Filmikaze!

By: David Twohy (director, writer)

Starring: Steve Zahn, Timothy Olyphant, Milla Jovovich, Kiele Sanchez, Marley Shelton, Chris Hemsworth

Two pairs of lovers on a Hawaiian vacation discover that psychopaths are stalking and murdering tourists on the islands.

It’s one of the best movie-going experiences, I think, when a film completely exceeds your expectations. I started A Perfect Getaway prepared to be disappointed—I didn’t know all that much about it, but at first glance it looked like one of any number of films in the endless parade of forgettable thrillers that come out of Hollywood these days. I was very pleasantly surprised, however, at how engaging an experience it was.

Another really fun thing about going to the movies is when, about halfway into a thriller or mystery, you think it’s going to end up lame because it’s going to take the obvious way out but then it doesn’t. I completely called the ending of this one, but the film did a very good job of making me question my assessment right up until the big reveal. That’s one of the most difficult and critical parts of creating a good thriller, and I always appreciate when filmmakers pull it off.

Overall, this was just a really enjoyable experience. The acting was solid, the pacing was tight and it kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the film. There were a few quirks here and there I would have changed, but I had a good time, and I think that’s the most you can expect out of any movie.