Perfect Addiction (2023) User Reviews

Romance + Rocky

[ItsRobinTV · 4/10 · 17 February 2023]

I don't like this movie personally but more on that later.

I can describe the movie in one sentence: Unnecessary erotic scenes combined with a little Rocky story, a basic love story and basic characters that we all know from so many other movies.

For me that just doesn't work, but I have to admit that I'm not a fan of romance movies so keep that in mind.

However, I think for people who like romances or people who found the trailer interesting, this movie is gonna be good.

I don't know if somebody is even going to read this because the time I write this review the movie only has 13 ratings but if you're somebody who reads this, I would appreciate it if you give this review a thumb up :)

meh

[angelinaballerina-52710 · 4/10 · 27 March 2023]

Literally changed so much that was in the book and that was important like her dad and kayden sister(they put his mom instead) and the her best friend being already married which happens until the end of the book and thats when it skips a year and thats when kayden comes back and they seen eachother again. Sienna and brent friendship was not as great and kayden was best friends with evans in the boom (brents fiancee) it Annoyed me but its was okay could have been better and longer. Expected this since castille directed it. She always changes things up just like i the after series. If you read the book you would know.

Good Story, Cheap Production

[habulleila · 5/10 · 3 April 2023]

I was one of the original readers for this book when it was still being drafted on Wattpad, so I believe I have a really strong knowledge of the source material.

The positives:

• Fight Sequences. You could really tell how much preparation the actors put into training. The fight scenes were direct and too the point, no dodgy camera shots, no prolonged sequences. The fights themselves were really impressive for the production value of the movie.

• Visuals. Camera shots, framing, and colour usage was faultless. The direction is probably the most interesting part of the movie.

The negatives:

• Poor acting. Somehow Jax's actor seems to be the most interesting one here, which says a lot. Kayden's character was completely dumbed down and underdeveloped in contrast to the books, to the point where he just feels like a random side character. Sienna's actor does a passable job, but she just fundamentally lacks the same intensity that her character presented in the books.

• Simplified storyline. I have not read the newest edition of Perfect Addiction, so I'm not sure if the plot has changed, but the movie just felt like a trailer of itself. The point of the book also changed drastically in the movie-rather than its core being focused on Sienna's destructive and overwhelming desires for revenge, the movie chooses to center a large chunk of the drama on Kayden's inability to share his 'tragic backstory', which in itself also just feels cheap. The whole movie just lacks depth.

• 'Barely an Inconvenience' is what I like to call the conflicts in this movie. When Kayden dumps Sienna with a note, its barely ten minutes in the movie before he magically reappears and the two are on good terms again. Sienna witnesses her boyfriend Jax cheating on her with her sister, Beth, and the conflict there is completely forgotten about until the movie needs to tie up its loose ends-tada, they're besties again, just like that! No development there, nothing. The same goes with Jax. Sienna must've lost her ability to care with that punch to the face at the end of the movie, because she just rolls over and forgives Jax only one scene later. The resolution between the two didn't even feel like a resolution, it just felt like an foreshadowing for Jax's redemption arc (Perfect Redemption) to be made into a movie. Fat chance of that happening.

• Dialogue. Enough said.

All in all, this movie was a fun way to pass time. Wouldn't rewatch it, but the cringe factor made it laughable to the point where it was even slightly enjoyable. 5/10.

They skimmed over too many details

[vdkkbktx · 2/10 · 31 March 2023]

I felt like it jumped so far in between each scene and the way the characters interacted it was like I questioned if I'd accidentally skipped a scene or wasn't paying attention. Like they made the movie hoping people who read the book only watched it so they could fill in the gaps and bugger the people who hadn't read the book 🙃 ....

It had the potential to be a pretty good story if they just focused on filling in the details and building up the tension more between the characters more. There didn't appear to be real sexual tension between any of the main love interests.....

Wanted to love it!!

fighting your way in learning about life...

