On P List of Movie Reviews
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Perfect (1985)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
6/20
6/20:
Here's a film that got bad reviews but I happen to like: Perfect.
What a perfect pair: John Travolta and Jamie Lee Curtis. These two were the most charming thespians of the 80's, and
I was wondering who would win by going against each other. Well, it's John Travolta in a runaway with the dike-looking
Jamie Lee Curtis barely getting off the blocks. Of course, they embarrass themselves by having sex with each other mentally
through their pelvic thrusts during one aerobic workout.
It's the plot that drew me in: a Rolling Stone reporter does an expose on the 80's fitness craze by visiting a gym in
Los Angeles and listening to the patrons' testimonials of why they joined. Comparing the similarities and differences
between then and now, I'll say not much has changed, but gyms as singles bars today? I don't think so. Regardless, my
favorite line is: "It's a lot more fun looking for Mr. Goodbody than Mr. Goodbar." How true. By the way, it's
a good but sad performance by Laraine Newman.
The other parallel thread is Adam Lawrence getting an exclusive story of a successful entrepreneur who's accused of dealing
drugs and then defending his source. Unfortunately, it's not compelling to follow and therefore should be deleted for
the sake of continuity. By the way, Adam's boss is Jann Wenner who's actually the editor, publisher, and co-founder of
Rolling Stone, a magazine I never read and don't care for. Today, it has zero credibility because of the Boston
Bomber cover and the UVA "rape" story.
If John Travolta can wow anyone in the "looks" department, Jamie Lee Curtis does it for aerobic fitness, putting
Jane Fonda to shame. However, her character telling Adam Lawrence how to write properly...eh, count me out. He should've moved
on, but the cheap, corny ending says otherwise.
All in all, Perfect is a good movie, regardless of what critics think.