User Reviews

Perpetually perky and seemingly psycho Josie Davis (as Rachel Partson) works as a secretary for attractive executive Chris Potter (as David Wescott). "Actually, I'm his executive assistant," she corrects. Once tragically orphaned, and displaying a compulsive use of anti-bacterial hand lotion, Ms. Davis is extremely devoted to Mr. Potter. She wants to take the place of his hospitalized wife and be a mother to cute little Veronique Natale Szalankiewicz (as Isabelle). Suspicious co-stars like Rachel Hunter (as Judith) and Jason Harper (as Wally) provide fun watching but, compared to several similarly-titled "The Perfect…" cable-ready TV movies, "The Perfect Assistant" is tragically slow.

**** The Perfect Assistant (2008) Douglas Jackson ~ Josie Davis, Chris Potter, Rachel Hunter, Jason Harper

I can't believe I watched the whole thing. For fans of any kind of thriller or suspense films, or any kind of drama, you are going to be seriously disappointed with this one. We have all seen the "trusted assistant is nutty stalker" movie a hundred times, so we expect something different when a new version is foisted on us. Every single second of this movie was predictable, from the start to the finish. There is not one surprise. Based on other comments here I stuck it out to the end, but oh did I regret it. We've seen it all before. And on top of that, the dialog was just horrible. Nobody speaks that way, no, not even to themselves. I will remark that Chris Potter was one of the few good things about this movie. He is actually an actor with talent. I really don't know what his agent was thinking when they got him mixed up in this mess. He needs to fire that person ASAP.

THE PERFECT ASSISTANT (TV Movie 2008) 4 out of 10 stars Time to Read: 2:75 min

BASIC PLOT: Rachel Partson (Josie Davis) loves her boss David Wescott (Chris Potter) just a little too much. She's been his executive assistant for three years, and now she's ready to be something else, his wife. The only trouble is, David's a recent widower, and not interested. Rachel's not going to let that stop her. She won't let anything, or anybody stand in the way of her "perfect" relationship. Can David realize the depth of Rachel's obsession, in time to save himself, and his daughter Isabelle (Veronique-Natale Szalankiewicz)?

WHAT WORKS: *EXCELLENT MELODRAMA This is exactly how a well laid out melodrama should work. Not a lot of character development, but lots of good vs evil action.

*REALISTIC PORTRAYAL OF EROTOMANIA Rachel Partson (Josie Davis) has erotomania, and it's depicted well by both the actress, and the writers, Christine Conradt and Shawn Riopelle.

*MANIPULATIONS AREN'T TOO OVER THE TOP In a lot of these types of melodramas, the actions are so over the top, they are not believable. But here, for the most part, Rachel's actions are inline with someone who has a severe romantic fixation.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK:

*DAVID LEADS RACHEL ON And then acts surprised when she reciprocates. I get they are "celebrating" landing a big business deal, BUT... You are sharing a fancy hotel room with your executive assistant, your daughter's in bed, and now you suggest drinking champagne with her. You go on and on about how she's been there for you, and how you don't know what you'd do without her, you're toasting champagne, and looking into her eyes, most people would take that as a come on.

*DAVID RELATES TO RACHEL, AS IF SHE'S UNATTRACTIVE In reality, Rachel (Josie Davis) is the most attractive woman in the whole movie. I don't say this to be unkind, but she's more attractive than Carol Wescott (Jennifer Marcil), David's late wife, and more attractive than Judith Manion (Rachel Hunter), his business partner. Josie Davis is a knockout, and not the type of woman most men would ignore. David's reactions to her are as if she's a plain jane 2, not a drop dead gorgeous 8, so that part of the story really doesn't work.

*WALLY, A BUSINESS ASSOCIATE, TRACKS HIS BOSS'S NANNY'S HOURS? That would be Rachel's job, as David's executive assistant, not Wally's (Jason Harper), one of David's business associates. THAT PLOTLINE MAKES NO SENSE! I expect better from Christine Conradt and Shawn Riopelle, the writers. Also, this plot device is a deus ex machina, because this is how Judith and Wally discover the nanny's immigration appointment was bogus (Rachel set up the fake appointment for the nanny, so the nanny would be busy, and she could go in her stead, with David and his daughter on a trip). From a simple appointment time mix-up, Wally and Judith "figure out" Rachel did all this behind the scenes. WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP! Wally, would not be handling anything to do with his boss's nanny, and even if he did, he would assume it was just a bureaucratic mix-up, NOT a grand conspiracy. Rachel hasn't given anyone a reason to suspect her thus far, so this whole story line is GARBAGE! Top executives don't sit around gossiping, or even thinking about nanny's and assistants. It throws the viewer out of their suspension of disbelief, and instead makes them throw things at the TV!

Thanks Christine Conradt and Shawn Riopelle for RUINING what was a decent melodrama in the last twenty minutes!

