Perfect

"Perfect," released in 1985, is a romantic drama starring John Travolta as Adam Lawrence and Jamie Lee Curtis as Jessie Wilson. The film follows the story of a female aerobics instructor and a male reporter covering health clubs, with a relationship that begins contentiously rather than with love at first sight. Upon its initial release, "Perfect" received mixed to negative reviews from critics, who often cited its clichéd plot and uneven tone, leading to a lukewarm box office performance. Over the years, however, the film has been reassessed by some viewers and gained a modest cult following, particularly for its depiction of 1980s fitness culture and the chemistry between Travolta and Curtis. While it has not fully shed its reputation as a dated relic, "Perfect" is now more commonly regarded as an underrated gem among fans of 1980s cinema and retro pop culture enthusiasts.

Main Cast of Perfect

Fans of John Travolta might enjoy his role in the movie 'Perfect' because it showcases a different facet of his acting abilities compared to his most iconic performance as Tony Manero in 'Saturday Night Fever.' While 'Saturday Night Fever' highlights his talent in portraying a vibrant, dance-obsessed Brooklyn youth, 'Perfect' introduces fans to his character as a fitness magazine reporter navigating the aerobics craze of the early 1980s. An interesting detail about his role in 'Perfect' is that Travolta took the part after trying to challenge his typical image, which demonstrates his willingness to diversify his career during that era.

In the 1985 film "Perfect," Jamie Lee Curtis plays Jessie Wilson, a New York magazine reporter investigating the fitness club culture and the rise of aerobics in Los Angeles. This role is a departure from her earlier and more iconic work in the horror and thriller genres, such as "Halloween" and "The Fog." Jessie is a confident, ambitious journalist who navigates both professional challenges and romantic entanglements, showcasing Curtis's versatility beyond the 'scream queen' image. While "Perfect" may not be as critically acclaimed or well-remembered as her horror roles, this performance allowed Curtis to explore a more nuanced, dramatic character, blending elements of comedy and romance. It stands out in her career as an example of her range and willingness to take on contemporary and culturally relevant subjects, contrasting with the suspense-driven characters that initially brought her fame.

Fans of Anne DeSalvo may appreciate her role in the movie 'Perfect' because it showcases her ability to portray complex, real-world characters navigating the pressures and challenges of a high-stakes environment, such as the fitness and journalism industries depicted in the film. Compared to her most iconic performance as Rose O'Reilly in 'Betsy' (or another notable role, depending on the audience's preference), where she delves deeply into personal and emotional struggles, her character in 'Perfect' allows her to explore themes of ambition, integrity, and personal relationships within a dynamic and fast-paced setting. An interesting detail about her casting in 'Perfect' is that although Anne DeSalvo delivered a compelling performance, her role was originally written for a much younger actress, but the filmmakers chose her for her seasoned presence, which added unexpected depth and maturity to the character.

Fans of Marilu Henner might enjoy her role in the 1985 movie 'Perfect' because it showcases her versatility in portraying a character who is confident and charismatic within the high-energy world of aerobics culture. Compared to her most iconic performance as Elaine O'Connor Nardo on the TV show 'Taxi,' where she played a witty and grounded working-class single mother, her role in 'Perfect' allows her to explore a more glamorous and trendy persona, reflecting the fitness craze of the 1980s. An interesting detail about her casting in 'Perfect' is that Marilu Henner, a trained dancer and singer, performed many of her own aerobics routines in the film, lending authenticity and energy to the character that fans appreciate.

In the movie 'Perfect,' Laraine Newman delivers a compelling performance as Linda, capturing the nuances of a character navigating the vibrant yet challenging world of fitness journalism in the 1980s. Her portrayal balances humor and sincerity, distinguishing this role from her typically more comedic and sketch-driven characters on 'Saturday Night Live.' Unlike her often zany and improvisational roles, Linda is grounded and emotionally resonant, showcasing Newman's versatility as an actress. An interesting trivia fact is that Newman's character in 'Perfect' participates in scenes that reflect the real-life 1980s aerobics craze, adding authenticity to the film's cultural backdrop.

Crew of Perfect