Violet considers returning to South Amboy but Bill convinces her not to give up on her dreams and admits her mother never had stage fright; she quit singing because of Bill.

Violet goes to work in a New York restaurant and Lil visits to offer her old job back. Violet finishes a new song and a chance to sing at the Bowery Ballroom. She overcomes her cold feet and performs her song at open mic night with Kevin’s help with the Coyotes, Bill, and Gloria in the audience for moral support. The performance leads to a deal with a record label.

Three months later at Coyote Ugly, LeAnn Rimes has recorded Violet’s song and sings it on the bar as Violet joins in. After buying back the comic book Kevin lost to the bookie, and allowing Bill to win an auction, Violet kisses Kevin in celebration of the realization of all her dreams.

Cast

Alternative rock band The Calling and punk rock band Unwritten Law cameo as performers at the Bowery Ballroom.

Production

Writing

Kevin Smith, who did an uncredited rewrite of the script, stated that a total of eight writers worked on the script, while the Writers Guild of America only gave credit to Gina Wendkos, who wrote the first draft of the script, which, according to Smith, scarcely resembles the final film.[1] (See WGA screenwriting credit system.) Jeff Nathanson wrote a draft that director David McNally credits as the draft that “brought the thing home”; Nathanson was credited on the initial theatrical poster but not in the finished film.[10] Carrie Fisher also wrote a draft.[11]

Casting

Singers Jessica Simpson and Jewel were considered for the lead role of Violet Sanford.[10] January Jones also auditioned for a role.[12] On July 16, 1999, Piper Perabo was announced to have been given the role after a several-months-long casting process.[13]

Filming

Production first filmed in Manhattan and small towns in New Jersey including South Amboy and Sea Bright for a month. They then moved to California and shooting took place in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Pasadena, and San Pedro.[14]

Title

The film was based on an article, “The Muse of the Coyote Ugly Saloon”, in GQ by Elizabeth Gilbert,[15] who worked as a bartender in the East Village, Manhattan.[16] The bar opened in 1993, and quickly became a Lower East Side favorite.

As explained in the film, the slang term “coyote ugly” refers to the feeling of waking up after a one-night stand, and discovering that one’s arm is underneath someone who is so physically repulsive that one would gladly chew it off without waking the person just so one can get away without being discovered. Coyotes are known to gnaw off limbs if they are stuck in a trap, to facilitate escape.

Reception

Box office

Coyote Ugly opened fourth at the North American box office making US$17,319,282 in its opening weekend, ranking below Hollow Man, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps and Space Cowboys.[17] It went on to gross $60,786,269 domestically and $53,130,205 around the world to a total of $113,916,474 worldwide, becoming a box office success.[3]

Critical response

The film received negative reviews from critics.[18] Criticisms and praise centered around the belief that it was little more than an excuse to portray “hot, sexy women dancing on a bar in a wet T-shirt contest”.[19] On Rotten Tomatoes it has an approval rating of 23% based on 104 reviews, with an average rating of 3.8/10. The site’s consensus states: “Coyote Ugly has an enthusiastically trashy energy and undeniable aesthetic appeal, but it’s nowhere near enough to make up for the film’s shallow, unimaginative story.”[20] On Metacritic it has a weighted average score of 27 out of 100, based on reviews from 29 critics, indicating “generally unfavorable” reviews.[21] Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film a grade “A−” on scale of A to F.[22]

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times asked “Do you get the feeling these movies are assembled from off-the-shelf parts?” and although he does not ask for originality, he criticizes the complete lack of surprises. Ebert praises the technical merits of the film “But you can pump up the volume only so far before it becomes noise.” Ebert called Perabo the “reason to see the movie” saying “She has one of those friendly Julia Roberts smiles, good comic timing, ease and confidence on the screen, and a career ahead of her in movies better than this one. Lots better.”[23] Peter Travers of Rolling Stone dismissed the film “Bruckheimer claims he’s made a film about female empowerment, but it’s soft-core pap for horny boys and their hornier dads.”[24] Robert Koehler of Variety called it “The latest and most calculated re-do on the formulaic fantasy of an innocent conquering Gotham.”[25]