TO RECOMMEND, OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IS THE QUESTION: *I'd definitely recommend this to fans of Josie Davis. If you like watching her portray a villainess, then pop that corn, and turn off the logical side of your brain for an hour and a half. IF you like, and understand the art form of melodrama, then you'll probably like this. Keep in mind, the last twenty minutes SUCKS, and MAKES NO SENSE, but if that type of thing doesn't bother you, then watch away! It is low budget, so keep that in mind. If you're a person who likes deep character development, and believable actions from the players, I'd look elsewhere (I'd also stop watching TV movies).

CLOSING NOTES: *This is a made-for-tv movie, please keep that in mind before you watch\rate it. TV movies have a much lower budget, and so your expectations should be adjusted.

*I have no connection to the film, or production in ANY way. This review was NOT written in full, or in part, by a bot. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews (less trolls and fanboys), and better entertainment. Hope I helped you out.

Although the leading lady played by Josie Davis was a bit over the wall, she still brought that evil doings expected in these "perfect" films on LMN. Cold steel blue eyes and manner, she traipsed through the film undaunted. You could hardly wait for her demise. I loved it when she didn't get what she wanted. That's how good she was. Evil, evil and more evil. Although I do challenge in what hospital a stranger can walk in at night without a nurse questioning her and then do her evil. I thought monitors were for keeping tabs on patients, yet no one came to the rescue when the lady's monitor went crazy. Oh, well, that's show biz. I also liked Chris Potter from QUEER AS FOLK fame. Natural in his acting and believable with a difficult role. Unlike Perry King who always seems to succumb to his evil ladies. Rachel Hunter brought a likable maturity to the fold. Weak spots were Sophie Gendron, with her Novocaine lips and Deborah Pollitt as the plain Jane weird sister. Both were not actresses but a freak of nature. All in all, thanks to Davis, Potter and Hunter it wasn't that bad.

This movie was terrible. The lead character Josie Davis was about a C- throughout the entire time. There was not one scene in which I found her believable or even interesting. And as soon as I saw Sophie Gendron walk on the screen, I groaned. Having suffered through a movie with her once before, I was hoping her role would be very brief. Ms. Gendron is badly in need of a coach, or perhaps another profession.

While these two roles were desperately in need of recasting, Chris Potter was absolutely fantastic. He played a difficult part, and did it exquisitely. Every scene of his had just the proper amount of inflection and purpose. He was completely believable and his contribution kept me from giving this movie fewer stars.

I also enjoyed Judith Manion, and think she did a great job. She and Chris Potter completely outshone the others.

However, this movie is not worth the two hours it took to watch to the end. Save your time and do something more worthwhile.

Extremely boring movie: The the story is "seen before" - all the script is like written to morons. The acting is under the Zero- "thinking loudly" is typical for a weakly acting in a soap opera or "if i can't express it, let me say it"; too much overacting. Few good looking faces (but not future stars), some intrigues, a stupid husband and stupid doctors not questioning the curious death of a "getting better" patient. At the end, it seems to me as the movie has been made in "give me something to sell" way. Too bad. There are many enough and good enough new novels to make a movie on them, or even many enough interesting news and stories from all over the world. But they need to be found and read over.

I really liked this movie, it was very entertaining.

Josie Davis was great as the obsessive, deluded assistant to her , fairly niave , widowed boss. She portrayed the part really well , I even found myself feeling sorry for her a few times ! , thats a compliment to her acting, not my thinking like her !!!!

This movie was definitely one of Lifetimes better ones, the acting was good ,, and the storyline, while a little farfetched , was scripted well and the characters were mostly likeable.

I do recommend it , give it a go.

Having watched more than my share of Lifetime movies, I am constantly surprised at the creative ways the filmmakers switch things up. There is a format that these movies follow and it must be challenging to consistently find ways to keep them fresh--and more importantly, with this channel, entertaining.

I think part of the reason why The Perfect Assistant was so enjoyable is that it features a collective of actors who work pretty consistently in these movies, and much like a basketball team that has played together for a long time, they have a fun time with what they are doing. While the user above pointed out Sophie's performance I have to say I completely disagree. Not only is she hot, but she brings a spark to the screen. If they were recasting Dallas, she'd fit right in.

I've enjoyed a few movies she and some of the other cast have been in for Lifetime, and part of that enjoyment is seeing what type of character they'll be playing this time around. Is it the disingenuous friend? The unsuspecting sister? The co-worker with a nefarious plan? The roles are just "parts" to an actor. But in a cable TV movie, each of these roles is a part of the plot machinery that must move the story forward. So watching what choices fine actors like Ms. Gendron and Mr. Potter make with these roles is part of the delicious fun of watching the films.

If you are a fan of puzzle movies, or cable drama thrills, than The Perfect Assistant is certainly going to be very satisfying. If not, then you might want to watch something else.

Be aware you have to stay with this film for it to gell together correctly. At the start of the movie, my finger was hovering over the off button for at least the first twenty minutes. I was close to the pressing point. But something in my mind stopped me from depressing the button.

