Entirely silly, even kitschy, and clearly geared for a family audience, one can only wonder just how entertaining this might be for all ages. It's not every such title, after all, that can be fun for kids and for adults, to say nothing of a TV movie that's almost 40 years old. Color me surprised, though - 'How to be a perfect person in just three days' is a total blast. Yes, it's invariably a little ham-handed, but all in the spirit of wholesome, wholehearted fun and good humor. At the same time, it's also filled with valuable, earnest thematic content that's both as plain as day, and meaningfully relevant and applicable for kids and grown-ups alike. The production values show their age, but what does this truly matter when in every other way the feature is so roundly enjoyable?
I'm sad to say I can claim no familiarity with Stephen Manes' book, but between Bruce Harmon's adapted screenplay and Joan Micklin Silver's direction, this becomes a warm, smart, yet ridiculous good time. In writing and realization alike the characters, dialogue, scenes, and overall narrative are all terrific, as consciously nonsensical as they are witty and imaginative. And the crew really went overboard in making this the most delightful romp that it could be - the production design, art direction, practical effects, and sound cues are all a total whiz-bang, rich and flavorful in the wildest of (family-friendly) ways. And to the credit of the cast, they unreservedly embrace the tomfoolery: among others, star Ilan Mitchell-Smith, appearing as hapless, hopeful Milo, is downright endearing; Hermione Gingold, playing Very Serious teacher Miss Sandwich, somehow maintains character through all the foolishness; and Wallace Shawn, above all, is just having an absolute ball as peppy, preposterous Professor Silverfish.
No one could ever mistake this for anything but the lighthearted amusement that it is. Not even one hour long all told, it's a passing fancy that has some wisdom to impart, and then goes as quickly as it comes. It is also, however, all that it needs to be to end up a simple, refreshing joy. It's hardly an essential must-see, but should one have the opportunity to watch, I don't know how anyone could step away from 'How to be a perfect person in three days' without a smile on their face.
