A Perfect Getaway - A Movie Review

Unless I’m mistaken, aren’t vacations meant to be for relaxing?

A Perfect Getaway got off the plane in 2009. On their honeymoon, a newly married couple attempts to have fun and spend time together in Hawaii. Except, two serial killers are on the loose. Weary about everyone they meet, the couple is suspicious of two people they meet.

Talk about a film that completely messes with your mind. I love a film with a good twist. A Perfect Getaway is one of the best-directed and well-acted films that I’ve seen in a while. You never know who you can trust on a vacation.

Milla Jovovich, Steve Zahn, Timothy Olyphant, and Kiele Sanchez were terrific in their parts. They achieve amusing character moments. Everyone is on high alert in A Perfect Getaway. It’s hard to relax while watching this film because you’re watching for suspicious behavior too.

I have said it before and I will say it until the end of time. Steve Zahn is an incredible actor. He has the best facial expressions throughout the film, some of which may go over your head. Plus, he is highly underrated. Guiding the roots of his character, I’m impressed with how natural Zahn is in all of his deliveries.

The quartet did an outstanding job with their characters, especially Olyphant. Some of Nick’s quirks are questionable, but he is good-natured. He works a good amount of humor in the film.

A Perfect Getaway is a great example of how people view one another. There are few residents on the island, but as a clever tactic to create tension, passersby diminish leaving the quartet alone. It’s scary to be with strangers, but even more when you’re alone. You never know how somebody is studying you. That in itself is creepy.

The location also plays an important character. With waterfalls, trails overlooking the ocean, and exploring through the towns, Hawaii is a beautiful destination that anybody would like to go to. But not when you’re in a horror movie. Cameras obscured shots of people or locations. Something is not right.

As soon as A Perfect Getaway ended, I wanted to watch it a second time soon after. Talk about clever dialogue, storytelling, and direction from David Twohy. This film really messes with you - in a good way that is. When you think about it, the characters were acting for us, too. Tinting the screen in a specific color, was a good technique.

The screenplay for the film was excellent. Listen carefully to the way these characters talk to one another. For example, I liked Cydney’s conversation with Gina about a past romance.

If only I could watch my reaction to a significant scene in the film. Although a crafty technique, it may have been a little overdone with the overload of exposition. All the suspicious behavior was a tad overdone. Not so much that it ruins the film.

Of course, some viewers may find out who the real killers are right at the beginning. I was right on one theory halfway through, but then I shook it off only to learn that I was wrong. Whether you make the right guess or not, enjoy A Perfect Getaway for what it is.

Get ready for a heart-pounding climax. It is one suspenseful ending that kept me on the edge of my seat. There is a lot of gore and messed-up injuries. Luckily, all the violence is held off until the very end.

Want to watch A Perfect Getaway? Do not look up anything regarding this film. Watch it with fresh eyes.