The Perfect Husband: The Laci Peterson Story (2004)

n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

Though it's an interesting true life story, the production and release of the film in 2004 is unfortunate because at that time the outcome of the case was not known; no person had been convicted and therefore the case technically was still unsolved. Accordingly, the timing of the release conveys the impression of tabloid journalism on the part of the film's producers, Sony Pictures, in an apparent attempt to capitalize on a personal tragedy.That said, "The Perfect Husband" is not a bad film. It's got drama and credibility as a true story. On the other hand, I don't think I much care for most of the principal characters, upwardly mobile yuppies. The media vultures are nauseating. And the plot seems a little rushed; what made the cops so quick to suspect Scott after just ten minutes? Further, there's one mysterious telephone call to Scott that is never explained.Production values are about what you would expect for a TV movie. Casting and acting are fine. Cinematography trends a bit pedestrian but competent; there are lots of camera close-up shots. Background music is irrelevant. I did not notice any problems with editing, though breaks for television commercials are obvious and slightly irritating.Overall, what makes the film worth watching is that it is based on a true story. The characters, though annoying, are real people. But I wish the film could have been delayed until the case had been resolved, to give viewers a better perspective on the characters, especially Scott Peterson, and on overall case details such as motive and underlying mental state of the killer.

Dean Cain provides a wonderful impersonation of the sociopathic Scott Peterson in this effective made-for-TV film about a self-centered man who didn't want the responsibilities of parenthood.The filmmakers effectively show the deadliness of denial. Undoubtedly there were problems in the relationship before this murder occurred but apparently everyone was so invested in the perfection of the match that they didn't want to say anything. "They're a fairy-tale couple and he's the prince," Laci's mother tells the press. "I love Scott for how he's taken care of Laci." Other good performances include G.W. Bailey as the lead detective on the case, whose skepticism about Scott grows from the moment he catches a whiff of bleach in the picture-perfect home. I was less satisfied with how Amber Frey was portrayed -- more like a virginal earth mother than the sexy temptress the real-life press made her out to be. Another flaw is that way too much time is given to the squabbles of Kate and Tommy, longtime friends of Laci and Scott who stand by him the longest. Who really cares about this couple's fights? When Scott's arrest finally does come, the filmmakers create a powerful sense of drama. I also found the last scene, of Scott peering through prison bars, to be chilling.Did these filmmakers produce a sequel? There's a lot more of the story to tell.

To present a real happening as in a movie is unique and always interesting to watch. However, smooth as the story line may be, the ending is rather cynical, without the 'real' presentation of the real case, if any otherwise it was only based on presumption. It is 'presumed' that Dean Cain MURDERED his wife but without court verdict nor findings. I don't know much about the real life story behind, or if the case has been closed or still an open end case or was it just the conclusion of the police and if so, why then made a movie based on real life story that has not ended with a finding?. Is Hollywood expecting us to judge as like in a fiction movie?.

Dean Cain(Scott Peterson),"Dragon Fighter",'03, gave a great performance with the actual facts of the story as we presently have seen them over and over again. Dean Cain copied all the characteristics of Scott Peterson, which was a very difficult task to perform under all the circumstances concerning this case. I wonder if Scott will ever get a fair trial after the showing of this picture. The jurors in this case have a very hard job in trying to be fair and just!