VH1 made a statement about Rimes’ appearance in the film stating, “Rimes [herself], who is only 17 years old, was sporting leather pants and a skimpy top and in all likelihood, even with a fake ID, would never have been allowed inside any NYC bar.”[26]

Years after its original release, the film has found success as a cult film and example of early-2000s fashion and culture.[9][27] Justin Kirkland of Esquire praised the film for “capturing the hilariously sincere optimism of the Year 2000”, saying “Coyote Ugly is a categorically bad film, but in its 101 minute run, it manages to capture the vibe of an iconic year that was plucky and unassuming with a delusional and misplaced sense of hope.”[28]

Home media

In summer 2005, an unrated special edition (the original release was rated PG-13 and the director’s cut rated R) was released on DVD. It was also released in the UK and rated 15 by the BBFC. (By contrast, the theatrical cut was rated 12 in the UK.)[2]

The extended cut adds approximately six minutes to the film’s runtime, most of which consists of additional shots of the “coyotes” dancing on the bar and of Violet and Cammie trying on different outfits while shopping. Arguably, the most notable additions are the extension of the sex scene between Violet and Kevin (Perabo used a body double for most of the scene), and the inclusion of an additional scene which shows the “Coyotes” winning a softball game because Cammie distracts the pitcher by stripping.[29]

The special features of the extended cut DVD are identical with those of the previous DVD release.

Soundtracks

Main article: Coyote Ugly (soundtrack)

The film’s soundtrack was released on August 1, 2000.[30] It features Violet’s four songs from the film, performed by LeAnn Rimes and written by Diane Warren. The tracks performed by Rimes were produced by Trevor Horn with string arrangements by David Campbell. In the United States, it was certified Gold within one month of its release and Platinum on November 7, 2000.[31] On July 22, 2008, the soundtrack was certified 4× Platinum.[31] Internationally, it was certified 5× Platinum in Canada and Gold (100,000 units) in Japan in 2002.[32][33]

Three singles were released from the soundtrack, all by LeAnn Rimes: “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” which achieved gold status and peaked at No. 11 on The Billboard Hot 100,[34] “But I Do Love You“, and “The Right Kind of Wrong”.[35]

A second soundtrack, More Music from Coyote Ugly, with more songs that appeared in the film and remixes of two of Rimes’ songs, followed on January 28, 2003.[36]

Although Perabo was able to sing for her character, it was decided that Rimes, owing to her soprano-type voice, would provide Violet’s singing voice far better for the role. This means that during Rimes’ cameo, she is effectively duetting with herself.

Musical adaptation

A stage adaptation by Gina Wendkos and Vikki Stone has been announced in December 2025 and is set to open in London‘s West End in 2027.[37]

