The Perfect Assistant

Perpetually perky and seemingly psycho Josie Davis (as Rachel Partson) works as a secretary for attractive executive Chris Potter (as David Wescott). "Actually, I'm his executive assistant," she corrects. Once tragically orphaned, and displaying a compulsive use of anti-bacterial hand lotion, Ms. Davis is extremely devoted to Mr. Potter. She wants to take the place of his hospitalized wife and be a mother to cute little Veronique Natale Szalankiewicz (as Isabelle). Suspicious co-stars like Rachel Hunter (as Judith) and Jason Harper (as Wally) provide fun watching but, compared to several similarly-titled "The Perfect…" cable-ready TV movies, "The Perfect Assistant" is tragically slow.

**** The Perfect Assistant (2008) Douglas Jackson ~ Josie Davis, Chris Potter, Rachel Hunter, Jason Harper

I liked Nora, the good cousin. Josie Davis had crossed eyes a little bit. Look closely. Chris Potter did a superb job portraying boss David Wescott. Sadly, he didn't suspect her crush on him until that kiss in the New York City hotel. Josie Davis was strange. She spoke angrily out loud in a bathroom. I've seen great movies better than this. Chris Potter did best. Nora too.

I enjoyed the plot though. The cousin of David Wescott s wife was beautiful looking. She was a bit not too dynamite.

A tiny role for her. Everyone else did great, but my top favourite one was Potter. And the small actress who played Isabel.

I really liked this movie, it was very entertaining.

Josie Davis was great as the obsessive, deluded assistant to her , fairly niave , widowed boss. She portrayed the part really well , I even found myself feeling sorry for her a few times ! , thats a compliment to her acting, not my thinking like her !!!!

This movie was definitely one of Lifetimes better ones, the acting was good ,, and the storyline, while a little farfetched , was scripted well and the characters were mostly likeable.

I do recommend it , give it a go.

I actually really enjoyed this movie...and Sophie Gendron is a great actress! Check out DEMONS FROM HER PAST and A LOVER'S REVENGE. She is fantastic in both of these films.

(Actually DEMONS FROM HER PAST is one of my favorite Lifetime films to date).

I also thought Josie Davis's character in TPA was very believable. I haven't seen her on screen in awhile and thought she played a great psycho.

I watch a lot of Lifetime movies...and this was actually one of the better ones.

Check it out...see for yourself.

Be aware you have to stay with this film for it to gell together correctly. At the start of the movie, my finger was hovering over the off button for at least the first twenty minutes. I was close to the pressing point. But something in my mind stopped me from depressing the button.

The story starts out with David Prescott's (Potter) wife Carol (Marcil) being rushed to the hospital. David contacts his personal assistant, Rachel (Davis), to bring her up to speed and to cancel and rearrange meetings until his wife is better. However, Rachel isn't as stable as she appears. She sees David as one of the good men and is truly upset to hear about his wife. She asks how their daughter, Isabelle (Szalankiewicz) is coping. From here on in we get to see her slowly immerse herself into the Prescott's life and family as her delusion grows. It's this growth and the path it leads her down that makes this movie watchable. It gives the story twists and turns that show the workings of a broken mind. Her morals lose ground as her infatuation and obsession grow... how far will she go in what she believes to be true love?

I believe that had this been given to a stronger cast and director it would have been a fantastic thought-provoking and chilling film. However, what we get is an entertaining and easily watchable afternoon TV movie.

Though the direction is pretty standard for this style of flick more powerful atmosphere and tension were called for to add strength to the project. For me, the worst thing about the film was the acting. Especially from Josie Davis who is a little too over the top with her characterisation - less definitely would have been more. However, it's not a constant thing as there are times when she's spot on with her portrayal. Then there's Deborah Pollitt as Nora... okay, so I actually know people like this so she conveys a realistic character, however, with Josie Davis' performance it makes Pollitt's idiosyncrasies more than a little irritating. One annoying character per film is enough.

Since this film surprised me I would recommend it to all psychological thriller fans, though you have to stay with it for the full effect - it's a potboiler.