Review of The Perfect Host (2010) by Jesse O — 16 Oct 2011

Pointless, really. I like suspense, but I don't care for the icky squirming feeling this movie tries to give you (I also hate Saw and didn't enjoy Funny Games). I think some people confuse that feeling with suspense. Suspense is not knowing what John Taylor did, and waiting for the film to reveal why such a seemingly intelligent and able character, who manages to project decency in spite of his actions, has robbed a bank. Has he done it before? Etc. Unfortunately the filmmakers make the same mistake--that of misjudging the story's suspense engine--and the most interesting stuff isn't very well developed. There are a few major twists at the end that I couldn't have cared less about.

It wasn't all bad, just unbalanced and finally sort of dumb. The best parts were in the first 10 minutes, which did such an efficient job of dispensing information, and during which I wondered why I found myself liking the main character. I think it comes down to A) quickly we are given to understand that John Taylor is smart and resourceful, and B) the energy, for want of a better word, in Clayne Crawford's face. We want him to succeed.

It should go without saying that David Hyde Pierce is a great ham. He is obviously having fun. I just wish his character were more consistent.