Reviewed by Melissa Garza
“You’re my guest and I’m glad you’re here, but you only have yourself to blame.” – Warrick Wilson (David Hyde Pierce)
John (Clayne Crawford) is a convict on the run who needs a place to stay. Desperate, he looks through a mailbox and finds a post card signed by a woman named Julia. He rings the owner’s doorbell and meets the very odd and seemingly uptight upper-class Warrick (David Hyde Pierce). John claims to be a friend of Julia’s and asks to stay for a bit until his cousin arrives home.
Warrick first declines claiming he has a dinner party arriving shortly, but then in fear of being rude decides to welcome John in. John makes himself at home and chugs down red wine while slipping into the kitchen and stealing from his wallet. He decides to leave, but Warrick protests advising that he can’t allow him to go in the condition he’s in. When the radio announces the search for John, he becomes irate and decides to hold Warrick hostage threatening to kill him if he doesn’t comply.
Soon, John gets dizzy and passes out. When he awakes Warrick has him tied to a chair and sitting at a table of six. The only other person sitting is Warrick at the opposite side of the table however it soon becomes apparent that Warrick isn’t all there. He sees four other individuals who he has an almost normal conversation with. Other than the delusions being over-complimentary and enjoying the party to ridiculous levels, the group seems like a good bunch of friends. When John sees Warrick talking to no one and dancing in a conga line himself, John knows precisely what type of trouble he is in. He attempts to get away but the drugs in the wine are too much and only make him pass out once again.
Warrick brings out a book of pictures and footage from a party that was held before. They depicted a man being tortured and killed. John suddenly realizes his fate and does whatever he can to convince the madman to let him go. Meanwhile, the audience is given glimpses into John’s life where his girlfriend claimed to be in massive pain and have an addiction to pain killers. She convinces him to rob the bank she works at. Then, rather than meet up as promised, she turns him in and claims he was a creep who hit on her. Thus the reason he now finds himself on the run. He had gone to prison before for robbery so this would most certainly be a long sentence when nabbed.
“The Perfect Host,” is an above average production with thought provoking scenes and unexpected twists. Unfortunately, the conclusion is predictable and seems beneath the movie that came before. Still, this was an original tale and definitely worth the watch.
The acting was, as expected impeccable. It doesn’t get better than David Hyde Pierce who has proven himself time and again as acting gold Whether it be the sitcom world where he perfected the neurotic yet loveable character of Niles Crane on Frasier or in the independent film universe where he portrayed the less than refined but absolutely hilarious teacher in the cult smash “Wet Hot American Summer.” When Pierce is involved in a production, one can rest easy and be certain they are in for a treat. In the dark and twisted animated treasure “The Amazing Screw-On Head” he portrayed the villain Emperor Zombie. Watching that in particular, one has to take notice of how much impact a voice actor has when properly cast.
Clayne Crawford does excellent as well. He portrays the evolution of John in a very compelling manner where the audience can both loathe him in the opening scenes and then feel sympathy for him in the closing. There are definitely elements of the character which are beyond reproach. His initial reaction to Warrick prior to knowing the level of insanity is unforgivable. After all, it appeared that Warrick was just attempting to help.
Lastly, as a woman who adores her music, I was in my glory watching Helen Reddy as the concerned neighbor who decides to contact authorities. Though, the character was only in two short scenes, it was a pleasure to see her in such a film. She is one of my favorite singers and performers so anytime I get to see her, I’m extremely elated. Personally, I wish they would put “The Helen Reddy Show” on DVD and give it a proper release. On a personal note, and quite far off topic, I grew up a huge fan of “I am Woman, Hear me Roar.” As a girl in the 80s, things were not as evolved in my home as they were most other places. My father was an awful man who utilized fear, rape, molestation, and both physical and emotional abuse to keep the family in line.
Through domestic violence, he forced my mother (who is by far the greatest woman I know) into a lifestyle where she not only waited on him hand-and-foot but was constantly insulted for doing so. Songs such as “I am Woman, Hear me Roar” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” helped me get through my childhood and the mindset that I lived every day. I was able to come to an early understanding that men who are controlling douchebags do not need to be tolerated. Thankfully, because of the strength of women like her, I did not repeat the horrors of the past; and my mother lives a far better life now than she ever had before – far far away from the madman. I married a progressive thinker who treats me with the same adoration and respect I give him. He is the love of my life and the most gentle man I have ever met, and every day I am thankful because of how fortunate I am.
To digress, “The Perfect Host” is a great movie one should most certainly take the time to watch. Currently, it is on Netflix Instant Watch so jump right in and start viewing.
Scared Stiff Rating: 7/10