References

  1.  “Kevin on his involvement in ‘Coyote Ugly'”. The View Askewniverse. August 3, 2000. Archived from the original on March 15, 2006. Retrieved October 7, 2005.
  2.  “COYOTE UGLY (12)”. British Board of Film Classification. August 14, 2000. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
  3.  “Coyote Ugly (2000)”. Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Archived from the original on July 15, 2020. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
  4.  “Coyote Ugly”. Empire. January 1, 2000. Archived from the original on July 20, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  5.  “25 Years Later, Women Still Run the Coyote Ugly Saloon”. InsideHook. Archived from the original on October 20, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  6.  Reynolds, Simon; Fletcher, Rosie (August 26, 2018). “Where are the cast of Coyote Ugly now?”. Digital Spy. Archived from the original on October 20, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  7.  “Where are they now? The cast of cult noughties film Coyote Ugly, 19 years later”. Mamamia. April 14, 2019. Archived from the original on October 20, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  8.  “Adam Garcia: ‘I was terrible in Coyote Ugly'”. RTE News. December 11, 2018. Archived from the original on July 29, 2020. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  9.  Nichols, Mackenzie (August 4, 2020). “‘Coyote Ugly’ at 20: Piper Perabo and Tyra Banks on the Cult Hit and a Potential Sequel”. Variety. Archived from the original on March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  10.  Gajewski, Ryan (November 13, 2015). “‘Coyote Ugly’ Turns 15: Stars, Director, Writer Tell All”. The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  11.  Lloyd, Kate (August 4, 2020). “”Do We Serve Water in This Bar?” An Oral History of ‘Coyote Ugly'”. The Ringer. Archived from the original on November 20, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  12.  “THR’s Emmy Roundtable: Drama Actresses”. The Hollywood Reporter. May 30, 2012. Archived from the original on December 17, 2022. Retrieved December 17, 2022.
  13.  Lyons, Charles (July 16, 1999). “‘Coyote’ Call Draws Perabo”. Movies.com. Archived from the original on October 13, 1999.
  14.  “Coyote Ugly – Movie Production Notes – The Locations”. CinemaReview.com. Archived from the original on September 3, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  15.  Gilbert, Elizabeth (March 1997). “The Muse of the Coyote Ugly Saloon”. GQ. Archived from the original on January 16, 2013. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  16.  “Lucky me”. The Guardian. January 10, 2009. Archived from the original on September 5, 2013. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
  17.  “‘Hollow Man’ makes visible showing at weekend box office”. The Star Press. August 7, 2000. p. 25. Archived from the original on November 1, 2022. Retrieved November 1, 2022 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  18.  “Coyote Ugly | Reviews | guardian.co.uk Film”. The Guardian. Archived from the original on October 20, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  19.  “7M Pictures Review”. 7mpictures.com. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
  20.  “Coyote Ugly (2000)”. Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Archived from the original on August 4, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  21.  “Coyote Ugly reviews”. Metacritic. August 4, 2000. Archived from the original on May 11, 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  22.  “COYOTE UGLY (2000) A-“. CinemaScore. Archived from the original on December 20, 2018.
  23.  Ebert, Roger. “Coyote Ugly movie review & film summary (2000)”. Chicago Sun-Times.
  24.  Travers, Peter (August 4, 2000). “Coyote Ugly”. Rolling Stone.
  25.  Koehler, Robert (August 4, 2000). “Coyote Ugly”. Variety. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  26.  “LeAnn Rimes : LEANN RIMES: UNDERAGE AND DANCING ON THE COYOTE UGLY BAR – Rhapsody Music Downloads”. VH1. Retrieved June 5, 2012.[dead link]
  27.  Grechko, Irina (August 4, 2020). “An Ode To Coyote Ugly, The Ultimate ’00s Fashion Movie”. Refinery29. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  28.  Kirkland, Justin (August 4, 2020). “Coyote Ugly Captures the Hilariously Sincere Optimism of the Year 2000”. Esquire. Archived from the original on August 8, 2020. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  29.  Wurm, Gerald. “Coyote Ugly (Comparison: Theatrical Version – Unrated Extended Cut) – Movie-Censorship.com”. www.movie-censorship.com. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  30.  “Coyote Ugly (2000 Film): Various Artists – Soundtrack: Music”. Amazon. Retrieved September 27, 2011.
  31.  “Recording Industry Association of America”. RIAA. Archived from the original on February 3, 2015. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
  32.  “Gold & Platinum Certification – October 2002”. Canadian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on October 19, 2010. Retrieved August 20, 2010.
  33.  “GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2003年3月度” [Gold Albums, and other certified works. March 2003 Edition] (PDF). The Record (Bulletin) (in Japanese). 522. Chūō, Tokyo: Recording Industry Association of Japan: 13. May 10, 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 29, 2014. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  34.  “LeAnn Rimes: Artist Chart History”. Billboard. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2006.
  35.  “iTunes Music – Right Kind of Wrong – Remixes – Single by LeAnn Rimes”. iTunes Store. August 28, 1982. Archived from the original on April 20, 2014. Retrieved October 9, 2011.
  36.  “More Music From Coyote Ugly: Various Artists: Music”. Amazon. Archived from the original on December 1, 2011. Retrieved September 27, 2011.
  37.  Emmie Newitt (December 10, 2025). “World Premiere of Coyote Ugly – A New Musical announced”. londonboxoffice.co.uk. Retrieved December 15, 2025.

External links

Coyote Uglyat Wikipedia’s sister projects

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