[dragon53northern · 7/10 · 25 March 2023]

Watched the movie, and Enjoyed it. It is a good movie from various aspects... ... such as directing, acting, cinema-photographing, atmosphere, the ambiance of the gym-s and the fights, the training, the movements, and the devotion of the young actors for conveying the characters.

When reading the actors background, you don't notice any martial arts experience there, but... they obviously trained much, and well, for their roles in that movie making. Precise, direct, economic movement fighting.

And kudos for the director for her courage in that MMA direction. She deserves it. The director did not prolong the fights for the sake of attracting "fight oriented" audience. But retained the focus on the story.

The movie as story telling, is not perfect, but it is believable and flowing. As the phrase goes... "kurz und scharf" (= "brief and sharp" = ~ "straight and to the point").

That movie's name, and subsequently its "description" here and elsewhere... are misleading and not fit with its contents. Pity. It might draw 'wrong' viewers to it. I wish the description would be changed...

Usually I refrain from writing reviews here, but prefer to be reading them. But now... as this movie is still fresh in the arena... :-) and I see only one review ...which missed entirely the whole point of that movie making (and pulls to misleading directions...), I thought to do something about it... also, at times, I look at the movie and its fights from a different perspective, as been dealing with various martial arts (mainly Budo Taijutsu) for over 46 years, (as part of "way of life" although dealing with visual arts, design and architecture as my mainstream).

So. In short, watch and enjoy.

"Perfect Addiction": A Teen Romance MMA Drama with a Punch that Falls Short

[doyler79 · 4/10 · 26 November 2023]

"Perfect Addiction," directed by Castille Landon, presents a cocktail of Young Adult romance and Mixed Martial Arts drama, attempting to navigate the tumultuous waters of love and combat. While the film adeptly leverages well-known tropes of the teen genre, it falls short in the execution of its fight scenes, lacking the finesse and choreographic depth expected in the realm of MMA films.

The plot follows Sienna, a college student and MMA instructor, as she grapples with personal and professional upheaval triggered by her boyfriend's betrayal. Seeking revenge, Sienna trains a new fighter, Kayden, leading to the predictable emergence of a romantic subplot. The film cleverly plays with the clichés of teen romance, demonstrating director Castille Landon's ability to navigate familiar territory.

However, where "Perfect Addiction" falters is in its portrayal of the sport itself. The fight scenes lack the dynamic choreography and visceral impact necessary to elevate the film above its genre conventions. Instead, these sequences feel like obligatory extensions of the conflicts outside the ring, failing to engage the audience on a deeper level.

Despite the film's shortcomings in depicting the intensity and authenticity of MMA bouts, there is a certain charm in its exploration of sports training as a form of therapeutic catharsis. The narrative attempts to delve into the emotional struggles of the characters, using the physicality of the sport as a means of confronting inner demons.

In conclusion, "Perfect Addiction" earns a modest 4 out of 10. While it successfully treads the well-worn path of teen romance, its lackluster portrayal of MMA fights leaves much to be desired. The film's strengths lie in its ability to play with genre clichés, but its overall impact is hampered by a failure to deliver compelling and well-executed action sequences.

Boxing, Bruises, Lost, Found Real Love

[mujerwantshonestlove · 7/10 · 28 March 2023]

While most contact sports careers are short-lived, the passion and art of reaching monumental personal and monetary goals (winning numerous championships, being the best/lucrative pay) lures many hopefuls. Perfect Addiction film centers around a poor, yet overlooked highly skilled woman, Sienna (Kiana Madeira) who has yet to pursue her dreams in the MMA arena. She attends college while working as an exceptional boxing trainer. She is lost, trying o to find her way in this world.

Her current MMA boyfriend, Jax (Matthew Noszka) is a manipulative, deviant dude with a deity complex. Once she finds out he is cheating on her sister, she desires retribution through his rival Kayden (Ross Butler). Storyline focuses on training him, improving his technique, seeing each other, impassioned connection, falling in love.... Madeira and Butler have the chemistry, allure to maintain your interest. Movie adaptation is pretty good. Like Ross Butler (Shazam!), Nicholas Duvernay (Purple Hearts) provides nice "eye candy" and has decent "acting chops.

