Even the shell game has its moments, though. This is due largely to the cast, a cadre of charismatic character actors who seem to be having fun traipsing through the stunningly gorgeous Hawaiian landscape. Steve Zahn, an engaging scene-stealer usually relegated to comic relief and indie quirk, gets to chew some different kinds of scenery here, and acquits himself nicely. Timothy Olyphant exudes an excellent swagger, and uses it here to full effect. Although neither he nor Kiele Sanchez seem quite sure of what accent they're going for, they make for a fun, believable couple that's just this side of survivalist. And then there's Milla Jovovich. Is there another actress who throws herself into roles with the same insane gusto as Ms. Jovovich? She is, in a way, the female Christopher Walken. She appears to take whatever comes her way, the wackier the better, and even when the movies around her are awful (and lord, a large percentage of them are) she is unfailingly worth watching. This movie is no exception. When the script gets ludicrous she is right there with it, note for note, selling it like it was Chekhov and looking as gorgeous as the scenery around her while doing it.
And let's talk about that scenery. It's a Blu-ray like this that can really help show off the glories of this technology. The Hawaiian scenery looks absolutely stunning. The grand finale, set on a secluded beach and involving a waterfall, a cliff, and a sea cave, makes for some pretty spectacular viewing. Twohy uses the setting well, making the changing landscapes, weather patterns and vibrant colors of the locale help build the suspense.
Twohy's a yeoman director, cranking out better-than-average genre fair like Pitch Black, Below and The Arrival. Even with his missteps here he's crafted some solid suspense and good thrills. The Blu-ray comes with both the theatrical cut and the "unrated director's cut." I recommend the theatrical cut. I watched them both in close succession, and honestly the only things missing from the theatrical cut were little moments that were either annoying or superfluous and were rightly taken out.
Although I cannot say I'd recommend it without reservations, if you're looking for a thriller with good acting and set pieces, and you don't mind if the film occasionally becomes too clever by half, then A Perfect Getaway should definitely sate your appetite.
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