- 1991movierewind
Episode #68: The Perfect Bride
Updated: Sep 11, 2022
Listen to Episode 68 of the Podcast here while you enjoy the show notes.
SUMMARY - In The Perfect Bride, Sammi Davis plays Stephanie, a serial killer who murders her fiancees right before their wedding. Stephanie’s latest engagement is to Ted (played by Linden Ashby) and most of their family couldn’t be happier. Only Ted’s sister Laura (played by Kelly Preston) is suspicious of Stephanie and decides to investigate her past.
Screenplay by Claire Montgomery and Monte Montgomery; Directed by Terrence O’Hara, and premiered on the USA Network on June 26, 1991.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
We didn't talk about this first in the episode, but this VHS copy did have a couple of previews, the first was for Scanners II: The New Order
This may have been the best part of our viewing experience. The trailer really got us excited to see some more explosive sci-fi action.
Then it was Ambition, written by and starring Lou Diamond Phillips.
It looks to be a relatively standard thriller, but maybe it could better than first appearances.
What's odd is that there was a short behind the scenes interview segment which you rarely see in these previews.
FILM DISCUSSION
Getting into the actual movie, it starts off with a quick little murder.
Shortly thereafter, we see that killer bride with her new fiancé and his family to start the cycle over again
It doesn't take long for Laura to become suspicious of Stephanie.
She's the only one, though and the entire family is extremely passive aggressive or unreasonably mean towards Laura. It was a bit frustrating to watch at times.
Stephanie gets recognized by the caterer and so more have to die. The older lady certainly puts up a fight, though.
The detective story part was competent and Laura has to take things into her own hands since their cop friend doesn't care.
You also have the "senile" grandfather who gives pertinent information that no one takes seriously because, of course.
All of the murders are a bit anti-climactic and too tame. Instead of special effects or slight blood and gore, it's all injections.
At one point you have a very obvious dream sequence that tries to switch things up a bit by putting a yellow hue on everything.
But for the most part you can tell this is a lower budget basic cable production. Look at this wonderful bachelor party set-up.
The movie was a goofy time with some fun, laughable moments at least.
Awards Talk: None to speak of this time.
TRUE CRIME & POP CULTURE
This week our true crime segment is about child actor Allison Mack who was part of the Nxivm cult and legal troubles.
If you want to read more about the disturbing ordeal, here is an article for you.
On this day, the 1991 NBA Draft was held with #1 pick Larry Johnson leading the way. Check out who else was drafted:
https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1991.html
Moving on to music, here are the Billboard 100 Bottom 5 as of June 29, 1991
100. Lift Me Up - Yes
99. Blind Faith - Warrant
98. She Talks to Angels - The Black Crowes
97. You Don’t Have To Go Home Tonight - The Triplets
96. Cry For Help - Rick Astley (Nikki's new favorite song)
We largely skip TV, but we do talk about MTV Basement Tapes, which is how The Triplets got their start. We can't find their episode online, but here's a blog that talks about the show in general. http://sincerelythe80s.blogspot.com/2012/05/mtv-basement-tapes.html
RANKINGS & RATINGS
Nikki 1-5 star scale - 2 out of 5
Jon 0-4 star scale - 1 1/2 out of 4
Would you watch it again? - It wasn't made for USA Up All Night, but we'd watch it again as part of a project to watch every movie featured on that influential program. The movie wasn't terrible from a detective story perspective, even if the thriller part faltered. But it was a little frustrating to watch the family work against Kelly Preston's character to the degree they did.
If you want to watch The Perfect Bride, as of this recording in June 2022, it’s available on VHS. Check your local listings.
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