Iffy for 16+
Silly thriller has creepy mix of sex, violence.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this Halle Berry/Bruce Willis thriller -- which focuses on corporate deception and murder and has several sexually charged scenes -- is meant for adults. Violent imagery includes a decaying corpse in a morgue, flashbacks to a stepfather about to rape a little girl, a man's bloody murder and late-night burial, discussion of the effects of a dire poison, a threat made against a woman in a car, and a bloody stabbing death. Sexual content includes women in lingerie and sexy dresses, intercourse up against a wall (after a brief look, the camera cuts to man watching in the shadows), repeated references to Harrison's "lesbian" assistant, allusions to incest, sexual slang ("d--k," "balls"), graphic photos, and frequent sexual talk online. Four or five scenes feature drinking, at least twice to visible drunkenness, and there's a fair amount of swearing (mostly "f--k" and "s--t").
- Families can talk about why sex and violence often intersect in thrillers. How do movies and TV shows make sex seem bad or good? Do any of the characters in this movie use sex -- or even the idea of sex -- as a weapon? What messages does that send? Families can also discuss secrets. Is it ever good to keep secrets from people who trust you? What are the possible consequences of being caught in a lie or a secret?
The good stuff
-
Messages: Murder, betrayal, blackmail, deception, bargaining for power and favors. No one here makes a morally sound choice.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Explicit shot of young woman's naked corpse; discussion of Grace's brutal murder (her eyes were filled with aggressive toxin); Harrison loses his temper at a deceptive employee and hits and pushes him, then turns his desk over; man threatens woman in his car; courtroom case concerning murder; flashback to a murder (blood on the wall as killer hits victim with pipe) leads to a secret burial at night; surprise stabbing in a kitchen produces blood on floor.
-
Sex: Politician/intern sex scandal; sexual slang ("stroke a man's d--k," "balls"); full-frontal shot of woman's naked corpse; several shots of Rowena in lace panties/bra ("exotic" mirror view and close-ups); several sexy dresses show cleavage and leg; consenting sex up against a wall (hidden voyeur watches; viewers mostly hear bumping and moaning, with the focus on the watcher's face); references to Harrison's "lesbian" assistant; shots of Harrison having sex with mistress through apartment window (gossip about his adultery includes the remark, "He's into some very kinky s--t"); flashbacks to incest committed by Rowena's apparent stepfather (could be her father) as he approaches/scares her in the bathroom; fashion show features models in underwear; (ridiculous) online flirting ("I'd like to get a fistful," etc.); references to "blue balls" and "deep throat" (in journalistic context); sexual photos (bondage and other activity) on computer screen.
-
Language: Repeated uses of "f--k," plus other profanity -- "s--t," "ass," "hell," "son of a bitch," "goddamn," and a scene that features repeated use of "bulls--t" in anger.
-
Consumerism: Repeated placements for Reebok and Victoria's Secret (they're clients for an advertising agency in the film), as well as mentions or visuals of Vaio laptop, Planter's nuts, Armani, Ben & Jerry's, Google.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Drinking shots in celebration; drunken behavior in bar; other potables include whiskey, beer, pina coladas, and daiquiris; prescription pills in bathroom.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Perfect Stranger by Movie Freak10
This Movie Was Excellent It Had Alot Of Twists !! At The End Of The Movie It Leaves You Speechless, Just Go See IT!!!
4
the twists and turns by caplu
this movie is a go to the theather type movie althou i feel halle berry could have been more complex and not so sexually exploited. bruce willis did an excellent job in his role of a big time jerk in a smooth type of way . the movie kept me wanting to see what happens next and the ending was great.
5
PERFECT STREANGERS by DINDIN-THEINJIN
DEFINITELY A VERY GOOD MOVIE TO GO SEE! HAD MY INTERESTS FROM THE VERY BEGINNING TO THE VERY END. VERY MYSTIFYING & THRILLING! AS A MOVIE GO-ER IT WAS GREAT, ESPECIALLY WHEN I THOUGHT I HAD IT FIGURED OUT JUST WHO WAS THE CULPRIT IN THE PICTURE, & THEN IT SHOCKED NOT ONLY MY FRIEND & I, BUT THE REST OF THE PEOPLE THAT WERE WATCHING BY THE "OH WOW'S; OO'S & AHH'S;" & THEN THE AUDIENCE TALKING ABOUT HOW GOOD THIS MOVIE WAS AS WE WERE EXITING THE THEATRE, & HOW WE ALL WOULD'NT MIND SEEING IT AGAIN! GREAT JOB, GREAT MOVIE! THANK YOU FANDANGO FOR GIVING ME THE CHANCE TO GO & ALSO TREAT MY FRIEND TO SUCH A GOOD MOVIE AS WELL!! MY FRIEND NOW WANTS TO JOIN BLINGO & FANDANGO TOO. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF GIVING AWAY ANYTHING AGAIN FROM WINNERS WHO DON'T PICK UP THEIR WINNINGS DON'T HESITATE TO TO DROP THEM IN MY EMAILBOX! :) THANKS SO MUCH AGAIN & IT DEFINITELY PUT ME BACK ON TRACK OF GOING TO THE MOVIES ONCE EVERY WEEK @ LEAST.
5
Good Stuff Halle by deghostrider
I thought Halle did an excellent job in this movie. She is obviously a beautiful woman, and she displays this with her sexy dresses and such, but I felt that her character showed many different facets. She was confident and in control, yet still sexy and a little vulnerable. Bruce was strong in this character, and I think the chemistry between he and Halle was good. Also, Ribisi was excellent in his role as Halle's "friend-zone" buddy. I enjoyed this one a lot. It has enough drama and some humor mixed in. Some people may not like the language, but the acting was strong, and the ending was unexpected. Good stuff...
5
Guess Who?????????????????? by goingtothemovies55
You'll never guess who done it!!!!! To me that is what makes a great thriller!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5
Thriller Combo!!! by Sparkle
What an exellent combo of Halle & Bruce!!! I was hanging off the chair, waiting for the next move. You think you know, but you really don't. The ending was unbelieveable, I've gotta have it*
4
:Perfect stranger by NatHagan062308
Very enthralling. I would definetly recommend. This movie took me on a ride, and had twists in which i would never expect. Loved how the end played out because i would have never guessed i like movies that keep me guessing. go see well go rent it
1
Worst movie EVER by chasetanderson
If you like retarded plots with terrible acting, go see this movie. This is and will stay the worst movie of the year. The "twists and turns" were simply retarded. It didn't warrant any credit for being clever. Don't waste your money, unless, like I said, you are retarded and like retarded movies.