Noszka's acting is average at best (I briefly viewed him on Star). He acts similarly as his Instagram personae - I interacted with him from July 2018-October 2018. He has limited range. I also detested the weak ending (needed more spark). Yes, the characters flourish. But, the MMA pursuit (like Ronda Rousey) potential injuries, leaves little options outside sports. She is trying to obtain her business degree, but to only apply it to the gym and nothing else is risky as well. I assumed that her and Kayden will be together, a real couple....finding herself and finding a healthy, passionate love.

Prime Example of "The book is always better"...

[smoochiegirl86 · 5/10 · 11 May 2023]

I was really looking forward to this movie adaptation, as the book is actually quite good. However, the first strike against this film is the fact that it has its female lead narrating, and giving a play-by-play of every single thing as it happens. The viewer should be able to intuit the feelings of the actor based on their performance ,not hear juvenile inner monologues about how situations have made them react. The false bravado she displays doesn't exactly lend credibility to the movie, or her role in it. Ross Butler is the only person in this entire production that doesn't over act or make you under value him as an actor. It was OK, but it could've been so much better. Perhaps a different lead actress, one who didn't constantly pull faces,would've made all the difference .

Better than same story Romcoms out there

[shirinkhalil-31458 · 7/10 · 22 November 2023]

Better than same story Romcoms out there I found out of all romcoms getting produced.. this was a nice story. Where everyone had a meaningful story and ending.

Unnecessary erotic scenes .. the chemistry wasn't palpable..romcoms are famous for emotional connect.. it didn't let it play into that much..

I liked the girl was hero in the ending. And she wasnt just a damsel.... Diffremt story line rather small town and big city romcoms. ..

Could have been better. But in over all it was worth the watch.. But sure won't make it into classics.. it was just a starter for the actors to get recognised.

If you enjoy d grade romance this is it

[bazza_mckenzie02 · 1/10 · 31 March 2023]

Acting and story is woeful voice over is painful.

The basic story this sheila is dating an mma bloke couple of fights he gets injured she helps rehab him.

He pays her back by having it off with her sister.

Homeless she bets on old mate(not too bad actor) cops arrive(illegal fight) she ends up training him to beat her ex(not famous ex fighter character who owns gym)

She Easily chokes out the proffesional fighter within seconds (she's had zero fights, he's trained and fought is 3 times her size)

She narrates almost whole movie and doesn't have the voice/tone for it.

The ex is Most interesting character best acted

Get cheated on destroy his property, fantasize about threesome with ex and current crush.

Shest got e irrates because ex doesn't think she should be a fighter. And going by her on screen display he's on the money.

Trains someone to beat her ex.

Manu Bennett wasted use of his talent.

Could have been great.

Surprisingly sexy and romantic, this was an unexpected pleasure to watch.

[cgvsluis · 8/10 · 8 April 2023]

It was really enjoyable to see an Asian male lead play a strong, sexy, masculine and romantic role. Rare and really wonderful. Kiana Madiera and Ross Butler have great chemistry together and really sold both the mixed martial arts (MMA) training and the romance.

Sienna is an MMA trainer working out of the gym if a famous former MMA fighter and surrogate father figure, Julian. While training clients she attends school to get her business degree to eventually partner with Julian in the gym. Things seem to be on track, until she finds out Jax, their best client who is also her boyfriend, is sleeping with her teenage sister Beth. Desperate to find a cheep place to stay, her friend steers her to a room in a basement apartment and Kayden.

Kayden ends up being an MMA fighter in the underground illegal fights and a big winner until Jax shows up on the scene. Sienna eventually becomes both his roommate and trainer. Sienna is also realizing how toxic her and Jax's relationship really was...how he gaslighted her and prevented her from pursuing her own goals. Training Kayden, Sienna is hoping to get some revenge on Jax.

