Media Maven: “Perfect Stranger” Movie Review
"Perfect Stranger"
Hally Berry, Bruce Willis, Giovanni Ribisi, Clea Lewis, Richard Portnow
"Perfect Stranger" is Halle Berrys 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 films 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 wifes 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 Ribisis character has more personality changes than Berrys 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, youll see the film with three full alternate endings. That indicates a movie with a storyline with so many lose ends that it cant decide who needs to tie it all together.
Rating: 2 Chic Stars
Jans 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 – Dont bother. Too morose, too violent, too blasé, an enigma.