The story starts out with David Prescott's (Potter) wife Carol (Marcil) being rushed to the hospital. David contacts his personal assistant, Rachel (Davis), to bring her up to speed and to cancel and rearrange meetings until his wife is better. However, Rachel isn't as stable as she appears. She sees David as one of the good men and is truly upset to hear about his wife. She asks how their daughter, Isabelle (Szalankiewicz) is coping. From here on in we get to see her slowly immerse herself into the Prescott's life and family as her delusion grows. It's this growth and the path it leads her down that makes this movie watchable. It gives the story twists and turns that show the workings of a broken mind. Her morals lose ground as her infatuation and obsession grow... how far will she go in what she believes to be true love?

I believe that had this been given to a stronger cast and director it would have been a fantastic thought-provoking and chilling film. However, what we get is an entertaining and easily watchable afternoon TV movie.

Though the direction is pretty standard for this style of flick more powerful atmosphere and tension were called for to add strength to the project. For me, the worst thing about the film was the acting. Especially from Josie Davis who is a little too over the top with her characterisation - less definitely would have been more. However, it's not a constant thing as there are times when she's spot on with her portrayal. Then there's Deborah Pollitt as Nora... okay, so I actually know people like this so she conveys a realistic character, however, with Josie Davis' performance it makes Pollitt's idiosyncrasies more than a little irritating. One annoying character per film is enough.

Since this film surprised me I would recommend it to all psychological thriller fans, though you have to stay with it for the full effect - it's a potboiler.

I actually really enjoyed this movie...and Sophie Gendron is a great actress! Check out DEMONS FROM HER PAST and A LOVER'S REVENGE. She is fantastic in both of these films.

(Actually DEMONS FROM HER PAST is one of my favorite Lifetime films to date).

I also thought Josie Davis's character in TPA was very believable. I haven't seen her on screen in awhile and thought she played a great psycho.

I watch a lot of Lifetime movies...and this was actually one of the better ones.

Check it out...see for yourself.

I liked Nora, the good cousin. Josie Davis had crossed eyes a little bit. Look closely. Chris Potter did a superb job portraying boss David Wescott. Sadly, he didn't suspect her crush on him until that kiss in the New York City hotel. Josie Davis was strange. She spoke angrily out loud in a bathroom. I've seen great movies better than this. Chris Potter did best. Nora too.

I enjoyed the plot though. The cousin of David Wescott s wife was beautiful looking. She was a bit not too dynamite.

A tiny role for her. Everyone else did great, but my top favourite one was Potter. And the small actress who played Isabel.

I got to see this film a few times on on the Movie Network and I really enjoyed every second of the film which featured two stars Joesie davis & Chris Potter who as some of you may remember him from Kung-Fu (Peter Caine) The Legend Continues & Queer As Folk (Dr. David Cameron) I had met Chris a few times back in the early 2000's down at club called Blues On Belair and he is also a great musician. Josie Davis I remember her from Y&R playing the original Grace Turner who had a love interest for Nick Newman. Anyway the most outstanding of the two goes to Josie who played Rachel a assistant to David Wescott (Potter) who is going through the lost of his wife and she simply want Wescott to be with her but unfortunately he simply doesn't feel like having affair with Rachel would not heal his lost to his wife. So Rachel would go to lengths to be more closer to David so she can have him to herself. This is the best I seen Josie in and she looks even more beautiful now.

If you haven't seen it already, avail yourself of the opportunity to see "The Perfect Assistant" on Lifetime. This movie combines an excellent cast with a taut and fast-paced script. Josie Davis is sparkling in this movie, and Rachel Hunter gives a solid performance. And Chris Potter's tender, nuanced performance as David Wescott may well garner an Emmy. Potter has established himself as one of the premier leading men in Lifetime TV movies. With this film, director Douglas Jackson has established himself as a leader in made-for-TV suspense. Under his able direction, the actors turn in brilliant performances and Christine Conradt's script translates beautifully onto the screen. And the climax is the most thrilling ten minutes in made-for-TV cinema. I can say confidently that this is the best Lifetime movie I've seen in years. Don't miss this one!

I have already commented on this film at great lengths- The perfect assistant- and it was never printed on your comments page, and I followed all the required rules -------- so don 't waste my time. Why 10 lines? I saw this film several times, it is a good film, but it had too many loopholes, parts of the plot of the story made no sense at all- for instance , how on earth can a woman walk into a hospital, kill someone and walk out without anyone seeing her. And David Wescott must have been a very STUPID man to say the least, as he failed to see how deeply in love his assistant was with him- then he takes her to NY on a business, trip, plies her with champagne sweet words of praise plus a gift of a watch, overwhelmed she gives him a big hug an kiss on the mouth, he turns on her immediately, won't accept an apology or explanation from her- oh come on. - MEN!!!