“Betty”-ier than the original? Critics review “Ugly Betty”

After several months of hype and anticipation the English-language adaptation of “Betty la Fea” debuts tonight at 8pm (Eastern Standard Time) on ABC. Dubbed “Ugly Betty”, the series stars America Ferrara and boasts Salma Hayek as executive producer. Here are excerpts of some reviews of “Ugly Betty”:

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: “In spite of the series' Colombian origins, and the fact that its format has been successfully imitated in Germany, Greece, Russia, Spain and Mexico, ‘Ugly Betty” encompasses much of the can-do, up-by-the-bootstraps spirit many would claim as uniquely American. That could prove to be its main source of attraction”.

Chicago Tribune: “Those who can identify with Betty's plight -- anyone who has ever felt like the ugly duckling among swans, any veteran of battles fought not with fists but with cutting remarks and exclusion -- should find a lot to like”.

The Boston Globe: “Ferrara and ‘Ugly Betty’ are bound to become media darlings if the series takes off, which it undoubtedly will…then it will be interesting to see…if the show succumbs to the very superficiality it is knocking”.

New York Times: “So who is Betty? She’s meant to be nothing but smart and good, though in life the two traits rarely fit perfectly together. And because she’s also “ugly” she’s assumed to have made the ultimate personal sacrifice in our vain world, and her intelligence and wholesomeness are meant to be not only absolute but perfectly compatible. This improbability causes some problems in characterization”.

Reuters: “This isn’t a telenovela simply translated into English…this is a warmhearted comedy-drama, which gushes charm and family appeal.”

Houston Chronicle: “The pilot made me laugh and cry. If ‘Ugly Betty’ can maintain its quality, it will be a miracle.”

Zap2it.com: “By all rights ‘Ugly Betty’ shouldn’t really work. Here’s the thing though: thanks to smart writing and a tremendously winning performance by America Ferrara…‘Ugly Betty’ does work, really well.”

USA TODAY: “In the long run, charm can be far more appealing than beauty. And if there’s one thing ‘Ugly Betty’ has in near excess it’s charm…but that affection may waver if ‘Betty’ can’t give Ferrara the scripts and support she deserves.”

p.s. Sorry if the title to this post is too corny!

Links- Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, New York Times, Reuters, Houston Chronicle, Zap2it.com, USA TODAY

Image- CNN (America Ferrara as “Ugly Betty”)

Tags- television, women, Latin America