| Written by Jan James Stetter, on 29-04-2007 22:00 |
Media Maven: "Perfect Stranger" Movie Review
The Cincy Chic Media Maven, Jan Stetter, reviews "Perfect Stranger," a film that asks the question: How far would you go to keep a secret? Jan lets you why she gives this movie a not-so-secretive thumbs down.
"Perfect Stranger"
Hally Berry, Bruce Willis, Giovanni Ribisi, Clea Lewis, Richard Portnow
"Perfect Stranger" is Halle Berry’s latest foray in the movie business.
She headlines a film that asks the question: How far would you go to
keep a secret?
For this movie review, not far. "Perfect Stranger" is a "who done it?"
kind of film that tries hard to keep its audience guessing.
Unfortunately, as thrilling as the film’s beginning, it falls flat by
the end. Slick dialogue, gorgeous wardrobes and the casting of two
heavyweights - Bruce Willis and Giovanni Ribisi - could not save this
film.
Berry plays a competent newspaper reporter working under a male
pseudonym. Tired of the game played by powerful men who dictate the
world, Berry is going to show her conniving, persistent, duplicity in
making men accountable. She is distraught over the murder of a
childhood playmate. Her involvement in this “mission” is what creates
the convoluted feel of this film.
The plausibility of the scenarios was a stretch. Ribisi is the
convenient, over obsessed/friend/computer whiz/possessive psycho.
Willis is the philandering husband who is tied to his success and
privilege by his wife’s tight leash and family wealth.
Put Bruce Willis at the scene of any crime in a movie and you have some
tasty eye candy to enjoy. Giovanni Ribisi’s character has more
personality changes than Berry’s wardrobe. When a movie becomes so
wrought with possibilities that the lead characters have to have a
conversation explaining the motive and the culprit of a story, then it
begins to seem more like an episode of a TV crime show.
When it comes out on DVD, you’ll see the film with three full alternate
endings. That indicates a movie with a storyline with so many lose ends
that it can’t decide who needs to tie it all together.
Rating: 2 Chic Stars
Jan’s Movie Rating System:
5 - Top notch entertainment
4 - Compelling, Heartwarming, Thrilling, Comical
3 - The a) story b) actors c) special effects saved/made this movie.
2 - If you are bored watch it, or wait for DVD
1 - Don’t bother. Too morose, too violent, too blasé, an enigma.
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