The Perfect Family

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.

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.

This debut feature by Anne Renton doesn't quite find the proper tone to convey its heartfelt message.

The film's single saving grace is Turner, who channels that legendary Catholic guilt like there is no tomorrow.

While they have all the materials needed for a sharp satire, they're too timid to arrive at any real revelations.

Renton's competing tones and intentions result in a film at odds with itself and its lead performance.

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.