Movie Review of "The Perfect Man "
Rated PG
By CK Movie Kid Jonathan Lack

After reviewing Hilary Duff's last venture into the world of drama, "Raise Your Voice," I didn't have high-hopes that "The Perfect Man" would be any better. Hilary Duff's tendency to overact, and the tendency that anytime she is put in a lead role, the movie is suddenly focused completely on her, and no one else.

However, "The Perfect Man" was different. Not only did Hilary Duff hold back on the overacting, (for the most part) but the movie was not just centered on her character. She most definitely shared the lead role with Heather Locklear, who played her mom. Because of this, "The Perfect Man" will appeal to two age groups: Teenage girls, and their moms. Of course, girls over the age of seven would most likely enjoy it as much as everyone else.

When Jean Hamilton has yet another failed relationship, she moves her two daughters, Holly and Zoe, and herself to yet another town. Of course, as soon as she gets there, she finds another loser guy. Holly, who isn't intent on moving again, makes up a "perfect man" by writing fake lover letters and sending fake e-mails. However, Holly gets stuck in an ethical dilemma when the real perfect man comes along: the man she's basing her imaginary perfect man on.

I enjoyed this movie. It probably wasn't something I would pay to see in theaters, but still a good movie. It was one of those rare movies that when they try to mix comedy with drama, the whole thing doesn't fall apart. The movie did manage to make you laugh out loud once in awhile, although some of the humor was forced or just pure slapstick comedy. Also, some scenes were a bit unrealistic, and a few of those scenes seemed to be time fillers.

I would recommend this to ages 7 and up. It had some suggestive humor, and wouldn't appeal to people younger than 7.

In short this movie was flawed, but worth seeing. (June, 2005)