The Perfect Host

What a strange little movie this is. A Criminal named John (Crawford), looking for a Hideout tries taking advantage of the wealthy and harmless Warwick (Hyde-Pierce). Little does he know Warwick has bigger secrets than he could ever imagine.

The story is interesting from the start. Albeit a pointless scene or two, watching John work his criminal mind to get into Warwick's home and gain his trust using lies and trickery is suspenseful and smart. Once things begin to unravel the suspense begins to churn an interesting dialog between the two. A typical cat and mouse game, only it's between a desperate bank robber and a getting stranger by the minute home owner. Warwick begins asking more and more questions while at the same time revealing his own strange tendencies. You can see the comfort level and suspicion of each character rise and fall as if there were a meter above their heads charting it.

The second act, without giving anything away becomes an all-out romp fest of psycho. This is where David Hyde Pierce really shines. He puts it all out there in a way that's impressive, disturbing, and fun. Even though he had a lot of the same traits he had in his character in the TV show Frasier (highly educated and slightly snobbish), you can't tell me this guy doesn't have acting chops. Considering the character of Warwick has so many different emotions and sides to him, David Hyde Pierce took a role that would make or break film and nailed it. Clayne Crawford was also impressive to watch. I was surprised to see that he is not in many more films. He was charismatic and enthralling when on screen and did it playing a part that wasn't easy as the bad guy you had to sympathize for. He was very believable. Making you afraid of John when you needed to be, as well as root for him when appropriate.

So up to this point there has been great tension, drama, trickery and even a genuine scare or two. But the film unfortunately falls apart in the third act, as the story just can't hold up to all the twists and turns it throws at you. Eventually it comes crashing down like a tower of Jenga that has one (or five), carelessly placed blocks. The ending is confusing, not because it's hard to follow but because it doesn't seem to fit the rest of the film you were enjoying so much. Ultimately, The Perfect Host isn't perfect. But that doesn't mean the party wasn't fun.

By: Mike Holtz, http://www.youtube.com/WeWatchedAMovie

A whimsical story written and directed by Nick Tomney, I LOVED IT!!! It was quite by chance that I happened to come across THE PERFECT HOST and I am ever so glad I did. It's been awhile to see a script in this degree to have been made into a movie. I have not gone into the aspect of the box office returns on this, since I am positive that the true reflection of this is unable to be measured since this merely is considered a low budget production. THE PERFECT HOST premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2010 in the hopes of making Nick Tomney debut full length movie directorial a hit. It is a highly unlikely occurrence for one to walk away disappointed with this movie. For an initial attempt at writing and directing his first movie this is a great sell point for Nick Tomney. I would for sure not hesitate in watching any more titles that would be released with his name in it. A PERFECT first impression.

David Pierce is the man of the hour. David Pierce who portrays the character of Warwick Wilson is outstanding. Words fail me at this point to elaborate his quintessential performance. I would say that a plethora of adjectives can be used to justify this stupendous theatrical performance and still I would not be doing him justice. I myself have never taken David Pierce to be an actor with such a diverse talent. This may quite be the reason for me to appreciate his work in THE PEREFECT HOST since he took me quite by surprise. I always saw him as Dr.Niles from the father of sitcoms FRAISER (It's appalling if you have not heard of FRASIER). Although he is scarce in the scenes of Hollywood, this could not have been played by any other any better. His physique, his posture, his walk, his tone and his body language is an astonishing marvel. I would not mean to say that it cannot be played by another, however I am almost certain it could not be done any better than Mr. Pierce.

Detectives Morton (Nathaniel Parker) & Valdez (Joseph Will) are on the case of a bank robbery that has taken place on this very day. The suspect a Caucasian male by the name of John Taylor (Clayne Crawford) is on the run in an attempt to evade the cops. Johns photograph is all over the news and he has no option but to seek refuge in the next available place. To lay low until the heat subsides. Masquerade himself as a Jehovah's Witness follower he approaches a household that share the same beliefs; however the lady of the house is sharp enough to see through his false appearance. John who is desperate takes another shot at the very next house in the same neighborhood. Going through the mail box of Warwick Wilson, John finds a postcard sent to him from Julia; a friend Warwick's who is traveling in Australia. Making up the perfect alibi and pretending to be a friend of Julia's; John approaches the house and rings the doorbell. Surprisingly Warwick Wilson turns out to be THE PERFECT HOST.

A must watch movie, that will blow your mind. If you are a thriller Junkie and love the suspense and appreciate eccentric screenplays - this is an ideal movie that will blow your mind away. In my humble opinion this is a master piece in terms for a debut production!

Title: The Perfect Host Directed by: Nick Tomney Starring: David Pierce, Clayne Crawford, Nathaniel Parker & Joseph Will Rated: R for language, some violent content and brief sexual material Rating: 07/10

Caught this on On Demand last night on a whim, and I am really glad I spent the overpriced ticket on it. David Hyde Pierce must have had a ball with this and Clayne Crawford is a very solid performer. He reminds me of a young Ray Liotta in "Something Wild". I hope to see him in some more high quality films, because he deserves a good career. I am in total agreement with the only other reviewer here so far; this is a film that to describe too much about really would spoil the twists.

The trailer even gives a bit too much away so if you have not seen it; trust me, if you have ON Demand and you enjoy Black Comedy have a go without watching the trailer.

The entire plot twists and setup is absurd, but if you don't nitpick too much as I am wont to do you will have a great time watching two talented actors for a fast paced 90 minutes.

I would have even rated this higher like a 9, but I didn't want the "incredibly surprised cause I had no expectations" factor to add too much to my numerical rating of this gem of a film.

An very eccentric black comedy/thriller that's boost a bold, creepy and wickedly funny performance from David Hyde Pierce. The movie goes down a pretty strange yet clever and suspenseful path that's similar to films like Swimming With Sharks, Hard Candy, Misery and An American Psycho but more on the comedy side. There was never a dull moment in this film it was entertaining throughout yet disturbing in its theme and keeps you guessing what's real and what's not and how it's going to end and the movie is kind of a refreshing take on the whole home invasion, held hostage type of thrillers but instead of the intruder doing the dirty work it's the owner of the home and I love that twisted take but it never gets too bloody because it's more witty and clever than that. Overall it never fully answers questions or fill in all the plot holes but it was different from the norm and was clever in its executions but still left me wanting more from it. Rental

David Hyde Pierce will forever known as Niles Crane--Frasier Crane's brother. However, in this post-"Frasier" film, Pierce appears to be screaming LOUDLY that he is NOT Niles! No, the character from this film is very, very, very far removed from his cute comedic persona from TV.

The film begins with a desperate criminal (Clayne Crawford) running from the police. He was involved in some sort of robbery and was injured in the process. And, naturally, he's looking to find some place to hide. He tries a couple times and finally convinces a guy (Pierce) to allow him into his home. Crawford lies and convinces Pierce that he's harmless and the viewer can't help but worry about poor Pierce's safety. My advice...DON'T worry about Pierce...he's more than capable of taking care of himself. I'd say more, but it would spoil the amazing twist that takes place. My advice....hold on to your hats! This is one of the strangest movies I've seen in some time. In some ways, it's a very, very, very dark comedy. But, mostly, it's a terrifying film--one that is very original and quite strange...and quite savage. Regardless, it's an acting tour de force by both Pierce and Crawford and it's amazingly well written and clever. See this film. It's not perfect but it's pretty cool and memorable nonetheless.