A Perfect Getaway Directed by: David Twohy Cast: Steve Zahn, Timothy Olyphant, Milla Jovovich, Kiele Sanchez Running Time: 1 hr 25 mins Rating: R Release Date: August 7, 2009

Plot: Cliff (Zahn) and Cydney (Jovovich) are on their honeymoon in Hawaii when a pair of killers start targeting newlyweds on the islands.

Who’s It For? Anyone who loves a thrill or two.

Expectations: Neutral. As I said to my boyfriend on the way to the preview, “As long as the characters are even remotely competent and the women aren’t helpless screamers, I’ll be happy.”

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:

Steve Zahn as Cliff: When Zahn is wacky, he’s the absolute best. Here he’s the stifled, timid nerd next to Olyphant’s flamboyant machismo and so the character isn’t as fun. You don’t really hold it against him, but it does make him substantially less interesting to watch. Zahn gets to hit his stride by the time of the big unveiling, but it’s a little too late in the film. Score: 6

Timothy Olyphant as Nick: Olyphant is my ice cream. I loved him in Hitman, I loved him in the craptacular Catch and Release, and I loved him in Live Free or Die Hard. He’s beautifully put together, but there’s something a little psychotic about the twinkle in his eyes—like he could be the likeable charmer who turns out to be Ted Bundy. Olyphant delves whole-heartedly into Nick’s strutting, macho confidence and the result is he is immensely enjoyable in this part. Score: 8

Milla Jovovich as Cydney: I’ve gotten so used to watching Milla chop zombies into little zombie bits, that it’s an adjustment accepting her as the gentle, slightly damaged Cydney. She’s perfect for the role. Score: 8

Kiele Sanchez as Gina: Gina grows on you, despite your initial reaction to her as the over-sexed, possibly dangerous, hick. By the end you’ll really dig the character. Score: 7

Talking: There is a lot of talking in this movie, because the driving force is the stories regarding the mysterious killers. This isn’t your typical slasher—as I assumed just watching the previews—because the movie spends a lot of time with the oral tradition of storytelling. Think of The Perfect Getaway as a slightly cheesier version of the scary stories you’d tell around the campfire, and believe me, I mean that as a compliment. Score: 8

Sights: Obviously, every shot of Hawaii was spectacular, which shouldn’t count. A total amateur could film a rainbow arching out of a rain cloud over that gorgeous rugged, forested landscape and come off as a minor Scorsese. What did matter, on the other hand, was the jarring and ongoing attempts to edit the movie creatively. The ideas were cool and the intentions were good, but it was just one big, distracting sore thumb. Score: 5

Sounds: The score did what it was supposed to do without setting the bar too high. It wasn’t a factor in what makes this movie so fascinating. Score: 5

PLOT SPOILERS

Best Scene: It’s impossible to discuss the best scene without ruining the movie. Take away this movie’s surprises, and it’s next to useless.

Ending: What can I say? I'm not going to give it away here,  the ending was very satisfying.

Questions: Yes, I have questions: probing and thought-provoking questions that would subsequently ruin everyone’s experience, so I’m going to keep it to myself.

Rewatchability:I would like to sit through this movie at least one more time to check for hidden clues.

OVERALL

I know I’ve overplayed this metaphor, but I really have to reiterate—this movie brings back all the crazy fun of telling stupid, scary stories with a flashlight under your chin. It’s frustratingly flawed, but it manages to play with your mind with such a conscious joy, that you enjoy the hell out of this movie.

The whole audience was so locked in that the most openly manipulative “bump in the night” moments caused everyone to jump in unison; and after the whole thing was said and done, a goodly number of people actually applauded. The vibe at the end of the show was something along the lines of, “Yay! You entertained me! Thank you, silly movie, for engaging me in ways other silly movies could not!” And then everyone went bounding out of the theater, moods bolstered by the entire experience, chatting happily.

I’m prepared to be the only critic who likes this movie. And I have to recommend it to anyone who likes a good scary story. I genuinely enjoyed almost every second of The Perfect Getaway, plot holes, flaws and all. The ten-minute black and white flashback didn’t even kill my enjoyment, and flashbacks usually drive me up a freakin’ wall.

If you’re looking for a fun distraction from a long week of mopey recession woes, A Perfect Getaway is well worth your time.

Final Score: 7/10