Well here's the third positive look at A PERFECT MURDER, and I've had a ton of positive 'mini-reviews'. So it looks like you'll have a choice between a damn good thriller and a great film called THE TRUMAN SHOW. They both open at the same time. I do know this, Paramount, after initially being shaky on the advertising of THE TRUMAN SHOW has been doing great work. Also, they're massive 'testing' of Truman Show has created a tremendous word of mouth. Hopefully we'll be getting two wonderful movies in a couple of weeks. Films we can agree on. Films with a script of some sort. Anyway, here's ol Honest Abe's look....
"A Perfect Murder"
The summer may be just starting, but I can tell you already that this will be the least flashy film that will come out. Is that bad? No.
With a very powerful and talented cast, "A Perfect Murder" is an enjoyable thriller with enough twists to keep you intrested. Director Andrew Davis, who's track record of late hasn't been too good, keeps things moving at a brisk pace. The film never stoops to gratuitous violence or sex, nor does it ever really catch fire. Douglas and Paltrow bring to the screen a very odd chemistry. Decades apart in age, there is an genuine uneasiness to the couple that translates well to the film. Viggo Mortensen provides the film's only real weak link. His Brandoesque performance is about as effective as the Chinese water torture. The character needs to be sexy on some ungodly level, Viggo isn't sexy, he's creepy. The only good thing he accomplishes in this film is going down on Paltrow (which drew applause from some women at this screening).
This is a good film. Not much more you can say about it. It's not very memorable, nor does it fail on any level. Just good, though misplaced, summer entertainment.
Abe Froman