Testosterone heavy MMA story with an equally tough girl and a heavy message about girls being able to do it on their own. There is an equally heavy message about women being valued for more than just their looks...ie they can take a face punch in a fight.

This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoyed it. I am a hardcore romantic and I think this will appeal to other romantics out there. It has the added benefit of really showcasing a physically fit and strong Asian male (something that is rare in the Western film industry).

Interesting depiction of romantic relationships

[sirdave-73505 · 7/10 · 4 December 2023]

I quite enjoyed this movie. I got into MMA in 2018 and confess that this added interest for me.

I was expecting this movie to be very contrived but was pleasanly surprised.

I was also expecting to dislike the main character but I liked the main actress and her starting boyfriend did a good job of producing negative emotion in me. Her character appealed to me a great deal and his did the opposite.

Her second charge also does a good job portraying a decent guy, who still makes mistakes but handles them differently.

Whilst I will say this movie rapidly covers very complicated topics and perhaps should spend a little longer on at least some of them, or provide a little more detail, I mostly agreed with its narrative on relationships, toxic and not.

As the movie wears on I feel like we get more evidence to support the toxicity of her initial relationship. The main character dishes out pearls of wisdom to her sister which she really ought to have listened to herself (her internal monolgue says as much), and this did stretch my credulity slightly but not too far. People do all sorts of crazy stuff for love against their better judgement.

I also think a large number of people make the mistake that the main character did of never putting themselves first. I dont totally agree with her version of events, but the second charge mostly agrees with her depiction of events and acts based on their agreed perception (if not to the immediate satisfaction of all). I was slightly disappointed with him not being there for her after a visit to the hospital and mostly didnt beleive the character weve had displayed before us would have bailed on her so hard and fast especially after she turns up to support him at in important moment despite their recent argument, although he claims he has good reason.

In this regard I think as many people should see this movie as possible.

Marginal. Poor voice over

[latinfineart · 5/10 · 2 August 2023]

This movie certainly had a decent amount of potential, the fight scenes were pretty good, and the two leads were very credible in both their performances and the fights, the choreography wasn't bad and the Sienna character was convincing enough as a trainer. Just not as an obsessive lover. They got old quickly. Girl falls for bad boy. Woopy doo.

The real problem was the voice over, it really kind of spoiled the movie for me, it was very juvenile and it was that of a very immature, emotionally undeveloped individual who just had this obsessive nature. It was very hard to feel sympathy for that character, overall this was a very forgettable film.

Ross Butler Stands Out in So-So boxing drama

[ChRiS-803 · 5/10 · 29 March 2023]

Sometimes a film tries a bit too hard - Castille Landon can definitely direct, she has some good moves up her sleeve and the fight scenes are well crafted.

Boxing movies are not the most common idea so this one at least has an interesting angle.

Execution is a bit of a miss.

Voice over in film can be sometimes unpleasant. This is an example of it not helped by Kiana Madeira who simply can't act and lacks personality. Her voice is monotone so the voice over from her is boring. The character is interesting, the performance not so much.

Matthew Noszka isn't that far off with his acting either but he is incredibly, absolutely, amazingly GORGEOUS! Plus he doesn't have to do much, so it's not that noticeable. He does the bad boy well.

That leaves us with Ross Butler who by far is the best performer of the bunch. He rises above the material and gives it his shot. He is HOT too, but has the acting chops to back it up.

The music soundtrack is a bit annoying too.

There's a dream scene though which is hotter than a lot of movies of recent years.

Stronger execution, a more enthusiastic lead and focus would have helped.

