It's been awhile since I've seen the movie, but I didn't have a huge problem with her--my mom didn't like her at all though. And I do agree that she really wasn't the best choice for the role. They could have done much better. Her and Bale don't have chemistry. And yeah, her face isn't all that pleasant. >=)

If the Maggie Gyllenhaal thing is true though, I don't think that's much of an improvement. I really like her and all, but that still seems an odd fit.