'Blueprint to the Heart' (2020)

Opening thoughts: Was really not expecting much at all from 'Blueprint to the Heart'. The main reason being the premise, which was incredibly unappealing. With it being like a reality makeover show, or a parody of one, something that sounds like hell for anybody who hates reality television. Me being one of those people. There was a little hope though, as there are films, television programmes etc that have bad premises but turn out to be watchable and more.

'Blueprint to the Heart' somehow managed to be one of those watchable and more films, though it is not going to work for all. It is a long way from perfect and there was a serious temptation to turn it off in the quarter or so. In my view though, there are a lot of good things and 'Blueprint to the Heart' really does get a lot better if stuck with. Certainly a lot better than expected, considering the premise was unappealing enough to make one question how could something halfway decent be made of it.

Bad things: As said, 'Blueprint to the Heart' starts off incredibly rough, with a very clumsy over the top reality television show feel. Thanks to some ridiculously overripe dialogue, cheese overload and a female lead character that really grated on me. A classic case of negative character traits being taken to extremes. Especially the disproportionate harshness.

Furthermore, the boyfriend character is a total jerk and serves no point to the story, merely a plot device almost completely neglected. Would have liked a good deal more chemistry between the leads, hurt by that the relationship is not featured enough and even more hurt by that one spends the first half wondering what he sees in her.

Good things: Luckily, 'Blueprint to the Heart' is made watchable primarily by the very down to earth and amiable Dennis Andres, also really liked his character and rooted for him without finding him too perfect. While finding her character significantly less easy to warm to, there is no doubting Laura Mitchell's commitment to her role and she didn't come over as trying too hard. The supporting cast are fine too.

Moreover, the film looks attractive enough, slickly filmed with beautiful scenery. The music fits the tone and type of film well, with no intrusiveness. The script does get a lot better, it does get less awkward and tones down the cheesiness and over the top-ness, without going too far the other way. The story has light hearted-ness and charm and didn't feel dull.

Closing thoughts: Overall, a lot better than expected.

6/10.

The story itself was a little formulaic and limited with characters and space due to the times we live in. I have never seen the leading man (Dennis Andres) in anything before and how refreshing he was, he had lots of onscreen charisma and a unusually masculine man for these sorts of movies. He managed to pull off the more vulnerable parts of the characters personality very well too. I would love to see him in more.

All in all a reasonable movie give the difficult circumstances of filming. It would have been improved by a better script but it was not the end of the world.

This is a good movie that I think the whole family can watch and enjoy, The acting was good. And the script was well written. Yes, I HIGHLY recommend it. James Welch, Henderson, Arkansas. 1/26/2022.