Watchable

[spamsntea · 4/10 · 27 April 2023]

The movie was alright. A 4 or 5 out of ten stars. Although the story was a bit fast-paced, which is needed in movies cause you really only have an hour and a half, it was quite rushed. They skipped over lots of details, with little to no character development. Some of the dialogue didn't quite fit. It's rated r so the cussing and sex scenes were expected but just a lot of the movie didn't tie into anything at all. The movie is watchable though. Definitely, something to watch to pass the time. Not recommended if you're looking for an actual good romance movie. The fighting was nice. Not well versed in mma or underground street fighting so I can't speak to that world but again everything just felt rushed and all over the place. We really didn't see actual fighting development from the other MC. Overall, a romance action-type thing, a bit rocky ish, but lacks development and expansion in all areas. The actors were great but the story was terribly executed.

Tough love

[kosmasp · 5/10 · 2 May 2023]

Or is it love tough? Well either way, no pun intended. I kind of should have known what to expect. And while we have a Gladiator/LotR and so many more action roles guy here - a role model of sorts - he is only in it to be the "mentor" or teacher in a sense. And not really that - since our female lead takes control of that (again no pun intended).

Love is in the air - especially when it comes to fighting. You do it with passion - and when emotions get involved in it ... well you know where this will lead. Actually you will know where the movie will end up going - calling this predictable would be an understatement. That said and the cringe factor it has from time to time aside ... this is aimed at a teenage audience ... and I reckon it does a solid job for them ... not sure if I agree with all the moral codex ... but hey it does try ... hard.

What's with all the narrating?!

[marinakalle · 5/10 · 5 July 2023]

Everything in this movie just feels off. The dialogue is choppy and a lot of times feels like it's written by a highschooler, a lot of the acting is so so, the main characters motivation and drive seems to flip flop all over the place and some of the editing is just confusing. And what is with the constant narrating?! It was so condescending to the audience. Heaven forbid we would be given a chance to figure some of the plot out for ourselves! No, every single feeling and thought needs to be rammed down our throats through narration just so there can't be a shred of doubt about what the writer means. Even though most of the times the female lead is literally describing what we are looking at! The only reason I'm giving this 5 stars is because there are some moments where I feel the main characters have some chemistry. Mainly when they are being playful and there is witty banter. The moments they are having 'a heartfelt moment' felt so forced to me and the dialogue in these scenes was so bad, it becomes funny. Alas though, I don't think this is meant to be a comedy.

Loved the book!

[emilay-20095 · 10/10 · 30 March 2023]

I read the book a while ago and loved it, but I didn't know it was becoming a movie!? And it didn't disappoint!

It was cheesy, dramatic, romantic, messy and toxic all rolled into one and I absolutely loved it! Parts of the story line stretched a little bit too long and I felt that the ending was a bit rushed but overall it was a good "chick flick". I feel like the book had more steamy parts in it, the scenes in the movie seem pretty tamed.

But it is sooo much better if you had read the book first - I love seeing books come to life. Also you can't go wrong with Ross Butler being the main squeeze 😍

So many cringe worthy scenes

[alexatsiamparta · 4/10 · 3 August 2023]

I watched this because i read the book a while ago. Teenager me loved it but omg they were so many scenes where I physically cringed. The screen writing in my opinion was so bad, so predictable and with elaborate erotic scenes that weren't needed for example the one with both the male leading roles and Sienna in the bathroom or Jax on the couch when Sienna barged in at the beginning of the movie (trying not to uncover details and give spoilers). Anyways I'm sure they're people who will liked this. It just wasn't my cup of tea. It had potential to be better. The acting wasn't great either...too dramatic.

Perfect Addiction

[CinemaSerf · 5/10 · 21 October 2023]

Well if it isn't "Beautiful Disaster" (2023) - Mark II! "Sienna" (Kiana Madeira) is a fight trainer who gets a bit narked when her cage-fighting boyfriend "Jax" (Matthew Noszka) hooks up with her little sister. Not only narked, but now homeless! Luckily her pal knows of fellow fighter "Kayden" (Ross Butler - think Henry Golding with muscles) who might have a room to spare. Unsurprisingly he's not interested, but after a meet at a fight where things get a little bit heated, she manages to convince him that only with her help can he hope to win out against the more experienced, and ruthless "Jax". What now ensues is about as predictable as it gets as they gradually fall in lust - even stopping to get a condom from the drawer amidst some rather comically bouncy sex - before a denouement that you can see from space. Everyone is easy enough on the eye, and some of the fight scenes do convey some of the athleticism, stamina and skill (as well as the ocassional brutality) of this gruelling sport; but the acting is pretty terrible and the whole thing - especially at the end - is hugely over-scripted. It's neither perfect nor addictive, this - really just a mediocre romantic drama at best that you will soon forget.

