The Perfect Family
Variance Films | Release Date: May 4, 2012 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
40
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews
Positive:
2
Mixed:
8
Negative:
3
Watch Now
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
75
New York PostLou LumenickMay 4, 2012
Make no mistake, though: The Perfect Family is Kathleen Turner's show. And when a series of crises forces Eileen to re-examine her values and beliefs, Turner rises magnificently to the occasion. Read full review
65
MovielineMichelle OrangeMay 2, 2012
It's still a kick to watch Kathleen Turner don a housedress and trade soothing pieties with Richard Chamberlain. The Perfect Family feels like it could have been more than that, but I suppose counting its blessings is the more Christian thing to do. Read full review
60
VarietyRonnie ScheibApr 28, 2012
Watching a consummate pro like Turner navigate an uneven script, veering from farcical determination, her cheeks puffed like those of a demented chipmunk, to utter devastation, can be immensely entertaining, particularly when she's backed by an able cast, as she is here. Read full review
50
The A.V. ClubAlison WillmoreMay 2, 2012
Turner's interactions with Deschanel are so much weightier than the rest of the film that the other storylines seem extraneous. Read full review
50
The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckApr 28, 2012
This debut feature by Anne Renton doesn't quite find the proper tone to convey its heartfelt message. Read full review
45
NPRIan BuckwalterMay 8, 2012
Renton's approach is, to its benefit, fair and never strident. But it's also gentle and cautious, often to a fault. Read full review
40
Los Angeles TimesBetsy SharkeyMay 10, 2012
The film's single saving grace is Turner, who channels that legendary Catholic guilt like there is no tomorrow. Read full review
40
The New York TimesStephen HoldenMay 3, 2012
The dialogue in the film, directed by Anne Renton from a screenplay by Claire V. Riley and Paula Goldberg, has the loud, mechanical clicketyclack of a 40-year-old episode of "All in the Family." Read full review
40
New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanMay 3, 2012
While they have all the materials needed for a sharp satire, they're too timid to arrive at any real revelations. Read full review
40
Time OutSam AdamsMay 1, 2012
Turner seems stifled by the joyless role of a woman whose only purpose is to be taught the error of her sanctimonious ways. Read full review
30
Village VoiceErnest HardyMay 1, 2012
Renton's competing tones and intentions result in a film at odds with itself and its lead performance. Read full review
25
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleMay 10, 2012
A useless film in every possible way. Read full review
25
Slant MagazineDiego SemereneMay 3, 2012
Having the far from goody-goody Kathleen Turner play a holier-than-thou mother bent on winning a devout church title is an inherently hilarious premise. Read full review
More From This Movie

40 Critic Reviews

tbd User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 77 Project Hail Mary
2 75 Send Help
3 73 Hoppers
4 71 The Sheep Detectives
5 68 Crime 101
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL