I know what comes to mind when you hear a title like The Perfect Host: Password's Allen Ludden, of course! So genteel and fun! A rib-tickling emcee with a stinker sense of humor. Just classic. Anyway, stop thinking about him, because David Hyde Pierce is redefining "hosting skills" for the 21st century, and the only password you'll be crying is "uncle." It doesn't get creepier than this.
As you can see, a criminal on the lam (Clayne Crawford) worms his way into a middle-aged man's (David Hyde Pierce) house and doesn't realize that the man of the manor is crazy. When Crawford is drugged and tied up, Pierce's methods of torture begin. In other words, it's safe to say this is Hard Candy for the sommelier demographic. Or Misery by the makers of Sideways. Classy hybrid cinema, to be sure. And Niles Crane looks like he's giving it his all to throttle viewers with unhinged showmanship. Horrifying and effective! I'll never call DHP "wimpier than Jane Leeves" again!
I wonder just how far the torture goes. Will castrations take place, or is that too Hard Candy? Will tremendous injury be suffered? I like the varying shades of darkness in this trailer, as it's scary enough to be enticing but vague enough to be mysterious. I'll be at the multiplex July 1, kids. Will you?
Verdict: A knockout. More like Joe Frasier, y'all!
David Hyde Pierce Goes Crazy in the First Trailer for 'The Perfect Host' [Cinema Blend]