The Perfect Host - A hidden gem

Sometimes, low budget films with few locations and lesser-known actors are sent to B-movie oblivion - many in fact. However, I'm pleased to say that this isn't one of them.

Sure, it doesn't have much action, it's only really filmed in one (major) location and (unless you used to watch 'Frasier') you probably won't recognise too many of the cast. It's even got a couple of questionable plot holes towards the end, but the fact is, the film was just too damn enjoyable to let any of that bother me.

Clayne Crawford plays 'John Taylor,' a low-rent criminal who has to go on the run when he robs a bank.  To elude the authorities, he seeks refuge in a random stranger's house, Warwick Wilson (David Hyde Pierce).  Naturally, Clayne takes Warwick hostage, but things get a little intense for the pair throughout the course of the evening.

Just like the big-screen adaptation of `American Psycho's' success was down to Christian Bale's excellent (and psychotic) performance, `The Perfect Host's' charm is completely down to David Hyde Pierce's character. You can tell he's clearly loving doing what he's doing... and it shows.  He's a true joy to watch and carries the film all on his own, especially when he's basically front and centre for the first three quarters of the movie.

I won't go into too much detail about the plot, but it may just put you off dinner parties for life. It's a cheap, but enjoyable little black comedy/thriller/horror.  Like I say, it doesn't really have too many different locations and it's one of those films that could well have been adapted from a stage play (perhaps it was?).  Of course it'll never compete with 'The Avengers' or 'Avatar' in terms of special effects or spectacle, but it is good fun if you have a black sense of humour.

7/10 if I woke up on Groundhog Day and had to watch this again, I could live with that