The Perfect Man
2005 · Directed by Mark Rosman
Original language: English
- comedy
- drama
- family
- romance
The story
Holly is tired of moving every time her mom Jean breaks up with yet another second-rate guy. To distract her mother from her latest bad choice, Holly conceives the perfect plan for the perfect man, an imaginary secret admirer who will romance Jean and boost her self-esteem.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated suburban comedy with the polished, glossy digital look of mid-2000s teen cinema: sunny kitchens, pastel bedrooms, pink-and-blue flowers on doorsteps, and a gently cheerful score of pop guitar and light strings. The camera stays mostly conventional and tidy, with plenty of two-shots over breakfast counters and quick cuts for e-mail exchanges and comic set pieces. Its vibe is breezy, warm, and low-stakes, a feel-good romantic comedy with a little adolescent sulk underneath. It suits a lazy weekend afternoon, a sick day on the couch, or a light comfort rewatch. Pacing is brisk and the tone stays sweet, with mild romantic awkwardness and family friction but no real cruelty or danger. The arcs follow a teenager trying to fix her mother's love life and gradually learning to let her mother make her own choices, and a lonely, self-doubting woman slowly regaining confidence. Intensity is very low: no violence, no gore, only light innuendo and kissing. It is made for teens and younger viewers, and for adults who want something gentle, funny, and easy to sit with.
More films like The Perfect Man
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved The Perfect Manand we’ll explain which ones fit you.
