The Perfect Host (2010)

Directed by Nick Tomnay

Starring David Hyde Pierce and Clayne Crawford (Rated R)

3 stars (out of 4)

This movie is a star vehicle for David Hyde Pierce. You may remember him as Frasier Crane's little brother Niles. Now imagine that Niles fell and bumped his head, turning him into a serial killer. Pierce portrays Warwick Wilson, which he insists is pronounced "warick". Even though Warwick dominates the film and steals every scene, he's not actually the main character.


John Taylor, played by Clayne Crawford, is the protagonist of our adventure. I wouldn't exactly call him the hero, but he is the guy we root for to win. When we first meet John Taylor he is limping around with a bleeding foot and looking to escape. We learn from flashbacks that he has just robbed a bank. John flees in his getaway car until he hears an announcement on the radio describing his car. He ditches the car and hoofs it over to the nice side of town. He figures he'll con his way into someone's home and lay low until this all blows over. His first attempt fails miserably. He spots the sign of Jehovah on a door and knocks. John explains that he has just been mugged and that he is also a Jehovah's witness. The crafty lady who answers the door ask him why he's not displaying the cross. He tells her that it was stolen during the mugging. This was the one point in the film where I learned something. Jehovah's reject the sign of the cross as a pagan symbol. They believe Christ was crucified on a single pole with one spike through both hands. The potential mark figured out the con and sent John packing.

With his wounded foot John went next door. He's smarter this time. John walks out to the mail box and finds a postcard from someone named Julia. When he knock's on the door, its Warwick Wilson that answers. He explains to Warwick that he's a friend of Julia's who has just got back from Australia. Unfortunately, the airport lost his luggage and he was mugged on the way over. I don't think you have to be a champioin of critical thinking to figure out that story is bogus. After a little indecision Warwick invites John into his home. John came at a good time, Warwick is throwing a dinner party. This dinner party is the meat and potatoes of the film.

John Taylor has a strong taste for red wine while Warwick Wilson prefers white. He claims that he prefers the lighter body of white wine but it seems more likely that he doesn't like the poison which he's added to the red. The guests finally arrive to the dinner party. They don't partake in any wine. This is mostly because they are imaginary. As it turns out, John isn't Warwick's first dinner "guest". He's such a perfect host that he has a little scrapbook of all the people he's drugged, psychologically tortured, and killed.

David Hyde Pierce really shines in the dinner party scenes. The director uses a tactic that shows Pierce's actions both with and without his imaginary friends. So we at some points get to see Warwick in a conga line, disco dancing, and even having sex all with invisible friends.

There's a back story in the film also. Its needless and not well handled. I won't spoil it completely, but I will say that its a romantic angle involving John and a girlfriend who (seemingly) needs an expensive surgery.

The Perfect Host is based on a short-film by the same director, Nick Tomnay. The original film was a mere 25 minutes long. Adding an hour of content comes with a lot of side-effects. I believe the aforementioned romantic angle is one of them. There is also an issue with the ending. This film passes on a lot of chances to roll the credits. I felt like I was watching Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. You can only go so far past the climax of a film until the ending starts to feel like a sequel.

Most films, even good ones, leave a lot to be skeptical about. This one is pretty straightforward. There are no claims of supernatural, you get the sense that Warwick's invisible friends live in his head only. I'm sure the folks at Science-based Medicine could give you a better idea of what is actually happening in this disturbed man's head. I'm just not sure an explanation is needed to make the film any better.

Here's a recap for those who like to skip to the end.

Cinematography - C
Nothing groundbreaking in this category. Some nice camera work that alternates between imaginary friends and solo shots of David Hyde Pierce.

Story - C
This could have been much higher. The main plot device is captivating, the added back story is what waters it down.

Acting - A+
David Hyde Pierce hits a homerun. The supporting cast is adequate, but Pierce steals every scene.

Directing - B
This film was written and directed by Nick Tomnay. I believe he is a promising filmmaker but it feels like the story probably worked better as a short-film.

Overall - B
Despite its shortcomings, The Perfect Host is a fun watch. Its equal parts disturbing and funny. I don't think anyone would be bored watching this film.

The Perfect Host is a new release currently available on V.O.D services such as Vudu.com. It is also on a limited theatrical release, more info at http://www.releasedatein.com/the-perfect-host-release-date.html.