Watched Perfect Addiction in theaters!

[mgrmatx · 8/10 · 10 April 2023]

I watched Perfect Addiction on the 2nd night's showing in U. S. theaters! I was surpringly entertained. I enjoyed the characters, the fight scenes, and the steamy romance scenes! There were no slow parts and I was rooting for the protagonist to not only get her revenge, but to find someone who deserved her and to show what she was capable of for herself. I like how at the end we see that she finally gains her confidence when it comes to her own talents. I recommend this flick. I hope there are more adaptations based on the rest of the books in the series! Waiting to watch it again when it becomes available to stream in the U. S.

Do You like toxic but passionate love, hot guys fighting and strong female characters? This one is for you.

[hanalisss · 9/10 · 29 May 2023]

Loved it!

If the objective of a movie is entertaining, this one is doing that, exceptionally good.

I was expecting the typical low budget low quality bad movie but I was positively surprised by this!

Keeps you hooked from the first minute, this movie is just fiery and so upbeat.

Fighting scenes are thrilling and filled with adrenaline! Very believable as well, you can tell the actors have been training hard for this.

The leads have so much chemistry, fire, passion and attraction..you can feel all their emotions and it makes it 10 times better.

I love the strength of the female lead, she is just so confident, independent, strong and resourceful! Love to see a woman fighting and working hard for reaching her goals and overpowering everything getting in her way.

Ross Butler does a great job with his conflicted character, and seeing Matthew Noszka as the bad guy was so cool, I follow the guy on IG and saying he transformed for this role is an understatement, I mean the guy is so sweet, polite and just the typical good boy in real life, I can't believe how well he played the antagonist.

I took one point of the rating because the overused cliché death of a parent, guilt tripping and post trauma is just too predictable and evident and the ending was rushed and felt like an easy patching up.

Overall great movie for a Friday night at home!

I had no clue this was a book that became a movie. I loved it.

[AJsok2003 · 8/10 · 5 October 2023]

So when I am on the amazon website most of the time I buy books and not really look into the movies. But as I was looking around this title came up. And it caught my attention plus the renting the movie was cheap. So I gave it a shot not knowing that this movie was a book. This is my first time watching a movie that was a book that I have never read. This movie was so hot and hard core independent female main character. I was amazed that this book was turned into a movie. The last book that I saw that was turned into a movie was "Beautiful Disaster" and that was not as good as this movie. I am very glad that I got to watch it and now going to go to buy the book.

This movie kicked ass the right way.

Romance

[imanijefferson-11093 · 10/10 · 26 March 2023]

I don't see what's not to like about this movie. Me personally loved it there was great casting for this film. Also if you've seen the After films series franchise then you should love this movie. It's your typical romance movie. Now there may be some things in this film that's very predictable. Due, to the way the trailer was made but it leaves you with a gasp to the action with the fighting and training scenes. Now, I haven't yet read any of the books that this film is made from. I can say that this particular film made me very interested to get into the book series. Just know the ending of this movie....

Good job

[sayakamangetsu · 10/10 · 28 March 2023]

I think its realy good movie and I loved it Didn't read the book and probably won't because if i watch the movie first i don't read the book and that's if i read the book first i don't watch a movie because it's your perspective of the book and it's difrent time line to But chemistry is of the roof between them I think they done a relly good job actually Of thoes comments that say they aren't into romantic movies why watch then and given bad review Or those who ridden the book first Just don't write a bad review if you don't have better things to do The actors done a great job And they can not keep you all satisfied.