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Lunch » Tags » Movies » Reviews » Perfect Husband: The Laci Petersen Story

Perfect Husband: The Laci Petersen Story

1 rating: -3.0

A movie directed by Roger Young

Dean Cain stars in this television drama based on the true story of the murder of Laci Petersen. On Christmas Eve, pregnant housewife Laci disappears. As months go by, no trace of her is found, and the only suspect is her husband, Scott (Cain). Laci's … see full wiki

Tags: Movies, Drama Movies, Dramas

Cast: Meredith Lieber

Director: Roger Young

Release Date: 2004

MPAA Rating: PG-13

1 review about Perfect Husband: The Laci Petersen Story

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The Perfect Husband: The Laci Peterson Story - 2004

Nov 21, 2008

by SusiDee34
posted in Movie Hype

Rating:

-3

Pros: Dean Cain

Cons: writing, poor development, lackluster ending

The Bottom Line:
"You can't hide your lyin' eyes
And your smile is_a thin disguise
I thought by_now you'd realize
There ain't no way to hide your lyin eyes"
~Eagles

So many times I have watched a movie that claims to be based on true accounts. Since most of those are in a time or place I was not involved in, I have to take it on good faith that they are telling me the truth plus embellishing it a bit for Hollywood taste. However, if there is one thing I remember quite clearly, it was the search for Laci Peterson and the subsequent arrest and trial of her husband, Scott. It was on the nightly news constantly and Nancy Grace dang near blew her left nut over the entire case.

With that in mind, I was predisposed to dislike Scott Peterson, even before the movie started. They could not have found a better actor to portray that snake slime than Dean Cain. He has a eerie resemblance to Peterson, which made it even worse. In addition, he adopted many of the speech patterns and mannerisms of Peterson.

That, however, was just about where the reality slipped into sloppy writing and a rushed production. Other than the basic, well known, facts of the case - the murder and lies - everything else seemed to be leaning toward almost a ‘poor Scott' attitude throughout the movie. Of course I understand the need the writers felt, wanting to be the first one to capitalize on this horrific act, but they could have at least put some dang meat on those bones. In fact, the story ends rather abruptly and I kept thinking, ‘Was this a mini-series type and I missed part 2?'. But, no, it wasn't. It was just a poorly made rush job.

And for them to even hint at a point of injustice to Scott was nothing but an insult. After all, this was released after the truth came out, what the blazes were these people thinking? Maybe it was backed by the Peterson family, I don't know. They supposedly came from money although they spent a bundle trying to keep their lying snake of a son out of prison. Had the writers stepped away from the ‘Scott is being persecuted' venue and developed this movie on the truth of the situation, it would have probably had a wider viewing audience. As it was, it drew mainly voyeurs who like to watch dirty little secrets unveil. Of course, that doesn't say much for me either, does it?

As a personal aside: although I don't condone violence or murder, I certainly understand how people can snap in the heat of the moment. However, carefully planning and carrying out a murder is an entirely different snake. If one cannot abide the situation they are in, walk away ... simply walk away. Scott's [and many others who I won't mention other than a glove incident] freedom from Laci didn't serve him one hoot, now did it?

The Perfect Husband: The Laci Peterson Story was written by Dave Erickson, directed by Roger Young. It received no awards and rightly so. It carries a PG-13 rating; thematic elements and language. Even the title of the movie is insulting since this movie dedicated nothing to the Laci Peterson story and was all geared toward that perfect husband. Poor Scott.

The story of the death of Laci and Connor Peterson was a tragic tale. This movie was simply a travesty.

Thanks,
Susi
This is my submission into the Lean-n-Mean VII hosted by sleeper54

Recommended:
No

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